The Hague, 11 July 2018– As part of the commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, today, the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Mr. Olufemi Elias, paid his respect to the victims and delivered remarks during the commemoration ceremony at the Potočari memorial in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
In his address, Registrar Elias highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability for the genocide that occurred in Srebrenica in 1995 and delivering justice to victims. He noted that while the Mechanism continues the remaining work, including some important cases it inherited from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), it also provides assistance to national authorities in the former Yugoslavia who are now dealing with the remaining war crimes.
Registrar Elias further emphasized the role that the Mechanism has in promoting and carrying forward the legacy of the ICTY and its contribution in uncovering what happened in Srebrenica 23 years ago. In this regard Registrar Elias stated: “The cases tried by the ICTY have contributed in a profound way to establishing what happened in Srebrenica in July 1995, how the genocide was committed and who is responsible for it. The Mechanism, as the Tribunal’s successor, is dedicated to ensuring that the ICTY’s legacy is not forgotten or disregarded after its closing, but that it remains impactful and that it provides a meaningful platform for the processes of facing the past in Srebrenica, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region of the former Yugoslavia.”
He also noted that the archive of the ICTY, for which the Mechanism is responsible, including thousands of documents, artefacts, photographs and videos related to genocide in Srebrenica will enable the future generations to better understand these events, and hopefully learn from them and never again allow such evil to be repeated.
Registrar Elias concluded that “the Mechanism will do its part to ensure that the events of Srebrenica will not be forgotten and cannot be denied, that the perpetrators are held accountable, and that the memory of the victims is preserved.”
Registrar Elias attended the commemoration in Srebrenica as part of his first official visit to BiH since his appointment as Registrar of the Mechanism in January 2017. This was also the first of a series of planned visits by Registrar Elias to the countries of the former Yugoslavia this year.
Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: Deputy Mayor of Hamburg and Senator Katharina Fegebank, in charge of the portfolios of Science, Research, and Equal Rights, welcomed to the historic City Hall, H.E. Ambassador Nabijon Kasimov of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who paid his courtesy visit to the Hamburg Senate after being accredited to Germany on 27 November 2017.
Previous to taking office as ambassador to Germany, Nabijon Kasimov served as chairman of the association of private tourism organisations.
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By Bentley Motors.
10 July 2018, Crewe, England, UK: Bentley Motors, founded on 10 July 1919, is entering its 100th year of creating the world’s most iconic Grand Tourers, and the British luxury brand is honouring decades of innovation, achievement and craftsmanship by releasing a short film ‘Together we are Extraordinary: The Story of Bentley Motors.’
From W.O. Bentley himself, right up to the new Continental GT, the film touches upon the extraordinary characters, sporting achievements and successful models through the decades.
The film uses a striking combination of 3D-scanned actors turned into digital ‘metal’ sculptures; stylised archive imagery; and Hollywood-grade motion graphic technology to tell the Bentley story.
Shot using 4k ALEXA Mini camera technology and bespoke rigs, the film was produced by Oscar-winning visual effects company, The Mill.
It begins with W.O. Bentley touching an aluminium paperweight (the inspiration for his revolutionary aluminium piston design) to a wall which then comes to life, taking the viewer on an engaging journey across Bentley’s near-century of innovation and success.
The legendary Bentley Boys and Girls star, as do the Le Mans-winning ‘Blower’ and Speed 8, alongside Woolf Barnato during his famous race against the ‘Blue Train’. The film is also inspired by the shapes, surfaces and luxurious materials that have made Bentley the enduring automotive brand it is today.
‘Together we are Extraordinary: The Story of Bentley Motors’ can be viewed at www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years
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Picture by Leonard Freier – Bentley
FIFA President Gianni Infantino & Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Rania Al Mashat – Picture by Travel Egypt.
June 2018: The Arab Republic of Egypt is the offical African Regional Supporter for the 2018 FIFA World Cup; to mark the partnership FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Egyptian Minister of Tourism H.E. Rania Al-Mashat met in Cairo for a signing of a memorandum of understanding.
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Today, 13 July 2018, Beijing Normal University won the final round of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court Competition, Chinese version, held in ICC Courtroom II in The Hague (Netherlands). Soochow University and Liaoning University won, respectively, second and third place. The Best Speaker award went to Yiwei Guo of the Beijing Normal University.
