On he picture Ambassador Najeeb Al-Bader and Ambassador Jauhar Saleem – Picture by Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin.
Thursday, 1 November 2018, Berlin, Embassy of Pakistan to Germany: HE the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Germany, Najeeb Al-Bader paid a courtesy call upon his Pakistani colleague HE Ambassador Jauhar Saleem. Issues concerning bilateral ties as well as regional and economic issues vis-à-vis Germany were discussed by the two heads of mission.
Ambassador Al-Bader was accredited on 20 September 2018 at Bellevue Castle by German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He previously served as ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia as well as non-resident head of mission to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. His predecessor in Berlin, Ambassador Monther Al-Eissa now occupies that Kuwaiti ambassadorship in Canberra.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem is at the helm of the Pakistani mission since 3 February 2016. Before his service in Germany he was Pakistan’s main envoy in Bahrain.
On the picture Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi, Ambassador Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Sultan, Dr. Peter Ramsauer – Picture by Ghorfa.
Tuesday, 20 November 2018, Berlin, Germany: At the premises of the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa), the Royal Saudi Ambassador, HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was introduced to Bavarian Dr. Peter Ramsauer, erstwhile Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (2009-13), in his capacity asChairman of the Committee for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) by Ghorfa’s President Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi.
Prince Khalid is the head of mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 16 October 2017. He is a graduate from Oxford University (Oriental studies), Royal Sandhurst Military Academy as well as Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy in Massachusetts. His father, HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud served as Saudi ambassador to the USA between 1983-2005.
On the picture Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher and the Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani.
The end of the summer and the welcome of the diplomatic community returning to town was celebrated with glamour by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Crown Plaza Hotel and the embassies of Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland.
The reception included an exquisite motorcars show, a luxury cars exhibition of the world’s most renowned car manufacturers, who presented their latest developments to the Diplomatic Corps. The V Diplomats Welcome After Summer and 2nd Diplomatic Car Tryout showcased the best new cars on the market from the Louwman museum exclusive brands, Maserati, McLaren, Lexus, Mercedes, Alpha Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep.
For additional pictures by Robert Huiberts, please open here below: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2018/11/25/44741/https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157703946331344
Two live Jazz bands led by Daniel Nicolas and Claudio De Rosa serenaded the many diplomatic guests in attendance, as well as special guests including ambassadors from all over the world and people from the business industry.
Moreover, numerous Dutch politicians, judges from international courts, and the heads of various international NGO’s headquartered in The Hague also paid their visit to this special event.
For additional pictures by Roy Strik, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157700774105502H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy with Erick Louwman, from Louwman museumPatrick Aarsman, the General Manager of Crowne Plaza and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine Publisher welcomed the guests followed by speeches of Veronica Ferrucci, the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, Nicolas Vidal, the Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina and Mirko Zambelli, the Minister Counsellor of the Swiss Embassy. Besides, each presented the flagship products of their home country.
Nicolas Vidal, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina, Veronica Ferrucci, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, and Mirko Zambelli, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland.
“It is a great pleasure to support this year’s Diplomat Magazine After Summer Event. I arrived in The Netherlands last July as the new Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy and Diplomat Magazine welcomed me on the table of my new home in the Hague, giving me the chance to get acquainted to this city and the diplomatic community.
AD News in Dutch.
Today’s event is a great opportunity of networking and promotion and I am very glad that, together with the Swiss and Argentinean Embassies, we were able to support it offering excellent coffee, coming straight from Italy thanks to our sponsor.
I wish you all a very pleasant night and I thank Diplomat Magazine for the initiative.” Expressed Veronica Ferrucci.
Café Fadi
Attendees enjoyed Italian coffee from Café Fadi, who came to Crowne Plaza with a barista from Italy making authentic Italian coffee on site.
The most popular of the night was an amaretto café, and a special collection of top wines generously provided by the Argentinean embassy.
H.E. Mr. Amgad Ghaffar, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India, Mr. Aart Kleinveld, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz and H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy.
Nicolas Vidal, also added the overview of the worldwide known quality Argentinean wines and introduced two wine importers from Argentina, Belgerette Wines by José Belgerette, and La Giostra del Vino by Jacques Hoogeveen.two wine importers from Argentina, Belgerette Wines by José Belgerette, and La Giostra del Vino by Jacques Hoogeveen.
