Picture Twitter Mark Rutte. from his twitter account.By Anton Lutter.
On the 15th of August 1945 the Second World War ended for the Kingdom of the Netherlands by the surrendering of the Japanese forces, now 73 years ago. Every 15th of August this day is remembered at the Indies Monument in The Hague. During the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies (nowadays Indonesia), 100,000 Dutch nationals were detained in appalling conditions in internment camps for 4 years. About 13,000 of them died.
Thousands attended the commemoration, among them not only the victims but also their children and grandchildren. Confirming the recent trend that especially the younger generations are interested in the circumstances of their family during World War II.
The solemn ceremony began when the standard of the Regiment Van Heutsz was presented by the military in traditional uniforms of the former Royal Netherlands Indies Army. The music peaceâs where performed by the Royal Military Band âJohan Willem Frisoâ and the Residentie Bach Ensembles choir.
On behalf of the government Prime Minister Mr. Mark Rutte– his own father being interned during the WWII – and the State Secretaryfor Health, Welfare and Sport Mr. Paul Blokhuis, who has âWorld War II Victims and Remembranceâin his portfolio, laid a reef. The importance of the 15th of August commemoration is reflected by a large attendance of dignitaries. Amongst them the Minister of Defense Mrs. Ank Bijleveld as well as the Commander of the Dutch Defence Force, with the Operational Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marechaussee.
The presidents of the parliament (Tweede Kamer) Mrs. Khadidja Arib and the senate (Eerste Kamer) Mrs. Ankie Broekers-Knol, the vice-president of the Council of State Mr. Piet Hein Donner and the president of the Court of Audit Mr. Arno Visser.
Des Indies Monument in The Hague. Photography by Anton Lutter.
After the laying of the reefs by the Government, Defense and City of The Hague, represented by deputy mayor Mr. Bert van Alphen, the representatives of the Embassies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States and Indonesia paid their respect by also laying a reef.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bernard Bot, during WWII âa camp childâ, reiterated in De Volkskrant newspaper that the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies is a part of our history that deserves attention, âthe horrors of the Second World War over there where at least as big as in Europe. It is good that one has knowledge and contemplates about itâ.
H. E. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan.By Roy Lie Atjam.
There is an incredible potential in emerging economies, the Republic of Uzbekistan has such an economy. The government of Uzbekistan, more particularly the Bukhara Region Government, presents prospective investors scores of opportunities to participate in the appealing and diverse region of Bukhara.
The months of July and August are considered slow business months, not so for H. E. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan in the Netherlands and Belgium. I met Ambassador Khakimov in The Hague on 8th August 2018. His Embassy has been welcoming back-to-back, delegations from Uzbekistan for the purpose of promoting the country and its regions.
This time around, itâs a delegation from the Bukhara region under the acumen leadership of Mr. Uktam Barnoyev Bukhara region Khokim or Governor. Mr. Barnoyev is an experienced governor. He has served twice as the Samarkand region governor.
Ambassador Khakimov recounts, the Bukhara region delegation first visited Turkey and is now in the Netherlands and Belgium. The primary focus of the delegation is to meet investors for the sectors Horticulture and Livestock. The sector needs technical know-how and financing. Due to the dry Uzbek soil, modern greenhouses are making use of hydroponics technology.
In addition, the greenhouse organizations are looking for investors that will enhance the hydroponic technology. There is a project in place aiming at achieving the implementation of hydroponic technology on 50.000 hectares by 2023. The project finances US$. 250-500 thousand per hectare.
Investment conditions in the Bukhara region are attractive, the investor obtains ownership of the entire business. At the same time the government is also encouraging the cultivation of flower bulbs.
Production capacities in the textile industry
The sector undoubtedly has great potential. Cotton âwhite goldâ produces about 310,8 thousand tons per annum.
Cotton fibre, 114.0 thousand tons, production of the cocoon is up to 3000 tones. Types of products: yarn, knitting- and weaving cloth, readymade garments, bed linen, kitchen accessories and decorative textile. The Hatay region is important to cotton production.
The production capacity of raw silk is up to 370 tons per annum. In 2016, silk export has generated US.$100 million. It is expected to increase to US.$500 million in the coming years. Business groups are cordially invited to invest and finance the textile sector in order to take it to higher heights.
The Oil & Gas sector
Foreign companies carrying out oil & gas exploration works are granted certain incentives including exclusive exploration rights for a number of territories.
Such companies and their foreign contractors and also subcontractors are exempted from payment of all forms of taxes and contributions to non-budget funds during the exploration period.
