THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 27 February 2019 — The Government of Japan has contributed €2.4 million to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The donation was formalised today in a ceremony involving the OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and Japan’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Ambassador Inomata announced the Government of Japan decision to contribute €2.4 million to support the project to upgrade the OPCW Chemical Laboratory to a Centre for Chemistry and Technology and remarked: ’’In order to prevent the use and recurrence of chemical weapons, it is essential that cases are investigated through neutral and objective scientific methods and by a fair and impartial international mechanism. Updating the OPCW Laboratory is, in this light, a very meaningful undertaking. We hope that this Centre will develop as a worldwide core facility for increasing expertise on the analysis and verification methods regarding cases where the possible use of chemical weapons might be suspected.’’
Director-General Arias stated, “The Government of Japan has my sincere gratitude for its generous contribution. This project is critical to the OPCW’s ability to respond to new and emerging chemical weapons threats, as well as to States Parties’ requests for increased international cooperation and assistance activities. This contribution demonstrates Japan’s commitment to helping the OPCW achieve these objectives.”
Thirteen States Parties have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project and a considerable amount has already been raised to date. The Director-General has appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. In making such appeals, he has emphasised that the new ChemTech Centre will be a resource for all States Parties and that, “All contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
The Hague, 26 February 2019. The Embassy of the Russian Federation hosted a press conference, following the two extraordinary meetings of the OPCW´s Executive Council in January and February 2019 pertaining a proposal from the Russian-Federation to include chemicals in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The Russian Federation proposed to include five families
of chemicals in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. However,
USA, EU, Canada, NL, etc. agreed to the first four proposals but not the 5th
proposal, on the ground that it does not satisfy the required criteria.
According to the Russian Federation, the proposal would have added strength
to the Chemical Weapons Convention. A substantial argumentation for the
dismissal was not provided.
The Russian-Federation will, however, present the proposal again to the
OPCW member States.
The unveiling of the International Mother Language Monument in The
Netherlands
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The long awaited International Mother Language Monument was unveiled in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice on Thursday 21 February 2019.
The International Mother Language Monument was erected in recognition of the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh and declaration of February 21st as the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. It is noteworthy to mention that the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Mr.Md. Shahidul Haque laid the foundation stone of this Shaheed Minar on 19 February 2017. A similar International Mother Language Monument was also unveiled in Sydney Australia in Ashfield Park in 2006.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Netherlands during his speech on the unveil ceremony of the International Mother Language Monument.
The path to the unveiling of the first-ever Shaheed Minar on Dutch territory has been in the making for almost a decade. The unveiling of this monument can indeed be considered as yet another jewel in the crown of achievements of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Netherlands as the result of his relentless efforts and invested energy to come to we are today.
Celebration on the International Mother´s Language monument unveil ceremony, among ambassadors of Bangladesh, Brazil, Yemen, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Russia, Viet Nam, India and many others.
The Government of Bangladesh financed the physical
construction while The Hague Municipality contributed to the design of the
monument as part of joint collaboration between Bangladesh and the Netherlands
to promote a culture of peace and multilingualism.
Ambassador Belal was accompanied by Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Saskia Bruines with the unveiling of the monument. Following the unveiling, Ambassador Belal, Deputy Mayor Bruines, Ambassadors, members of Diplomatic Corps, as well as the members of Bangladesh community, placed flower wreaths at the newly erected monument.
Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Ms. Saskia Bruines.
Ambassador Belal, accompanied by many of his fellow Ambassadors and Diplomats who accepted his invitation to join him in celebrating this momentous occasion. The dignitaries that joined Ambassador Belal included the Ambassadors of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Russian-Federation, Sri Lanka, Viet nam, Yemen, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Municipality of The Hague and the Bangladesh community.
Deputy Mayor of The Hague Ms. Saskia Bruines, stated the
following in her remarks:
Every language is at
home in The Hague. Every language may be heard here, because every person may
be seen.