“ I would like first to thank Diplomat Magazine and the Crowne Plaza for the opportunity that has been given to us to be present today with Swiss/Lindt stand. And of course a big thank to Lindt Netherlands for being present and for their generosity.” Said Mirko Zambelli.
On top of that, the guests were positively surprised by the Swiss presentation of the exceptional chocolates produced by Lindt. Attendants were amazed by the magic of all flavours of the excellent selection of chocolates by Lindt, and everyone was happy to leave the event and come back home with half a kilo of these exquisite Swiss specialties.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Buchelli, from Ecuador
“It is a wonderful occasion to briefly making reference to the history of chocolate in Switzerland. The starting point is: how did Switzerland, a country without colonies or cocoa, come to be one of the leading countries in the chocolate market?
And it a began in the south of Switzerland, the Italian speaking canton (Canton Ticino) from which I come from. But chocolate wasn’t the luxurious eating experience of today, chocolate was gritty and chewy. In 1836 the Sprungli family set up a shop in Zurich and they later (1899) merged with Mr. Lindt’s from Bern to become the famous brand “Lindt & Sprungli”. Rodolphe Lindt was at the origin of a “chocolate revolution” when he left his machines running overnight that he discovered the conching process which became later the “long conche”, a machine to mix and distribute cocoa butter within chocolate. It is thanks to these pioneers that we can today experience the sweet stuff melting in our mouths.
You are all invited to visit us at the Swiss/Lindt stand, a place where you will experience the best of Swiss tradition.” Stated Mr. Zambelli.
“Chocolate diplomacy”, a term invented by Mirko Zambelli, was among the main topics discussed among the guests.
This was a special occasion for all attending, not only to connect with many partners, but also to exchange views with colleagues and counterparts.
On the picture Mrs. Manuela Stamerra, Mr. Lelio Gavazza, Country Managing Director of Bvlgari Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Viser and H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy.
The opening of the Italian Week in the Netherlands was marked by art, luxury and flavors of Italy, at the official residence of the Ambassador H.E. Andrea Perugini. It was a magnificent evening at the residence, with guests coming from Amsterdam, Mexico, China, Italy, and Curaçao, in order to enjoy one of the best events of the year.
For a full set of picture by Roy Strik, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157703963268134Opera singers Marc Chingari and Francesca Patane, Marco F. Riaskoff, Concert Management, Italian pianist and H.E. Andrea Perugini.
The event, marked by an ubiquitous presence of “Made in Italy”, started with a house concert, held with grace and professionalism by Marc Chingari and Francesca Patane, two Italian artists coming to The Hague just for the occasion.
The concert was then followed by a formal dinner at the Ambassador’s residence, with the guests immersing in the wonderful world of Bvlgari.
Mr. Rajiv Mehra and Mrs. Mehra together with H.E. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and spouse.
The musical program was carefully selected, with well known classic songs interpreted by Marc Chingari and Francesca Patane, who, after their performance, mingled with the audience with passion.
The ambiance of the night was immediately lovely, and remained so throughout the event.
Lelio Gavazza, Country Managing Director of Bvlgari, mentioned in his speech his personal proud in having friends of Bvlgari coming from all over the world to share this important yearly event, this time celebrated in the Italian residence.
The residence – Ambassador Perugini explained – was the first official residence bought for a diplomatic mission in the Netherlands, while before diplomats used to live in hotels. Perugini warmly welcomed his more than 300 guests, stressing his personal commitment to have “Made in Italy” in every step of the events organized by the Embassy.
In line with such commitment, the opening of the Italian Week featured a collection of jewelry and watches designed by Bvlgari, which were exposed in glass boxes across the residence.
A lavish dinner was served, and accompanied by the best Italian wines. In between the courses, the guests were invited to meet in the terrace for small bites and conversations. In the end, people switched seats and the animated night continued until late. It was a splendid night, with a great group of people.
Ambasador Prugini with H.E. Fernando Arias, Director General of OPCW.
crimes against humanity: murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population, imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, persecution, enforced disappearance and other inhumane acts; and
war crimes: murder, torture and cruel treatment, mutilation, intentional attack against the civilian population, intentional attack against buildings dedicated to religion, enlistment of children under the age of 15 years and their use to participate actively in hostilities, displacement of the civilian population and destruction of the adversary’s property.
Pre-Trial Chamber II found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Yekatom committed or otherwise ordered, solicited, induced and facilitated the commission of the above mentioned crimes. The Chamber also found reasonable grounds to believe that he is responsible as a military commander.