Bukhara oil refinery. Uzbekistan is the largest gas producer in the world, 60 billion cubic perannum.
Neftegaz â UNG = is Uzbek Oil & Gas is engaged in the export of oil and gas production. It intends to expand the geography and range of export.
On 26th July H.E Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan called a conference to which the various heads of diplomatic missions, regional governors and stakeholders were invited. The focus was on how to promote the country further by facilitating genuine investors.
Besides visa waivers, one-stop shop, incentives as tax holidays and infrastructure, the organizing of mega cultural activities was touched upon, in other words, making further use of Uzbekistanâs rich heritage. For example, events like Maqom Festival and the renowned Sharq Taronalari need further exploration. Investment and trade delegation are other means of augmenting the chances of attracting foreign capital.
On August 12th 2018, on the initiative of the Dutch Government, the World Bank and the Uzbek government and by extension the Uzbekistan Embassy in Brussels, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Said Kamal Khodjaev paid an official five days visit to the Netherlands.
Uzbekistan and its regions are, by all means, highly promising emerging market.
United Nations Security Council on the United Nations Headquarters in New York City – Picture through Wikipedia Commons, free licence.
Ireland, Norway and Canada are bidding for two seats on the Security Council accorded to Western countries. These seats become available in 2021-22, with the election being held in 2020.
Ireland won its last bid for a seat in 2001 by a landslide whereas Canada withdrew in defeat from its bid in 2010, and the wins fell to Germany and Portugal.
Canadian officials point out in the memorandum that the country has been a leading contributor to UN peace missions, including the United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia in 1989 and 1990 as well as the missions in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On the other hand, Ireland has continued its official development assistance funding to developing countries during some tough recent years. Irelandâs Official Development Assistance’s (ODA) budget was nearly $1 billion (about 0.4% of its GDP.)
Norway on her side has consistently and actively contributed to peace, security and development. Norwegians continue to spend one percent of their Gross National Income on development aid every year
Since the UNâs inception, more than 40,000 Norwegian men and women have served in UN operations across the globe. Specialised Norwegian military and police personnel have contributed significantly over the years, from Congo and Lebanon to Kosovo, Haiti and Mali.
For further information:http://www.un.org/en/sc/
Amazement and togetherness at Embassy Festival 2018
Itâs not coincidental that the Embassy Festival takes place in the international city of The Hague. One-third of the inhabitants in The Hague have foreign roots, which is an astounding percentage.This makes The Hague the perfect location to organise a festival that aims to bring people from different cultures together.
The majority of embassies are located in The Hague and are often quite secluded. But by joining forces with these embassies, the Embassy Festival has created a festival at the Lange Voorhout that showcases the cultural richness of all the participating countries.
Together, a programme has been realised with lots of dance and music; the universal language that brings us all together.
Visitors at the Embassy Festival will not only be welcomed by their own culture but experience other cultures at the same time. Renowned artists from all corners of the world have been programmed together with traditional acts from several countries.
Embassy Festival
In 2017 the Embassy Festival attracted nearly 50.000 from all ages. This year, expect to be taken on a trip through Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mozambique, Nepal, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vietnam and Yemen.
EMBASSY FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 31 AUGUST | 17.00 â 23.00 HRS / SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER | 12.00 â 20.00 HRS
LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE
MORE INFORMATION: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM
Moscow’s approval of new North Korean laborers keeps cash flowing to Pyongyang and may violate sanctions, U.S. officials say
By Ian Talley in Washington and Anatoly Kurmanaev in St. Petersburg, Russia.
WJS (02.08.2018) – https://on.wsj.com/2ny2sQn – Russia is letting thousands of new North Korean laborers enter the country and issuing fresh work permits-actions U.S. officials say potentially violate United Nations sanctions aimed at cutting cash flows to Pyongyang and pressing it to give up nuclear weapons.
The U.N. Security Council in September barred governments from issuing new work permits to North Koreans, though some existing labor contracts were allowed to continue.
Since the ban, more than 10,000 new North Korean workers have registered in Russia, according to Russian Interior Ministry records reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, at least 700 new work permits have been issued to North Koreans this year, according to Labor Ministry records.
The labor prohibition, part of a broad array of sanctions, is aimed at eliminating an important revenue stream for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s regime.
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Published previously by HRWF News, credits/rights to HRWF.
Kim Jon-un and Donald Trump – Picture by U.S. Department of State
Malaysia performance an all-male traditional choir gave an excellent rendition of the renowned âAnak Tupaiaâ (small squirrel).
