Fatou Bensouda, on the transfer of Alfred Yekatom

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Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on the transfer of suspect, Alfred Yekatom: β€œThe cause of justice in the Central African Republic has been strengthened by today’s surrender”. The people of the Central African Republic have suffered and endured atrocious crimes in one of this century’s violent conflicts. I welcome today’s transfer of Mr Alfred Yekatom to the International Criminal Court to face justice for his alleged crimes. Our independent and impartial investigation has produced evidence on the basis of which we allege Mr Yekatom is criminally responsible for several counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the Central African Republic between 5 December 2013 and August 2014.Β  Now, he must answer in court for his actions. Mr Yekatom, like any other suspect before the International Criminal Court (β€œICC” or the β€œCourt”), is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Any suspect or accused person appearing before the ICC is entitled to internationally recognised due process guarantees codified in the Rome Statute. The cause of justice in the Central African Republic has been strengthened by today’s surrender. In accordance with my Office’s mandate under the Rome Statute, we aim to shed light on the truth about the crimes committed in the Central African Republic and bring to account those who we allege bear responsibility for atrocity crimes. To the people of the Central African Republic, I make this pledge: my Office will continue its quest for the truth and to seek justice under the Rome Statute. With firm determination, we are progressing with our investigation into the conduct of all sides. Today, I also want to pay tribute to the courage and resolve of witnesses in the Central African Republic who continue to come forward to provide their accounts and encourage them to continue to do so. Without them, justice would not be possible. We cannot undo the suffering that has been inflicted on victims, but we remain committed to doing our part, within our mandate and means, to advance justice and accountability in the Central African Republic.

Tudor Glamour Double Date relaunched

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Bvlgari’s Wild Pop in Beijing

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13 November 2018, Beijing, PRC: Following its launch in Rome, Bulgari’s new Wild Pop High Jewellery Collection carries over the fever of the 80’s to Beijing, as per an official communiquΓ© by the Roman-based company. The new High Jewellery Collection draws from the exuberant spirit of the 80’s and the Pop Art movement, reflecting the excitement of this roaring decade and larger-than-life Italian extravagance. Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, alongside brand ambassadors Shu Qi, Jolin Tsai, and Lady Kitty Spencer attended the gala.. Lin Li-hui, Taiwanese-Hong Kong actress and model, is popularly known as Shu Qi. She is also believed to be among the highest paid actresses in China. She accessorised her look with Bvlgari High Jewellery necklace with emeralds and diamonds, matching with a ring in rose gold set with colourful gemstones as well as a Serpenti Forever shoulder bag. Jolin Tsai wore the High Jewellery necklace, earrings and bracelet in rose gold with colourful gemstones. Lady Kitty Spencer opted for Bulgari High Jewellery earrings and ring in 18K white gold set with rubies and diamonds, matching with ring in platinum set with diamonds. Celebrities Joe Chen, Chen Xiaoyun, Sienna Chen, model Bonnie Chen, socialite Sun Yunyun and Wan Baobao attended the gala. Models with bewitching pieces from the High Jewellery Collection demonstrated the striking glamour of Bvlgari and the hedonistic Roman lifestyle, as per the press release. β€œThe new Wild Pop collection is a tribute to an era marked by an insatiable appetite for more of everything, all at once, and also pays homage to the special bond between Bvlgari and Pop artist Andy Warhol. But this inspiration is merely a starting point, as Wild Pop is a distinctly modern rule-breaker, a cutting-edge collection that illuminates the multi-faceted sensibilities of today β€” and tomorrow,” says the release. For further information: https://www.bulgari.com/en-gb/wild-pop  

Argentine Embassy: Official Network of the Argentine Scientist and Researcher in The Netherlands

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OnΒ  theΒ pictureΒ His Excellency Hector Horacio Salvador.

By Wei Hung and Thomas Fleischer.

Recently the Embassy of the Argentine Republic to the Netherlands used the lovely facilities at the Haagse Hogeschool to launch the official opening to the network of the Argentine Scientists and Researchers in the Netherlands.