On International Mother Language Day, we hear many
languages and we reflect on what can be a struggle to ensure that every
language is heard. To remind ourselves that hiding a language is ultimately the
same as oppressing people and their identity
As the Bengali community, you’ve had personal
experience of this. And this new monument reminds you and us of that. It’s in a
good place. In a park where – particularly in summer when everyone’s outside –
dozens of languages can be heard. And where – in a quiet moment – we listen to
the language the language of the birds and the rustling of the leaves on the
trees.
The act of listening is important. Because only by listening to each other, will we understand each other better.
Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Saskia Bruines , Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal.
The deputy mayor
observed that the language monument in the Zuider Park would not only enhance
the dignity of The Hague but also remain as an inspiration for future
generations to preserve and promote the mother tongue
During his address, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid tribute to the language martyrs and expressed gratitude to authorities of the municipality of The Hague for their support and cooperation for the construction of the monument. Ambassador Belal recalled the fine contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the language movement and his charismatic leadership in liberating Bangladesh following the inspiration and solidarity of the language movement in 1952.
Mr. Gustavo Morales, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop, Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Ambassador Belal, Dr. Nasrin, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, H.E. Dr. Mr. Homoyoon Azizi, Ambassador of Afghanistan and H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation.
Also on 21 February 2019, an event was held in connection with the International Mother Language Day at the UNESCO HQ in Paris.
This year, International Mother Language day was framed by the International Year of indigenous languages 2019 (IYIL19) around the theme “Indigenous languages matter for development, peace building and reconciliation”.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, spouse Dilruba Nasrin and Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague.
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is celebrated every year on 21
February with the overall objective to promote linguistic diversity and
multilingual education. (source UNESCO).
Swiss and Romanian investigators carried out simultaneous searches and hearings of 23 persons in an operation to dismantle an organised criminal group (OCG) suspected of committing trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation and controlling of prostitution.
The operation is part of a joint investigation team concluded in August 2017 between the Prosecution Office of the Canton of Vaud and the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) Pitesti Territorial Office, with the operational and financial support of Eurojust. This JIT was the first JIT was signed with a Swiss cantonal prosecutor’s office.
Investigations, conducted both in Vaud and Pitesti, indicate that as of 2016, the members of the OCG recruited young female victims in precarious financial and social situations using the ‘loverboy’ method. The victims were transported to and intensively exploited in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2016, one such victim, purchased by three suspects from another suspect, was stabbed to death. Her body was found abandoned in a forest on the French/Swiss border.
The investigation began in early 2016 by the Lausanne municipal police, and the case was opened by the Swiss Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust in May 2017. The investigation led to the identification of nine suspects and fifteen victims of trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation in Switzerland and Romania. As a result of the investigations carried out, the criminal activity is estimated at more than EUR 2 million.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 25 February 2019 — The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) took another step towards gender equality in the workplace by fulfilling its first commitment for the International Gender Champions (IGC) initiative with the appointment of ten OPCW Gender Focal Points.
In November 2018, OPCW’s Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, joined the IGC, which is a leadership network that brings together female and male decision-makers determined to break down gender barriers and make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence. As an International Gender Champion, the Director-General’s commitment to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment includes establishing work-life balance arrangements available to all staff, and appointing Gender Focal Points in each OPCW Division to promote gender equality and ensure gender mainstreaming throughout the organisation.
OPCW’s Gender Focal Points will promote gender equality and ensure gender mainstreaming throughout the Organisation. This role includes promoting a greater awareness of gender related issues and a gender sensitive work environment; providing advocacy for gender related issues; contributing to the development and realisation of gender related goals; and monitoring and reporting on progress towards achieving these goals.
Dr. Torsten Stein, Ambassador Sir Sebastian Wood, Dr. Alexandra Stein. Burn`s Night 2019.
Thursday, 31 January 2019, Berlin, Her Britannic Majesty’s Embassy to the Federal Republic of Germany: British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood and the Director of the Scottish Government Office in Germany, Dr. Alexandra Stein, marked British-German friendship by hosting guests at a traditional Scottish “Burns Supper”.