The Philippines Embassy performed a popular Original Pilipino Music(OPM) piece entitled Manila, Manila, by the Filipino pop rock band âHotdogâ. The song Manila, Manila, gives millions of Filipinos who are away from their families the sounds and sights of the
countryâs premier and capital city, Manila sang in delightful rhythms
intermixed with catchy lyrics of Tagalog and Tagalog-English or âTaglishâ.
Thailand performance, a classical folk song entitled Siam the land of smiles, composed by the legendary Thai folk singer the late Ms. Pumpuang Duangjun.
Viet Nam performance, a song by Ms. Nguyen Minh Phuong
ASEAN reception
An ASEAN potluck reception followed, an array of tasty dishes including the famous Thai Green Curry.
ASEAN Day 2018 in The Hague, was once more a demonstration of solidarity, ASEANâs hallmark!
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, MoscowBy Guido Lanfranchi.The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of imposing its last round of sanctions over fake charges. Recently, the US administration had targeted Russia with a batch of economic restrictions, on account of Russia’s alleged involvement in the Skripal case.
On August 9th, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova discussed the most recent set of restrictions imposed by the United States on the Russian Federation. Firmly condemning the US administration’s decision, Ms. Zaharova denounced that âthe Skripal poisoning case was chosen as the trumped-up pretext,â in spite of the âabsence of any evidence whatsoever.â
Over the previous two days, the US State Department had announced that it would impose a new round of sanctions on Russia , on account of its alleged responsibility in the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal. A Senior US State Department Officials has declared that the imposition of such measures had been triggered in mid-March, when British officials presented some evidence on Russia’s responsibilities to their US counterparts, who swiftly concurred to the findings.
However, in a briefing with the press, Ms. Zakharova not only claimed that the UK has by now failed to present any evidence of Russia’s involvement, but she also accused the British government of refusing to collaborate with Russia on the investigation.
Describing the newly imposed US restrictions on Russia, Ms. Zakharova stressed that the demands made by the US for the sanctions to be lifted are âpatently unacceptableâ to the Russian government. Moreover, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson openly accused the US of âdeliberately seeking to further aggravate bilateral ties that have already been reduced to zero through its own efforts.â
The goal of these new sanctions â Ms. Zakharova said â is to âcontinue demonising Russiaâ and to denigrate the country in front of the international community. These efforts look âutterly cynicalâ â the Spokesperson stressed â if one considers that the US has by now failed to destroy its chemical warfare arsenals, something that Russia has done last year to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Ms. Zakharova also accused the US of âunconcealed hypocrisy,â on account of the inconsistency between the US declarations of goodwill towards normalizing bilateral US-Russia ties, and the US moves, such as the recent sanctions, which seem to have the opposite aim.
Towards the end of the briefing, Ms. Zakharova finally stressed that threatening Russia and setting ultimatums to its government is âfutile and pointless.â The Russian government â she declared â will consider apt countermeasures to respond to the US move.
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For further information:
http://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3316569
By Guido Lanfranchi.In compliance with the CBW Act provisions, the US is set to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in the poisoning of Sergei Skripal. The sanctions, which are expected to take full effect around August 22nd, include severe restrictions on the export of national security sensitive goods and technologies.
Five months after the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, the US administration is set to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, on account of its alleged involvement in the attack. This round of sanctions â a Senior US State Department Official explained â have been imposed by the administration following the procedure set by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act (CBW Act) of 1991.
Under the CBW Act, the US administration is required to impose sanctions on a state that has been held responsible for a chemical or biological weapons attack. A few days after the Skripal attack â a Senior US State Department Official says â the US received information from the British government, which claimed that Novichok gas had been used in the attack, and that the Russian government was behind it. US experts soon confirmed these evaluations, thus triggering the CBW Act procedure.
As a result of this procedure, the US is currently targeting the Russian Federation with a new round of sanctions, which are set to take effect as of August 22nd approximately. The main measure included in this package â the Official explained â is the imposition of a so-called âpresumption of denialâ for national security sensitive goods and technologies exported to Russian state-owned or state-funded companies. This means that licenses to export such goods to Russia will be presumptively denied by the US administration, thus negatively affecting US-Russia bilateral trade in a number of sectors.
President Vladimir Putin.