On the picture Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust and Lenche Ristoska.First Liaison Prosecutor for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at Eurojust
On 12 November 2018, Ms Lenche Ristoska took up her duties as the first Liaison Prosecutor for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) at Eurojust. Her appointment is an important contribution to the growing relationship between the European Union and the Western Balkan region in the area of criminal law.
Since 2008, Eurojust has established an increasingly strong framework for structural judicial cooperation in the fight against serious cross-border crime between EU Member States and the Western Balkan States. Cooperation agreements, which unlock the possibility of safe and efficient exchange of judicial information and sharing of evidence, have been concluded with Albania, Montenegro and fYROM. The agreements also allow for the partner States to take part in, and benefit from, all the practical cooperation tools offered through Eurojust to prosecute serious, transnational crime cases.
Since the conclusion of the cooperation agreement with fYROM in 2008, prosecutors from various EU Member States and fYROM have worked together in a growing number of cases, including in investigations of swindling and fraud, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The cooperation agreement also provides for the appointment of a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust. Ms Ristoska, a prosecutor from the Special Public Prosecutors’ Office, is the second Liaison Prosecutor from a Western Balkan State at Eurojust after the arrival of the Liaison Prosecutor for Montenegro earlier this year. Liaison Prosecutors work side by side with magistrates from the EU Member States and play an important role in facilitating ongoing investigations of serious cross-border organised crime.
Upon her arrival, Ms Ristoska said: ‘It is a great honour and privilege to be the first Liaison Prosecutor for my country at Eurojust. As soon as I joined the Eurojust family, I witnessed the inspiring working atmosphere and deep commitment of all employees. I strongly believe that my country’s presence at Eurojust will contribute to enhancing international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime. I am also confident that this will be beneficial not only for my country but also for all countries with which international cooperation exists or will be established.’Quick facts
Ms Ristoska graduated with honours from the Law Faculty of the St Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje and obtained a degree in law. In 2008, she passed her Bar Examination. Currently, she is working on her master thesis in the area of seizure of illegally gained assets.
In 2013, Ms Ristoska was appointed as public prosecutor at the Primary Public Prosecutor’s Office of Skopje, after graduating from the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. In the Primary Public Prosecutor’s Office of Skopje, she worked in the Department for International Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, executing incoming mutual legal assistance (MLA) requests, as well as in the Department for Drugs, Sexual and Violent Crimes.
In November 2015, she was appointed as prosecutor to the Special Public Prosecutor’s Office, where she was in charge of matters of international cooperation and MLA requests. She also conducted national criminal investigations into complex cases of illegal interception of communications, abuse of official powers, corruption, illegal political party financing and money laundering.
H.E. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Chairperson of the Fourth Review Conference, is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in The Hague. Ambassador Vásquez Gómez is a career diplomat and has built experience in diplomacy, international law and multilateral organisations, particularly in negotiations at bilateral and multilateral level on political, economical and cooperation for development initiatives and programs, mainly in the framework of the Organization of American States from 2007 to 2014.
In the OPCW, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez represented his country as Vice Chair of the 22nd Conference of State Parties and since November 2017 has participated actively as member of the Bureau of the Open Ended Working Group for the Preparation of the Fourth Review Conference, in representation of the Latin American and Caribbean Group.
His experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador goes back to 2001, year when he was appointed as Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for the Gulf of Fonseca; later on, in 2004, he became the General Director of Sovereignty and Borders.
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez chaired a number of Working Groups and Negotiating Mechanisms within the Inter-American Council for Integral Development; he was Vice President of the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development and Advisor of the Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States.
From 2001 to 2003 Ambassador Vásquez Gómez was Deputy Agent of the Republic of El Salvador to the International Court of Justice in a case related to the Application for Revision of a Judgment delivered by the ICJ on land, island and maritime dispute in 1992. During the same period, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez held the Chairmanship of the Special Commission for Demarcation El Salvador – Honduras and was Deputy Commissioner to the International Boundary and Water Commission El Salvador – Guatemala.
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez is also a retired Navy Officer from the Salvadoran Naval Forces.
On the picture Iranian Foreign Ministry Director General for International Peace and Security, Reza Najafi. Photography by OPW.
Statement of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran In response to the US Statement
Delivered by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Director General for International Peace and Security, Reza Najafi – November 23, 2018.