Annually on 25 January in Scotland proper as well as across the globe Robert Burns suppers take place to celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns – a pioneer of the literary romantic movement, patriot and philosopher who wrote in the Scots language as well as in vernacular English.
Burns suppers are festive dinners accompanied by readings of Robert Burns’ poetry and Scottish country dancing, with traditional haggis and, of course, fine Scottish whisky. The Burns Supper at the British Embassy showcased these Scottish traditions with a traditional “Ode to the Haggis” and the “Toast to the Lassies”, as well as a moving celebration of Burns’ enduring spirit “The Immortal Memory” by Dr. Stein.
Burn`s Night 2019
Britain’s Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood, said: “What a bonnie Burns Night it was! The band was fantastic, the whisky and haggis delicious and our Embassy Wintergarten looked stunning. It was great to see so many of our German friends getting stuck into the Scottish dancing. I’m determined to make this a regular fixture on the Berlin calendar.“
The first ever Burns supper was reportedly held at the Mother Club in Greenock on 29 January 1802; in 1803 it was discovered from the Ayr parish records that his correct birthday was 25 January 1759, and thus the date was changed thereafter. Burns’ works are read and enjoyed throughout the world and have been translated into many languages. In 2009 the Scottish public voted Burns the greatest ever Scot.
H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba during her remarquable speech.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, January 18, 2019, The Republic of Cuba, ever triumphed of her Revolution celebrates her 60th anniversary. The Crowne Plaza Hotel was filled to capacity. Hundreds of people of all walks of life made their way to the Crowne Plaza to felicitate H.E. Ms.Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba on this momentous day.
The Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, the Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani and the Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri.
Besides the cordial welcome by the Ambassador, there was Cuban food, Cuban cocktail (mojito), Cuban music and dance. The Cuban dance Trio “Salsa de pichón” put on a dazzling show; the Rafael Calá dancers also added to the excellent Caribe ambience. The Muñecón “La Cubana” mingled with the many guests. All in all, a fabulous 60th anniversary of the glorious Cuban Revolution.
An authentic Cuban flavour at the National Day.
Diplomat magazine, co-sponsor of the event, avail its self of the opportunity and launch the latest issue of the magazine. There was a free copy for every attendee.
Ambassador Soraya Alvarez delivered the following welcome address: We are much honored with all those present and we are grateful for joining us in this special commemoration, the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission, Mr. Abdahmed Saleh Yaffai, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Ngô Thi Hòa , Ambassador of Viet Nam, the Head of Mission for the IOM, Mr. Antonio Polosa, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, H.E. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and spouse and H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa.
The first of January 1959, with the triumph of the Revolution and under the leadership of Fidel Castro, culminated more than a century of struggles by the Cuban people for their true and definitive independence. Since then, the firm determination to build a sovereign, prosperous, solidarity country with social justice has prevailed until today.
Generations of Cubans have been protagonists of heroic resistance to threats, aggressions of various kinds and therefore we have been to face enormous difficulties.
H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Boris Zhilko, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Russia, Mr. Rafael Lesca Torralba, Consul of the Cuban Embassy, Mr. Eduardo Morales Monteagudo and spouse H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador and H.E. Dr. Homayoon Azizi Ambassador of Afghanistan.
It has taken a new step against Cuba, which would dangerously reinforce the economic, commercial and financial blockade, would flagrantly violate International Law and directly attacks the sovereignty and interests of third countries, with the announcement made on 16 January on the decision to suspend only for 45 days the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which is characterized by its extreme extraterritorial scope. In particular, the afore mentioned Title III of this Law is aimed at obstructing the economic, commercial and financial relations of Cuba with third countries and affecting its ability to attract direct investment of foreign capital for its development. Cuba rejects that threat in the most energetic and firm way.
This is the high price that we Cubans have had to face in the last Sixty years for defending our right to self-determination to found our own country.
Cuba deeply thanks all those friends around the world, who have given us their support and who continue to do so, defying many adversities.