Although the measures are expected to be far-ranging, the US administration has carefully elaborated a set of carve-outs and waivers, which are aimed at protecting US security and economic interests from the sanctions’ effects. In particular â the Official explained â the waivers will shield US foreign assistance programs, some civil aviation issues, as well as US companies operating in Russia and Russians nationals employed by US firms.
The current round of sanctions is set to remain in place for at least 12 months, after which the measures should be removed in case Russia has complied with a set of requirements, carefully listed in the CBW Act. Such requirements include that Russia should: not use anymore any chemical weapon; assure that it won’t use such weapons in the future; and allow on-site inspections from independent observers.
Moreover, a Senior US State Department Official stressed â if Russia will not comply with such requests in a three months time, the CBW Act requires the US to impose a second round of sanctions, usually set to be more draconian than the first. Such sanctions might include restrictions on assistance from International Financial Institutions to Russia, as well as the downgrading of diplomatic relations â the Official said.
In an exchange with journalists in a teleconference, the Official stressed that these sanctions are being imposed as a result of a US-based law. Nonetheless, the US share similar views with its European partners on this issue, as demonstrated by the March 15th joint statement by the US, the UK, France, and Germany in support of the UK assessments.
The aim of this round of US sanctions â the Official concluded â is to provide accountability for the use of chemical weapons, in order to discourage further use of them and to ensure that such episodes will not happen again in the future.
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Photography of the White House by David Everett.
By Guido Lanfranchi.Starting from the midnight of August 7th, the US will reimpose a first round of unilateral sanctions against Iran. This move comes as a part of a broader strategy of putting unprecedented financial pressure on Tehran â Senior US Administration Officials say â in order to counter Iran’s foreign policy endeavors throughout the Middle East.Â
On May 8th, US President Donald Trump publicly announced that the United States would withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Under such deal, the Iranian government had accepted several limitations on its nuclear program, in exchange for the lifting of sanctions previously imposed by the international community. Since the day of the withdrawalâs announcement it was therefore clear what would happen in the near future: the reimposition of US nuclear-related sanctions on Iran.
Three months after President Trump’s announcement, the US administration has taken the expected step, announcing that a first batch of sanctions would come back into full effect as of August 7th. These sanctions â Senior US Administration Officials explained â are part of a coordinated campaign of maximum pressure on Iran, aimed at countering what the US administration sees as “Iran’s malign behavior” throughout the Middle East.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the JCPOA, finalized during President Obama’s second term, as a terrible deal. According to the President and other US officials, the deal has provided Iran with money that the country’s government has unfortunately invested in controversial foreign policy endeavors, rather than on Iran’s development. Hence, the US administration’s decision to withdraw from the deal, and to put an unprecedented level of economic and political pressure on Iran’s government to change its behavior.
It is on the backdrop of such a strategy â Senior US Administration Officials explained â that the current and future rounds of Iran sanctions should be understood. The first batch, set to be effective as of August 7th, comprises a set of financial and commercial restrictions in certain sectors of the Iranian economy, such as those of carpets, cars, and commercial aviation. The next round of sanctions, expected to take effect on November 4th, will involve more sensitive issues, such as Iran’s energy and shipping sectors, as well as restrictions on financial institutions engaged in deals with the Central Bank of Iran.
The combination of the US sanctions regime and the opaque nature of Iran’s economy â Senior US Administration Officials say â is expected to drive more and more businesses out of Iran, reinforcing a trend that has already been seen over the last months. If the Iranian government wants to reverse such trends â the US administration maintains â there are several issues that Iran should address. Chief among them, Iran’s foreign policy enterprises, such as the country’s involvement in Syria alongside Bashar al-Asad, as well as Iran’s support to groups that the US considers as terrorists, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Federica Moguerini
The Iranian government strongly condemned the reimposition of US nuclear-related sanctions. On Twitter, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif openly expressed his country’s rejection of âUS unilateralismâ, Â highlighting the alignment between Iran and the remaining signatories to the JCPOA.
While US allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia have welcomed the US move, the reimposition of unilateral US sanctions has been openly criticized by the European Union, China, and Russia. In a joint statement, the EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK have said that they âdeeply regret â the US decision.
Similarly, China and Russia condemned President Trump’s move, praising the JCPOA and defending their bilateral relationship with Tehran.
Mohammad Javad Zarif
Over the last months, European, Chinese, and Russian leaders have repeatedly tried to persuade the United States not to leave the agreement, and they are currently engaged in negotiations with the Iranian government in order to salvage the deal.
However, the extraterritorial nature of US sanctions and the administration’s pledge to aggressively enforce them might create tensions, and consequently put at risk the survival of the deal. Only time will tell how such disputes and tensions will unfold.