“We are not surprised by the new baseless accusations of the United States under the current administration which we categorically reject. As my Minister twitted “if they say Iran perhaps is responsible for the California fires, because we didn’t help rake the forests— just like the Finns do!” you should not be surprised.
But let us look at the facts.
1. During the 8-year imposed war by Saddam’s regime on Iran, the United Stated as a permanent member of the UN Security Council turned a blind eye to the extensive and brutal use of chemical weapons against Iranian civilians and servicemen, and by so doing, shouldered responsibility for tens of thousands of Iranians who continue to suffer and perish as a result of chemical weapons.
Some of them are present in this Conference. The components of those chemical weapons came from the US and its allies’ companies. There are substantial evidences such as UNSCOM that many American and western companies provided Saddam with the required equipment, materials and technology to develop its chemical weapons program. Given that all of those companies needed to obtain export licenses from their governments, they could not transfer chemical weapons precursors to Saddam without the US government’s blessing. Thus US must be held accountable for complicity of such war crimes.
2. The reports about the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups in Syria, are very disturbing. It is evident that those terrorist groups could not procure toxic chemical agents as well as produce and use chemical weapons without the external assistance and support. This situation is very similar to how Saddam’s army could acquire and use chemical weapons in the 1980s.
3. We should not forget that the United States is the only possessor State Party that has not yet completed the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile, while it has all of the necessary financial and technical capacities to do so. Furthermore, the US has not withdrawn its reservation on the 1925 Geneva Protocol where it still reserves its rights to use chemical weapons contrary to its obligations under the Convention.
Keeping chemical weapons stockpiles together with its reservation to the Protocol, give rise to the assumption that US would like to maintain its chemical weapons as a so-called strategic reserve forever in full non-compliance with the Convention. US must make an official statement in this Conference to make commitments that it will withdraw its reservation on Geneva Protocol immediately and will never use chemical weapons under any circumstances and also it will complete destruction of all of its remaining stockpiles on time.
4. The US staunch ally in the Middle East, i.e. Israeli regime has also developed chemical weapons with the help of US which is another case of US non-compliance with the Convention.
5. The US history in developing WMDs and using these inhumane weapons is very dark. It has developed nuclear weapons and used them in Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. It has developed chemical weapons and used them in Vietnam War killing more than 400,000 peoples. Contrary to its obligations under the Convention, US did not declare its abandoned chemical weapons in Vietnam and neighbouring countries. A fact that just recently was revealed and shows US non-compliance.
6. The US is also in non-compliance with its obligations under Article XI of the Convention and by its unilateral sanctions against other States Parties to the Convention not only hampered the economic or technological development of States Parties but also prevented the importation and purchase of goods required for humanitarian needs, such as medicines and medical devices and agricultural commodities. A fact that was recognized by the International Court of Justice in its recent order.
7. While pretending to have concern regarding non-compliance of the others, the US is in complete non-compliance itself with the UNSC resolution 2231 which it had cosponsored. US also compels the other UN members to violate this resolution and thus the UN Charter too. The US is even punishing its own allies for compliance with the UNSC resolution and now ironically talks about concern over non-compliance with international obligations.
8. Furthermore, the US has also had a history of lying to the world about existence of WMD program of the others. In February 2003 its then Secretary of State in the UNSC meeting lied to the international community in order to invade Iraq. The result of attack, using all kind of weapons including CNS weapons, was the killing of thousands of peoples, including many civilians. Apparently its army believed the US officials’ lies and searched every inch of Iraq. They found Saddam in a small hole but they could not find a single WMD. They claimed 6 years later that they had found something and destroyed it. If it was true, they are in non-compliance with the Convention because they must have declared it to the OPCW and transferred or destructed it under verification of the OPCW. And if it was not true they told another lie to the world again.
9. The US is supporting terrorist activities in the Middle East and indeed it is the mother of terrorist groups as it was reconfirmed by its current president during election campaign who clearly declared that previous US administrations were “the founder ofISIS” (Daesh) and the “co-founder” of the other terrorist and extremist groups. It was a bitter confession but it is very true. All of these facts show that the US is not in a position to introduce itself as the guardian of the Convention.
Eurojust and Europol cooperate successfully with national authorities
With the support of Eurojust and Europol, the Spanish judicial authorities (Juzgado de Instrucción no 1 in Torrevieja) and the Belgian Public Prosecutor’s Office and judicial authorities, in coordination with the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Belgian Federal Police, arrested a Belgian fugitive, described as ‘very dangerous’, in Torrevieja, Spain.