Sitting on the bench this year were ICC Judge Chang-ho Chung and ICC legal officers Eleni Chaitidou and Anthony Abato. The teams competed on a fictitious case, presenting oral arguments during an appeals hearing in the roles of Prosecution, Defence and Legal Representatives of the Victims.
After a break for deliberations, the jury announced the bench’s decision and an awards ceremony was held for all participants. The finalists’ peers attended the event in the Court’s public galleries and the event was web streamed live on the Court’s website.
This year, 48 universities participated in the competition, where students put to the test their knowledge of the applicable law and jurisprudence of the ICC. After the main rounds and semi-final, the three top teams came to The Hague for a six-day study visit before the final competition at the ICC.
The study visit offered the students a unique opportunity to gather in an exciting setting and to meet with eminent personalities of the international law scene. The students visited several international institutions and organizations, such as the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, the International Development Law Organization, the T.M.C. Asser Institute, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Anne Frank House, and the Leiden University. This version of the ICC Moot Court Competition is organised by the Chinese Initiative on International Criminal Justice (CIICJ).
In the context of its Academic Programme, the ICC supports the organisation of ICC Moot Court Competitions in Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish, with a view to also support Arabic and French versions in the future. These initiatives play a critical role in galvanising interest in the Court’s work with academic communities as well as in enhancing promotion and respect for international criminal law.
EU at NATO Summit July 2018 – Picture by European Union.
Wednesday, 11 July 2018, Brussels: NATO leaders agreed to invite Macedonia to begin accession talks to join the Western alliance.
Macedonia would become NATO’s 30th member state, though its people must first back the deal with Greece in a referendum to change the country’s name to ‘Republic of North Macedonia’.
The invitation to the small Balkan state of two million people comes despite opposition from Russia.
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H.E. Ms. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada.By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Ambassador of Canada in the Netherlands H.E. Ms. Sabine Nölke and Mr. Chris Ram hosted a garden party on the occasion of Canada’s 151st Anniversary of Confederation on June 28.
Celebrations took place at Canada House – Villa Groot Haesebroek, Wassenaar in the Netherlands. Contrary to last year’s inclement weather, it has been a bright and sunny afternoon.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157697351456301
Ambassador Nölke warmly welcomed her many guests, a very diverse gathering and delivered a captivating welcome address. In part, this is what Ambassador Nölke went on to say:
“Welcome! Bienvenue! Welkom!
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank-you to all of our sponsors who made today possible. A special shout-out to Northland Power, TD Bank, Volker Wessels, and Shell for your generosity.
Today we mark Canada’s 151st birthday.
There is much to celebrate for Canadians: our economy is growing; we ranked 7th on this year’s World Happiness Report; and we won our FIFA 2026 bid alongside our American and Mexican friends. Canada making the World Cup is definitely something to celebrate!
But we are also a work in progress. The dividends of greater prosperity are uneven. Gender equality remains a goal. Reconciliation with our Indigenous people is incomplete. Climate action is taking time.
H.E. Dirk Brengelmann, Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Roman Buzek, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa, Mr. Boris A. Zhilko, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Russia and H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia.
This is not the end of history for Canada. We recognise that there’s work to be done if we are to promote the liberal democratic values that have come to define our country and many of yours.
Because today, make no mistake, liberal democracy and the international rules based order are under siege. It’s under siege from without, but also from within.
Authoritarian regimes are seeking to undermine many of us through espionage, disinformation and propaganda.
While at home, we are less than perfect in many respects. Wealth that goes unshared hollows out the middle class. Stagnating median wages breed anxiety as parents cannot provide their children with the same opportunities once afforded to them. Precarious work, uncertain pensions, the rising cost of housing all feed angry populism and its promise – albeit fallacious – that somewhere, somehow there exists a panacea. Scapegoating the “other” becomes a coping mechanism, be it refugees or migrants among us, members of minorities or foreign powers, even neighbours.
This is the other edge of the sword that is globalization and the technology revolution.
So what can be done?
On our home fronts, we have to work harder to address legitimate grievances of people. Our children need to be educated for the jobs of the future. National potential must be tapped. Everyone needs a slice of the pie.
Internationally, we have to strike back and make our voices heard.
We have to persist in our efforts to promote effective multi-lateralism, striving to improve our imperfect institutions rather than abandon them.