Cuba continues its decision in updating its economic
model, in the continuity of the legacy of Martí and Fidel in the figure of our
new President Miguel Díaz-Canel, more over the battle of the Cuban government
and people to maintain and defend, at all costs, their fundamental and
inalienable rights.
H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Maria Alonso, Ambassador of Spain and the Minister Counsellor of Spain, Jose Maria De La Torre.
This year is of great importance for Cuba, in which a referendum will be held on a new Constitution of the Republic and also it will enter into force. The draft of a new Constitution was publicly and extensively consulted in a national debate, as well as, with the Cuban citizens are residing abroad. In the process, millions of our citizens actively participated in the last few months, demonstrating the constituent role of the Cuban people and the democratic character of the Revolution.
Cuba’s actions on the international level will continue to be guided by respect for international law, the self-determination, and sovereignty of States, in the defense of all human rights for all, in solidarity, and in international cooperation with full respect to diversity and differences to solve the serious challenges that humankind faces.
The occasion is propitious to recognize the good state of bilateral relations between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which will celebrate this year the 117th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, besides to ratify the willingness to continue strengthening friendship and collaboration for the benefit of our peoples.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and Dr. Dilruba Nasrin.
I would like especially to thank and to highlight the sustained support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with its vote against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against Cuba.
I take this opportunity to reaffirm with pride and enthusiasm the determination that guides the Cuban people to build an increasingly socialist, democratic, prosperous and sustainable society.
Friends of Cuba, National Day of Cuba 2019. Crowne Plaza, The Hague.
Cuba deeply thanks all those friends around the world, who have given us their support and who continue to do so, defying many adversities.
Cuba continues its decision in
updating its economic model, in the continuity of the legacy of Martí and Fidel
in the figure of our new President Miguel Díaz-Canel, more over the battle of
the Cuban government and people to maintain and defend, at all costs, their
fundamental and inalienable rights.
In the picture Mohamed Kanoo, Ambassador Ali bin Abdullah Alahmed, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, ambassador’s spouse – Image by ADMAF
Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 Commences Eclectic Programme of International Commissions with Puccini’s Masterpiece La Bohèmein Berlin
Extensive international performances to also include Arab music icons Anouar Brahem and Kinan Azmeh in Europe, the return of the Shubbak Festival, and Palestinian singer and musician, Omar Kamal, with his new world tour
Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE: 28 January 2019: Abu Dhabi Music and Art Festival’s programme of international commissions commenced on 27 January 2019 at the Komische Oper Berlin, Germany, with Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème. Co-produced by the Abu Dhabi Festival 2019, the eclectic evening of one of the most moving stories in the history of musical theatre was attended by H.E. Ali bin Abdulla Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Germany and H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Through collaborations with international strategic partners and leading global cultural organisations, Abu Dhabi Festival enables the creation of cultural initiatives that bring countries together and enables the appreciation of diverse societies. Expanding upon the international presence seen in past years, this year’s line-up will include extensive performances across Germany, Spain, UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany and Oman.
HE Huda bint Ibrahim Alkhamis-Kanoo and Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant at the Komische Oper Berlin.
Giacomo Puccini’s ingenious interpretation of one of the most moving love stories in the history of musical theatre, La Bohème is a key work of contemporary life in 19th-century Paris; a portrait of life between art, unrequited love and modern isolation in the face of death. Directed by Barrie Kosky, under the musical guidance of Jordan de Souza, the première of the Italian libretto tackled a literary monument written in the mid-nineteenth century, portraying the suffering, celebrations and love of an early sub-culture whose anti-bourgeois lifestyle has now become the epitome of modern artistic existence.
H.E. Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Germany commented: “The cultural cooperation between Abu Dhabi Festival and its partners from the world’s leading cultural institutions for the co-commission of La Bohème.”
He added: “Hosting this remarkable re-interpretation of a classic opera in one of the most prestigious venues in Germany, Komische Oper Berlin, reflects the role played by ADMAF in bridging gaps in communication and creating meaningful dialogue between cultures.”