The event begins with a simple (and apt), yet to the point, introduction by His Excellency Hector Horacio Salvador on how the network came to fruition. He recounted the countless late-night meetings where colleagues from different expertise came together for a common goal; the establishment of a scientific platform that combines academics between the two countries. Furthermore, the ambassador explained the necessity of a bilateral cooperation with the Netherlands in advancing research across a wide array of scientific research. In his view, the Network has become a milestone for both countries.

His excellency then introduced Mr. Patricio Dalton,Β the coordinator of social sciences of the Network, to give a little insight into the work that the Network does, and its connection to dutch academia. The Network goals or vision/ developments so far.

The event then continued with 7 separate lectures on a wide range of topics including:

  • Searching for traces of life with the ExoMars Rover
  • Nanoantennas for single-molecule detection
  • Emerging technologies: video games, virtual realities, and augmented realities
  • Magnetic resonance applied for innovation of multiphase flow of measurement
  • The impact of education and technical assistance of the port, transport and logistic sectors in Latin America
  • Riverbank restoration: measuring and understanding erosion patterns
  • Transparency and fight against corruption: build trust for growth in the Latin American Context

The presentations were accompanied by experts from their respective fields. The invited experts offered an in-depth analysis of the topics given, illustrating future possibilities and where the projects are heading.

After the last lecture, the Argentine embassy hosted a reception in the Haagse Hogeschool, where wine, cheeses and meats were served a plenty, creating a comfortable and conducive environment to meet the members of the Network, catch up with old friends and learn something new and interesting.

The 9th edition of IFTF opened its doors in Vijfhuizen

On the picture H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, the ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands with Rwanda’s participantsΒ during the International Floriculture Trade Fair 2018. From left to right: Mr. Victor Omuga, Marketing Manager of Bella Flowers, Madam Sadrine Urujeni, Deputy CEO for the National Agricultural Export Development Board of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga and Mr. Shungo Harada, Managing Director of Bloom Hills. The International Floriculture Fair opened its doors from 7th to 9th of November.Β  With a new record high number of exhibitors this year, the IFTF exhibition grew 15% in size and living up to its name of being world’s biggest and most important trade exhibition for international flower growers and buyers that participate from all over the world, including Rwanda.Β 

International Floriculture Forum (IFF)

IFTF hosted the 2nd edition of the International Floriculture Forum (IFF) on the eve of the fair. High level key-note speakers shared their views with the audience on major ongoing and upcoming changes in the international trade, logistics and product innovations. Over 200 people attended the Forum and participated actively in the discussions. A very interesting start of a Floral Trade Week. Bella Flowers, Bloom Hills and Floramatt are the main growers in Rwanda participating this year IFTF and are facilitated by a collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).  

OPCW Director-General Visits Brussels

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                  The Hague, Netherlands β€” 8 November 2018 β€” The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, met with the Ambassadors and senior diplomats to the OPCW based outside of The Hague and the Vice-President/High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security, H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini, during his visit to Brussels, Belgium.
During the Director-General’s meeting with the Permanent Representatives to the OPCW based outside of The Hague, the Director-General discussed issues pertaining to the upcoming Twenty-Third Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-23) and the Fourth Review Conference of the States Parties (RC-4). The Director-General expressed his appreciation to the Member States for β€œtheir on-going commitment and strong support of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the work of the Technical Secretariat”. The Director-General covered a range of topics including: the shift of the Organisation’s activities from destruction of declared chemical weapons to preventing their re-emergence; strengthening assistance and international cooperation related activities; efforts to counter the use of chemical weapons by non-State actors (i.e., terrorists); and planned construction of a new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. He highlighted activities related to the decision on addressing the threat from chemical weapons use; the Fact-Finding Mission in Syria; and recent incidents involving chemical weapons in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Additional briefings were provided by: the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Jana RainisovΓ‘, who spoke about the activities of the Executive Council; the Director of the External Relations Division, Mr. Kai Chen, who addressed efforts to universalise the Chemical Weapons Convention; and the Director of International Cooperation and Assistance Division, Mr. Hamza Khelif, who informed the attendees about the OPCW capacity-building portfolio. The participants shared their views and concerns during question and answer sessions. The briefing was attended by 40 officials of 29 OPCW Member States, including 16 Ambassadors. The Director-General met with the Vice President/High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security and briefed her on the activities related to implementing the decision adopted this past June by the Special Session of the CSP addressing the threat from chemical weapons use, and other key developments ahead of the upcoming CSP-23 and RC-4. Ms. Mogherini stressed the EU’s appreciation of OPCW’s efforts to uphold the global ban against chemical weapons, and the EU’s support for the goals of the Convention and its substantive financial contributions to the Organisation’s activities.