We don’t stop free trading – we trade better. That means labour and environmental standards built into progressive agreements, like CETA, that benefit everyone.
We have to up our game to guard against cyber-meddling, disinformation and propaganda.
And we have to own integrity. As our Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has argued: facts matter. Truth matters. Competence and honesty, among elected leaders and in our public services, matter.
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, aunt of King Willem-Alexander, and Ambassador Nölke.
We have to acknowledge that our democracies, Canada’s included, aren’t perfect. And we have to admit our mistakes, learn from them and do better.
I was proud as a Canadian, a public servant and a mother when last November Prime Minister Trudeau issued a historic apology to Canada’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Community for decades of discrimination and suffering. Criminal records were expunged and an agreement in a class action lawsuit was reached.
Internationally, Canada, like the Netherlands, is taking a leadership role in advancing LGBTI rights.
With Chile, we chair the Equal Rights Coalition of over 30 countries around the globe. The Coalition is working towards decriminalization and respect – not tolerance, respect – for the LGBTI community and the contributions it makes to our societies.
Next month, Canada will host the Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind.”
We were one of the first countries to recognize sexual orientation as a ground for discrimination in refugee claims, and identified members of the LGBTI community as particularly vulnerable when bringing in some 43,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, including many through private sponsorships by ordinary citizens.
And in this context, I want to say a special word of welcome to some of the Netherlands’ LGBTI rights activists with us today from Cultuuren Ontspannings centrum (COC), HIVOS, and the International Queer and Migrant Film Festival. Thank you for the work you do, and thank you for being here.
It is my hope, and my Government’s hope, that one day we’ll be able to proclaim the end of discrimination, repression and inequality. That we will no longer need to fight for equal rights and freedoms, rule of law, government by and for the people. But until then, we must stand on guard for these values that we hold not only to be Canadian but to be universal.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish you a happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada! Fijne Canada-dag!
Family picture at NATO Summit July 2018 – Picture by NATOStatement by NATO
The twenty nine Allied leaders took a series of measures to continue NATO’s adaptation to a more demanding security environment, including a new readiness initiative which will see thirty mechanised battalions, thirty air squadrons and thirty combat vessels ready for use within thirty days.
Allies also enhanced NATO’s command structure with new commands for the Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia, and for support and logistics in Ulm, Germany. A new Cyber Operations Centre will also be created at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.
Allied leaders decided to launch a new NATO training mission in Iraq, with several hundred trainers, and to increase support for Jordan and Tunisia. These initiatives will help them counter terrorism and maintain stability. The Secretary General announced that NATO’s Hub for the South is now fully operational. The facility in Naples, Italy, will help the Alliance monitor and respond more effectively to challenges in the Southern region.
The Secretary General reiterated the importance of fairer burden-sharing in the Alliance and he confirmed that all Allies are increasing defence spending. This year, eight nations have committed to devote at least 2% of GDP on defence and a majority of Allies have plans to do so by 2024.
Ambassador Gordan Sondland (US to the EU), Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison (US to NATO), Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz and wife Christina (US to Belgium) greeting US President Donald Trump and First Lady, Melania Trump.
Mr. JensStoltenberg also said that, based on the national plans of European Allies and Canada, it is expected $266 billion extra will be spent on defence between now and 2024. “So we have turned the tide but we need to do more. This is about fairness, this is about our credibility and, above all, this is about our security in a more unpredictable world,” said the Secretary General.
Allied leaders also agreed to invite the government in Skopje, Macedonia, to start accession talks. Once all national procedures have been completed to finalise the agreement on the name issue, the country will join NATO as its thirtieth member.
NATO Heads of State and Government will meet with Finland, Sweden, and the European Union on Wednesday evening to discuss shared security challenges. On Thursday, Allied leaders will meet with the Presidents of Georgia and Ukraine, and the Summit will conclude with a meeting of all nations contributing to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
H.E. Jaime Victor Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines in the Netherlands and Mr. Cengiz Inceosman, General Manager of Turkish Airlines.By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 19 June 2018. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands in cooperation with Turkish Airlines Inc. Amsterdam and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt, hosted a Travel and Tourism Workshop at Hotel Des Indes.
The workshop was a prelude to the 120thAnniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence reception which took place later that day at the same venue.
For more Hester Dijkstra’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157669017836967Philippines workshop on tourism and travel business at Des Indes.