H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival said: “From its very beginning, the Abu Dhabi Festival has always sought to make the arts accessible and relevant to people of all backgrounds and ages. Our co-production with Komische Oper is a perfect example of this approach, for Barrie Kosky has a wonderful reputation for reproducing and re-interpreting classics while keeping true to their original spirit, turning classic works into new and exciting productions.
“As one of the Festival’s many significant international productions and co-commissions, this world première performance of Puccini’s La Bohème is yet another success story, not only for the Festival, but for Abu Dhabi as an Emirate and centre for excellence. It confirms to the world that we are true pioneers on the international stage, always furthering cultural dialogue and deepening understanding between nations.”
H.E. Ernst Fischer, German Ambassador to the UAE said: “I’m delighted that Abu Dhabi Festival co-produced Puccini’s La Bohème together with Komische Oper Berlin. This is a wonderful sign of our friendship and that we don’t just talk business and politics, but that we share together the experience of art, music and theatre. A shared appreciation of what moves us as human beings is really the basis of deepening our friendship and partnership in the future.”
Susanne Moser, Managing Director of Komische Oper Berlin, said: “Our work at the Komische Oper Berlin, which is in many respects unique and of which we are very proud, has increasingly drawn international attention in recent years. We have been very lucky to cooperate with various prestigious institutions from Europe and all over the world, from Australia via Asia to California. It is a great pleasure that now the Abu Dhabi Festival and its Artistic Director, H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, take such an interest in what we do here in Berlin. We are very thankful that with this cooperation for our new production of La Bohème, we are able to extend our international network and to spread our vision for music theatre even further.”
HRH Princess Sophie of Prussia and Isenburg, Henri Estramant, Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey, Advisor to the ADMAF, Dr. Robert Suzic.
Diplomat Magazine was represented at the function by the Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant and Mr Frederik Rühne.
The Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 will present iconic Arab musicians at Pierre Boulez Saal, home for Arab music in Europe. It is here that young Palestinian-Jordanian pianist, Karim Said, made his solo début in October 2018 as part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s Arab Artists Abroad, with a remarkable programme that encompassed four eras of music history. Now, Tunisian oud virtuoso, Anouar Brahem, will combine Arabic traditions with the innovative spirit of Jazz when performing Blue Maqams, joined by three masters of their craft: bass player Dave Holland, drummer Nasheet Waits and pianist Django Bates on 13 March 2019. Syrian clarinetist and composer, Kinan Azmeh, will also bring his latest collaboration to the Pierre Boulez Saal, joined by Dima Orsho to present Berlin: Songs for Days to Come, a journey of music and poetry that explores themes such as home, faith, and friendship on 29 May 2019.
On the occasion of the Bicentennial and the 20th anniversary celebrations, the Teatro Real has revived one of the most monumental and emblematic productions of its recent history: AIDAby Giuseppe Verdi. Co-produced by Teatro Real, Lyric Opera Chicago and Abu Dhabi Festival, the opera returns to the Teatro Real with Maestro Nicola Luisotti to conduct the chorus and orchestra with three casts of today’s best voices, featuring Violeta Urmana, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Daniela Barcellona, Gregory Kunde, Fabio Sartori, Alfred Kim, Liudmyla Monastyrska, and Anna Pirozzi, among others.
Composer and conductor Peter Eötvös will be visiting the Reina Sofia School of Music to give his invaluable insight to students from 17 – 23 June 2019, as well as conducting works by Mozart, Stravinsky and Beethoven, and his own compositions. These will then be performed by the students during their end-of-year concert at the Teatro Real in Madrid, as part of Classics at the Festival in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain.