XI Swazi cabinet announced

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Friday, 2 November 2018, Mbabane, Kingdom of eSwatini: A new has been appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III of eSwantini. The country’s Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini accordingly released the names of the appointed cabinet members to the 11th cabinet. They are:
  • – Ambrose Dlamini (Prime Minister)
  • – Themba Masuku (Deputy Prime Minister)
  • – Neil Reikenburg (Finance)
  • – Manqoba Khumalo (Commerce, Industry and Trade)
  • – Pholile Dlamini (Justice and Constitutional Affairs)
  • – Princess Sikhanyiso (Information, Communication and Technology)
  • – Peter Bhembe (Natural Resources and Energy)
  • – Princess Lindiwe (Home Affairs)
  • – Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe (Public Works and Transport)
  • – Prince Simelane (Housing and Urban Development)
  • – Thuli Dladla (Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
  • – Lizzy Nkosi (Health)
  • – Harries Madze Bulunga (Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs)
  • – Moses Vilakati (Tourism and Environmental Affairs)
  • – Jabulani Mabuza (Agriculture)
  • – David Ngcane (Tinkundhla Administration and Development)
For further information:

Iraq, Building a Stable and Prosperous Democracy

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H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of Iraq. By Roy Lie Atjam. The Hague, 1 November 2018. Building a Stable & Prosperous Democracy in Iraq. Food Security, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Such was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Clingendael Institute and The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Netherlands. The venue was the Clingendael Institute and the Chancellery of Iraq for the afternoon session. The conference considered reconstructing a prosperous Iraq after an epoch of conflict and how Dutch – government and private sector could assist and support Iraq to build a prosperous and stable future. What is more, the conference paid special attention to the political, economic and security situation as well as specific needs such as water, agriculture and education. Speakers at the conference were:
  • H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of Iraq
  • Ms. Nancy Ezzeddne (Clingendael)
  • Dr. Louise van SchaikΒ  Head of Sustainability Research (Clingendael)
  • Mr. Tobias von Lossow (Clingendael)
  • Ms. Simone van der Post (Dutch MFA)
  • Mr. Wibo Schepel (BGC Shell)
  • Mr. Nick Reijmers (Boskalis) and other speakers.
Their contribution certainly contributed to the success of the conference. The conference was an assessment of the situation, further exploration will be imperative before embarking on any cooperation scheme between the Netherlands and Iraq.  

Retrospection of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting

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By Roy Lie Atjam. The objective of the Β 12th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Meeting: to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Β Europe and Asia on a wide range of areas. After a brief introduction by H.E. Heidemaria GΓΌrer, Austrian Ambassador to the Netherlands, a panel made up of the following persons:
  • George Cunningham, Senior Adviser Asia and Pacific Department, European External Action Service
  • H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to The Netherlands
  • H.E. Mr. Matthew Neuhaus, Ambassador of Australia to The Netherlands
  • Mr. Kazi Russel Pervez, Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh in The Netherlands
  • H.E. Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of Thailand to The Netherlands
  • Moderation: Ms. Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute, reviewed the 12th ASEM summit, organized by the EU and chaired by the President of the European Council, Mr Donald Tusk.
The summit was attended by the Heads of State and Government of 51 Asian and European countries, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. The 12th ASEM summit was held on 18-19 October 2018 in Brussels. However, the review panel met at the residence of the Austrian Ambassador Heidemaria GΓΌrer in The Hague on 6th November 2018. The EU, as well as Austria, recently adopted a new Asia-strategy. The panel focus on the outcome of the summit, as well as on the future relationship between Europe and Asia. The panel came to the conclusion that the added value ofΒ  ASEM is connectivity in all its dimension, ASEM works as a catalyst. Members of the panel touched on scores of subjects of which some are listed hereunder.
  • Infrastructure is an important item withinΒ  ASEM
  • ASEM should become a forum for bilateral meetings
  • Furthermore, Β justice should be done to relatives of the MH 17 Β victims
  • Call for the resumption of the FTA talks
  • Sustainable development beneficial to both parties
  • There should be collaboration on the phenomenonΒ  of ageing society
  • 2019Β  is an election year
  • Brexit and beyond
  • Multilateralism policy
  • The post Cotonou Agreement
A vivid reception withΒ  Austrian and ASEMΒ  treats concluded the afternoon which alsoΒ  attracted representatives of none EU-ASEM countries, International institutions and students of various universities.