The action day, which took place on 7 November, was prepared by the Eurojust Belgian and Spanish Desks, which liaised directly with their national authorities. The Belgian and Spanish magistrates worked together in Spain to draft the European Arrest Warrant, and direct the arrest, as well as the searches and seizures of three houses and a restaurant in Spain, resulting in the shutdown of the restaurant used to launder the money and the freezing of two properties, bank accounts and a vehicle, as well as documents, electronic devices, credit cards and a substantial amount of cash.
The suspect escaped from Belgium in January 2018 after committing more than 20 extremely violent robberies. He had then been sought by the Belgian authorities. The suspect belonged to an organised crime group and is the alleged perpetrator of other crimes, such as drug trafficking and the illegal trade of firearms. The Belgian Federal Police suspected the fugitive could be hiding in Torrevieja, and requested the cooperation of the Spanish Guardia Civil, which launched an investigation and surveillance activities. The investigation revealed that the fugitive laundered the illicit proceeds derived from his criminal activity in Belgium through a restaurant in Spain – a cash-intensive business – and then reinvested the money in real estate.
Europol provided analytical support during the investigation by cross-checking data and facilitating information exchange.
On the picture Dr. Mayelinne De Lara Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and H.E. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel showing the Israeli recipe on the International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet.Diplomat Magazine Collaboration with Crowne Plaza Promenade: Culinary Walking DinnerByAndrew Gibson.On what was a cool, Dutch November evening, great warmth could be found within the outstanding Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade. The hotel’s General Manager, Patrick Aarsman, and his excellent team played hosts to yet another fabulous culinary spectacle. On this occasion, the collaboration between Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade, Diplomat Magazine, and representatives from embassies worldwide, gave guests the opportunity to sample a plethora of food and drink as part of an international ‘Culinary Walking Dinner’.For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157673772314497The Cuban chef, Lester Fernandez Chapotin, with a fan.Upon arrival, one felt welcomed by a sensory embrace of relaxed musical vibes, a mood-lit venue, and the intoxicating smell of a mixture of spices and fruits. A look to the right revealed a Cuban maestro by the name of Lester crafting what may only be described as the perfect Mojito, the secret to which he revealed to me as being the quality of the rum itself. Enlightened and with crystal glass in hand, one could stroll over to the Pakistani stall and be treated to a helping of delicious Chicken Tandoori, the recipe for which is featured inside the event’s complementary International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet. Chef Sido de Brabander and Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of Crowne Plaza.Further along, the Peruvian stall revealed the delights of Ceviche to all those with a penchant for fish, whilst those exploring the Tunisian stall were treated to wine from a nation with an ever-growing winemaking industry, in addition to Tunisian Tea and delicious, small, sweet pastries in the form of Makroud. At the adjacent stall, Indonesian flavours came in the form of a scrumptious mini-menu consisting of Spekkoek, Onde-Onde and Tahu Isi, all of which could be enjoyed with a cup of Indonesian coffee. As one progressed further along this culinary journey, one reached the Mexican stall, where it was possible to try two variants of Tequila (Yuri Uraksin and Konstantin Moskovkin of the Russian Embassy and myself found ourselves in agreement about which was our favourite, after many samplings), and then to enjoy some blue-corn tortilla chips and the accompanying guacamole and salsa. Mohamed Armauchi, Crowne Plaza and Renata Siagian, Indonesia Embassy.From the Mexican stand, one need only take a couple of steps to the right in order to be able to find one’s self in receipt of a beautifully refreshing Vietnamese lime drink, another featured recipe in the International Flavours Recipes 2018 booklet. To the right of the Vietnamese stall stood the Georgian stand, where it was more than worth one’s time to indulge in the pleasures of Georgian wine. Through a doorway into an extension of the event, like hidden gems one could discover light Israeli shawarma with lam meat and creamy Italian Panna Cotta, before finally rounding off the evening with a cup of Italian coffee worthy of the reputation that preceded it.Véronique Micléa and H.E. Carlos Herrera, the Ambassador of Peru.Unquestionably a night to delight taste-buds of all persuasions, the Crowe Plaza’s Culinary Walking Dinner was a huge success, and marks yet another fantastic event borne of the fruitful collaboration between Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade and Diplomat Magazine.A Mexican touch.