H.E. Jaime Victor B. Ledda welcome one and all, this included Turkish Airlines, Travel agents,Tour operators the blogger Elke Salvedra and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Frankfurt.
H.E. Jaime Victor B. Ledda subsequently cordially introduced the Philippines as a primary tourist destination to for Dutch holidaymakers. He stressed the unspoiled beauty of the islands. He further lauded the cooperation with Turkish Airlines, a major airline carrier.
Philippines tourism promotion with Turkish Airlines.
Mr. Cengiz Inceosman, General Manager of Turkish Airlines in the Netherlands addressed the audience. After welcoming the travel agencies, he also thanked all attendees and emphasized the importance of such workshops.
“Afterwards we gave a presentation were we informed the travel agencies with the latest updates about Turkish Airlines in general and more specific the capacity increase out of Amsterdam. Also we gave a short presentation about Istanbul New Airport.”
Mr. Yunus Ulas, Marketing representative.
He argued, Turkish Airlines has the highest number of destinations in the world. In 2017 Istanbul Airport, home base of the airline handled approx. 68 million passengers.
Inceosman continued, “a new airport is to be inaugurated later in 2018. Turkish Airlines takes a passenger from Amsterdam to Manilla with a layover time of only two hours in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines envisage holding a similar workshop in the Black Sea region.”
A raffle of two Business class tickets to Manila the capital of the Philippines was part of the presentation. All attendees were very excited.
Mr. Yunus Ulas, Marketing representative gave some further details. Other speakers at the workshop were Elke Salvedra and Anabelle Gaye Apostol.
Ms Apostol described the Philippines as:
Having a western spirit
A Latin heart and
An Asian Soul
The Philippines she said is a must-see for every holiday lover.
Anabelle Gaye Apostol, all about the Philippines.
As for, she delivered a capturing expose. She visited the islands several times and could be considered an expert. Elke gave practical information such as having cash money with you, safety is not an issue and people are extremely and genuinely hospitable.
Elke Salvedra, an Amsterdam blogger.
Elke recounted an experience she has had with a simple family in a remote village. It was sheer hospitality. Ambassador Jaime Ledda invited the participants of the workshop to join him at the Anniversary reception.
The workshop was, by all means, successful, the Q&A session is proof thereof. A pleasurable Filipino style afternoon!.
The winner of two business class trips to Manila by Turkish Airlines together with Ambassador Ledda and Mr. Inceosman.A raffle of two Business class tickets to Manila the capital of the Philippines by Turkish Airlines was part of the presentation. Ambassador Ledda and Mr. Inceosman, with one of the winners.
Next month, Canada will host the Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind.”
We were one of the first countries to recognize sexual orientation as a ground for discrimination in refugee claims, and identified members of the LGBTI community as particularly vulnerable when bringing in some 43,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, including many through private sponsorships by ordinary citizens.
And in this context, I want to say a special word of welcome to some of the Netherlands’ LGBTI rights activists with us today from Cultuuren Ontspannings centrum (COC), HIVOS, and the International Queer and Migrant Film Festival. Thank you for the work you do, and thank you for being here.
It is my hope, and my Government’s hope, that one day we’ll be able to proclaim the end of discrimination, repression and inequality. That we will no longer need to fight for equal rights and freedoms, rule of law, government by and for the people. But until then, we must stand on guard for these values that we hold not only to be Canadian but to be universal.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish you a happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada! Fijne Canada-dag!
Next month, Canada will host the Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind.”
We were one of the first countries to recognize sexual orientation as a ground for discrimination in refugee claims, and identified members of the LGBTI community as particularly vulnerable when bringing in some 43,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, including many through private sponsorships by ordinary citizens.
And in this context, I want to say a special word of welcome to some of the Netherlands’ LGBTI rights activists with us today from Cultuuren Ontspannings centrum (COC), HIVOS, and the International Queer and Migrant Film Festival. Thank you for the work you do, and thank you for being here.
It is my hope, and my Government’s hope, that one day we’ll be able to proclaim the end of discrimination, repression and inequality. That we will no longer need to fight for equal rights and freedoms, rule of law, government by and for the people. But until then, we must stand on guard for these values that we hold not only to be Canadian but to be universal.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish you a happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada! Fijne Canada-dag!