Returning for 2019 as London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture, the Shubbak Festival is set to connect audiences and communities through ambitious festival programmes of premières and commissions of visual arts, film, music, theatre, dance, literature and debate. The Festival will include The Tangiers Acrobatic Group, HALKA, a theatrical circus art born of warrior tradition, combining human pyramids, wheels and jumps. It will also incorporate a performance by composer, trumpeter, santur player and singer, Amir ElSaffar, whose unique sound fuses jazz with Arabic music, providing an important voice in an age of cross-cultural music making. He will lead an extraordinary ensemble to perform Luminiscenciaon 6 July 2019, bringing the flamenco tradition back to the source of the old Arabic maqams through its melodic and graceful arabesques, bringing East and West together in a beautiful, contemporary sound world.
The Abu Dhabi Festival is also supporting Palestinian singer and musician, Omar Kamal, with his new world tour featuring songs from his latest album, which is set for release on 7 March 2019. The album will be launched as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform, with the world tour subsequently hosting performances in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Oman and the UAE.
For further information on schedules, venues and performances please visit the Festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae.
Founded in 2004, the Abu Dhabi Festival was held initially under the patronage of the then Minister of Information and Culture (and now Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was followed from 2007 to 2011 with the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Today, the Festival is held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister for Tolerance.
The Abu Dhabi Festival is now acknowledged to be among the world’s best, successfully positioning Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination and the region’s leading celebration of creativity and the arts. Reflecting the vision of the UAE capital as an international cultural crossroads, the Abu Dhabi Festival is rooted in the principles of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan: tolerance, respect and enlightenment. As a thriving metropolis that places art, education and culture to the fore, the Festival plays an intrinsic role by further expanding the boundaries of creativity and innovation through the arts. Through its Headline Programme as well as youth platforms and community initiatives, it permeates the farthest reaches of the UAE, engaging children, young people and adults while providing memorable and meaningful experiences that unite visitors, residents and citizens alike.
Strengthened by a growing network of 30 international partners, each year, the Festival brings audiences together to enjoy unique experiences that testify to our common humanity and the deep bonds we share. Always growing, always innovating, it brings the best of the world to Abu Dhabi and takes the very best of Abu Dhabi to the world.
Patron: H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister for Tolerance
Founded in 1996, ADMAF is one of the oldest, not-for-profit cultural organisations in the Arabian Gulf. Pioneering new artistic practices, it seeks to deepen global cross-cultural dialogue and inspire a renewed interest in the creativity of the UAE and Arab world. Often in partnership with leading national and international institutions, it delivers multidisciplinary initiatives for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities through the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round youth platforms and community programmes.
H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Netherlands.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 8 February 2918, the venue the Embassy of the Russian Federation. The occasion was the celebration of the annual professional holiday of all Russian diplomats “Diplomats Day”. Russian diplomats have been celebrating this day since 2002 commemorate the founding of the Russian Diplomatic Service in 1549by Czar Ivan IV.
The fabulously outfitted Ilinsky sisters performed together with guitar player Irina Kulikova, Russian folk and Cossack songs, which further increased the festive atmosphere of the evening. The Medal “For Interaction» of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was bestowed upon Professor of East European Law, Ferdinand Feldbrugge of Leiden University.
The reception was attended by the Director General of the OPCW, H.E. Fernando Arias, many International Judges and members of the business community; the Ambassador of Nicaragua, Soudan, Belarus, South Africa and other dignitaries. All drop by to congratulate H.E. Ambassador Alexander V. Shulgin on this special day, “Diplomats Day”.
Prof. Jack Dhillon and Archbishop Elisey.
Ambassador Alexander V. Shulgin extended a warm welcome to all the guests. He went on to say: Today we celebrate a professional holiday of all Russian diplomats, “Diplomats Day” It was established in 2002 to commemorate the founding of the Russian Diplomatic Services in 1549 by Czar Ivan IV.
Since
then, diplomatic activity widened its range considerably, it
has become part of our daily life and grew in almost all fields
of it. The new type of diplomacy requires true understanding of economic,
financial, cultural and social data and a clear vision on political
issues. Besides bilateral negotiations, multilateral ties became highly
important at the level of international conferences and organisations.
Cultural diplomacy also gained a significant place.