Link to Diplomat Magazine previous article on the subject:
Together, a programme has been realised with lots of dance and music; the universal language that brings us all together.
Visitors at the Embassy Festival will not only be welcomed by their own culture but experience other cultures at the same time. Renowned artists from all corners of the world have been programmed together with traditional acts from several countries.
Together, a programme has been realised with lots of dance and music; the universal language that brings us all together.
Visitors at the Embassy Festival will not only be welcomed by their own culture but experience other cultures at the same time. Renowned artists from all corners of the world have been programmed together with traditional acts from several countries.
Kick-Off on Friday 31 August From 17.00
The Friday evening will mark the kick-off of the sixth edition of the EMBASSY FESTIVAL in an abbreviated setting in front of the Diligentia Theatre with performances by FOLK ROAD SHOW (AUS/CAN/NLD) â Americana-Indie-Pop with harmonic vocals, TĂMĂ TAN (BEL/COD) â Latin/African vibes blended with soul/hip hop, ONIPA (GBR/GHA) â African grooves with electronic music and RIZAN SAID & FRIENDS (SYR) â energising Syrian synthesizer sounds with percussion and guitar.
Saturday 1 September from 12.00
On Saturday 2 September the EMBASSY FESTIVAL will fully commence from 12.00 with four stages, the Kids Compound and International Market. There will be a broad selection of international artists presented on the CONTEMPORARY STAGE with pop- and world music by DANDANA (GMB/NLD) â eclectic mix of hip hop, synths, and afrobeat, DYLAN LEBLANC (USA) â 70âs folk/pop blended with country and soul with a hint of Neil Young and Fleet Foxes, LES TOURISTES (CHE) â summery music with hip hop and an electronic vibe, SOFIANE SAIDI (DZA/FRA) â eclectic mix of raĂŻ, funk, synths, disco, dance and rock, and TABANKA (CPV) â a modern interpretation of funanĂĄ, the most popular dance music from Cape Verde.
On the CLASSICAL STAGE weâll have FIONNUALA MOYNIHAN (IRL) â recital centred around the music of Irish classical composer John Field, BODO QUARTET (POL) â award-winning Polish soprano AldonaBartnik will explore with her ensemble the central-European music from the interbellum, TRIO NUR (PSE) â musical journey through Western Asia, ELISE CALUWAERTS (BEL) â sensuous summer serenades, lieder and arias by Liszt, Strauss and Bernstein, OSLO FATSTRING QUARTET (NOR) â fresh interpretations and arrangements of classical and modern compositions and IDA SAND (SWE) â an intimate solo-set with the Swedish jazz-superstar re-visiting a selection of her favourites.
Enjoyment and amazement will be created throughout the day at the CREATIVE ARENA and the CONTAINER STAGE with dance, music and theatre from every corner of the world. Throat singing from Kazachstanaccompanied by the Dombra (a long-necked lute), an impressive Chinese fashion show, dance performances from (amongst others) Rwanda, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines and Bangladesh, drama classes by the HaagsTheaterhuis, Improv Comedy from STET and works by Writers Unlimited (preview of Winternachten).
Our youngest visitors will be spoiled at our KIDS COMPOUND with a tailor-made programme that will tickle all their senses and embody pure enjoyment. Taste buds will be overjoyed at the INTERNATIONAL MARKET thanks to the most delicious wines, sausages, cakes, sandwiches, and lots of traditional bites that have been âflown inâ from all over the world. Chilean empanada, Finnish grilled cheese (EipĂ€juusto), El Salvadorian Pupusas, Martabak, TelurBalado, Sate Ayam from the Indonesian kitchen, Panama’s arroz con pollo: in short, not your average selection of foods but a worldly feast. There will be countless demonstrationsat the International Market and naturally, there will be a lot of information about the participating countries.
The ASEAN Vision 2025 confirms the commitments of member states to strengthening and deepening ASEAN linkages and building a rules – based, people – oriented and people – centered community with significant contributions to the global community.
As a proactive and responsible member, Vietnam will honor all its integration commitments and work together with other member states to realize the ultimate goal of an ASEAN Community.
The ASEAN Vision 2025 confirms the commitments of member states to strengthening and deepening ASEAN linkages and building a rules – based, people – oriented and people – centered community with significant contributions to the global community.
As a proactive and responsible member, Vietnam will honor all its integration commitments and work together with other member states to realize the ultimate goal of an ASEAN Community.