US imposes critical round of nuclear sanctions on Iran

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By Guido Lanfranchi. On November 4th, 2018, the United States has reimposed another batch of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. Such measures are set to affect Iran’s energy, shipping, and banking sectors, and they will have impact both within and outside the US. Six months after announcing its withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal, the United States has reimposed a second set of nuclear-related sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such sanctions – US Special Representative for Iran Mr. Brian Hook explains – β€œare the toughest sanctions on the Iranian regime that have ever been imposed,” and their aim is to bring about a decisive change in the behavior of the country. Following its withdrawal in May 2018, the US had already imposed a first round of sanctions in August. However, this latest set of sanctions, which entered into force on November 4th, constitutes a decisive increase in the pressure applied on Iran. While the first set of restrictive measures were limited to the trade in goods such as carpets and commercial aviation parts, the latest measures are set to hit critical sectors of the Iranian economy, such as oil exports, shipping, insurance services, as well as the country’s financial and baking sector. However – Special Representative Hook noted – trade in food and medical goods with non-designated entities will be exempted from the sanctions. Talking to the press from Washington, Mr. Hook stressed that the aim of these measures is β€œto diminish the regime’s capacity to fund its broad range of threats to peace and security,” and to eventually push the Iranians back to the negotiating table. Mr. Hook reiterated that the US is open to negotiations with Iran, but clarified that such negotiations should address the whole range of Iran’s malign activities, and not only its nuclear programme. The US sanctions regime – Special Representative Hook noted – have already taken their toll on the Iranian economy. According to the State Department, over the last six months more than 100 major world companies have withdrawn from Iran, causing tens of billions of dollars in lost investments, and more than 20 countries have reduced to zero their imports of crude oil from Iran, causing more than USD 2 billion of lost revenue for the Iranian government. Eight countries have been temporarily exempted from the oil-related sanctions – Mr. Hook explained – in order to avoid major increases in global oil prices. While declining to comment on the terms of such exemptions, the Special Representative stressed that three of these countries are already on their way to reduce to zero their imports of Iranian crude. While being praised by some US allies such as Israel, the reimposition of sanctions on Iran has generated some disagreements between the US and its European allies, with the latter repeatedly stressing their commitment to preserve the JCPOA. Commenting on the issue, Special Representative Hook reiterated that, in spite of some diverging opinions on the JCPOA, the US and the EU share the same threat assessment of Iran, but that each country has the right to make its own decisions in its sovereign capacity. Nevertheless, as US sanctions have extraterritorial nature, European companies dealing with Iran do face the threat of US punishment. In an attempt to preserve the deal, the EU has been trying to implement mechanisms to bypass US sanctions, for example by means of the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle. However, Mr. Hook claimed that such mechanisms do not seem to enjoy a wide demand among European companies, as Iran’s economy is per se not much attractive for businesses. Moreover, the Special Representative stressed that the US will not hesitate in sanctioning any individual or entity that will contravene its sanctions regime. As the US seems more convinced than ever to apply a strong pressure on Iran, the whole world closely follows the developments and waits to see how the US-Iran confrontation will evolve in the future.