But what remains unchanged, is the main goal of diplomacy – promotion of friendship and cooperation, cultural, educational and scientific exchange, mutual understanding and respect between peoples, prevention of war and violence, protection of our shared values. And the modern Russian diplomacy fully remains true to these fundamental principles of diplomacy and international relations.
We see diplomacy as a universal foreign policy tool: there is hardly a global challenge today that does not require our countries to cooperate – from fighting terrorism and nuclear proliferation to curbing the spread of illegal narcotics and epidemic disease, not to mention the development of economic ties which make life better for millions of our peoples.
Ms. Kristina Vengerets, Archbishop Elisey and Ms. Olga Pakhomkina.
I mentioned the importance of educational and scientific cooperation in international relations. In this regard, I would like to fulfil a pleasant duty – to award the Medal «For cooperation» of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to professor European Law at the Leiden University.
In the 90s he advised Russian of the Leiden university. Mr.Ferdinand Feldbrugge is the leading expert in the field of Soviet and Russian legislation in the Netherlands, the author of numerous works on this topic. For many years professor headed the Institute of Eastern parliamentarians and specialists, who worked on new legislation of the Russian Federation, including the development of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. In 2017 professor presented his new book «History of Russian law». Dutch and Russian experts in the field of law highly appreciate professor Feldbrugge`s many years of experience in the legal field, his contribution to the development of legal science. I would like to welcome Mr. Ferdinand Feldbrugge.
Finishing my welcoming remarks I
would like to introduce to you our artists – guitar player Irina Kulikova and
sisters of Ilyinskie who are here to increase the festive atmosphere of this
evening//
The Hague, 22 February 2019– The Appeals Chamber of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (“Mechanism”) has scheduled the pronouncement of the Appeal Judgement in the case of Prosecutor v. Radovan Karadžić for Wednesday, 20 March 2019 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom I of the Mechanism’s Hague branch.
The accreditation procedure for media representatives wishing to attend the Mechanism for the pronouncement of the Judgement will be announced on Monday, 4 March 2019. Case background
Radovan Karadžić was charged with two counts of genocide, five counts of crimes against humanity, and four counts of violations of the laws or customs of war committed by Serb forces during the armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina (“BiH”), from 1992 until 1995.
On 24 March 2016, Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (“ICTY”) convicted Karadžić of genocide in the area of Srebrenica in 1995 and of persecution, extermination, murder, deportation, inhumane acts (forcible transfer), terror, unlawful attacks on civilians, and hostage-taking. He was acquitted of the charge of genocide in other municipalities in BiH.
The Trial Chamber found that Karadžić committed these crimes through his participation in four joint criminal enterprises (“JCE”s): (i) the JCE to permanently remove Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats from Bosnian Serb-claimed territory through the commission of crimes in municipalities throughout BiH; (ii) the JCE to spread terror among the civilian population of Sarajevo through a campaign of sniping and shelling; (iii) the JCE with the common purpose of taking UN personnel hostage in order to compel NATO to abstain from conducting air strikes against Bosnian Serb targets; and (iv) the JCE to eliminate the Bosnian Muslims from Srebrenica in July 1995.
The Trial Chamber sentenced Karadžić to 40 years of imprisonment.
Following the rendering of the Trial Judgement, and in accordance with the Article 2 of the Mechanism’s Transitional Arrangements, the Mechanism assumed jurisdiction for the appeals proceedings in the Prosecutor v. Radovan Karadžić case. Both Karadžić and the Prosecution appealed the Trial Judgement, filing their respective notices of appeal on 22 July 2016, their appeal briefs on 5 December 2016, their response briefs on 15 March 2017, and their reply briefs on 6 April 2017. The appeal hearing took place on 23 and 24 April 2018 at the Mechanism’s Hague branch.
The initial indictment against Karadžić was confirmed on 25 July 1995. He was arrested in Serbia on 21 July 2008, and transferred to the ICTY on 30 July 2008. The trial commenced on 26 October 2009 and 586 in-court testimonies were heard by the Trial Chamber.
