H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the OPCW during his speech also on the picture from left to right H.E. Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Director-General of the OPCW, Permanent Representatives to the OPCW from the embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Homayoon Azizi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamoni, Ambassador of the Republic of India.By Youri Moes.Nowruz, the new year of the Persian people is celebrated every year on the 21st of March, and sees families coming together around a traditional meal. The Persian people have done this for almost 3000 years and their traditions and celebrations are still extraordinary events.
Nowruz, celebrated on March 21, or a day before/after marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year, and families gather together to observe the rituals of the beginning of spring.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157695459157574H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran with his team.
During Nowruz families eat dishes like Sabzeh, Samanu, Seer, Seeb and Somāq. All of these dishes have meaning, being metaphors for rebirth, vitality and light overcoming darkness. These dishes and their meanings go back thousands of years.
These traditions are so impactful and meaningful to so many people, that Nowruz was placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, and the United Nations made the 21st of March as International Nowruz Day.H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki , Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran and H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamoni, Ambassador of India.
Just like how Nowruz unites families and brings friends together, similarly it brings together Persian people from all over the world. This year in the headquarters of the OPCW, was no exception, with ambassadors from countries with large Persian populations coming together and celebrating a Nowruz feast together.
The Embassy of Iran co-hosted the celebration with the embassies of India, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan all OPCW Member States at the headquarters of the global organization in The Hague.
H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran made a speech discussing the meaning of the celebration, and the role it has in the modern world. Dr. Jahangiri went on to say, “(Nowruz) promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.”
The spirit of neighborliness was obviously alive and well, with ambassadors from India H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamoni, from Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov and Afghanistan H.E. Dr. Homayoon Azizi all being present to celebrate the feast.
Iranian musicians / Nawruz celebration 2018 /OPCW.
Together with his international colleagues Dr. Jahangiri went on to say, “Nowruz is an ancient celebration that predates today’s borders and divisions. It is a reminder that national boundaries and other superficial differences are not as important as our common humanity. Nowruz is a perfect example of unity in diversity.”
We can only hope that our common humanity carries through to the next Nowruz.
Action day launched simultaneously in 16 European States
by a French investigative judge with the support of Eurojust
On 11 April, the large-scale ‘Carton Rouge’ operation was initiated by a French Investigative Judge from the Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction of Nancy (JIRS) in cooperation with the French Desk at Eurojust, leading to the arrest of 9 suspects in Paris and Marseille, the freezing of numerous bank accounts, as well as the blocking of internet sites throughout Europe.
The organised crime group (OCG) behind this far-reaching swindling case is suspected of having committed the crimes of fraud, bank fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation.
Upon the French investigative judge’s request, a case was opened at Eurojust in February 2018, initially involving two Member States. As the case evolved, the number of affected States rose to 16 (15 Member States and 1 third State). Eurojust assisted in the timely and efficient implementation of all necessary legal instruments, such as the execution of European Investigation Orders, and effectively responded to urgent requests for mutual legal assistance. On the action day, under Eurojust’s coordination, national judicial and law enforcement authorities were mobilised across France and bank accounts of the OCG were frozen in several States. In the period between August and November 2017, the members of the OCG impersonated football agents who contacted 15 different French football clubs, claiming that certain football players’ bank accounts had changed and, therefore, the footballers’ salaries needed to be transferred to their allegedly new bank accounts. This fraudulently acquired capital was then further wired from those temporary accounts to accounts in Bulgaria and Malta for money laundering purposes. In the course of the investigation, the French national authorities discovered a parallel swindle performed by the same perpetrators, involving a fake diamonds scheme. The victims were deceived into investing in non-existent diamonds to be supposedly resold at an 8 per cent profit, but never derived any benefit from the fictitious deal. The victims were tricked into investing their capital in bank accounts outside French territory. A similar fraud case, performed by the same OCG, using bitcoins instead of diamonds, was also revealed to the investigating authorities. The proceeds of the OCG yielded by all three illegal activities amount to an estimated total of EUR 2 million, to the detriment of approximately 50 victims.
H.E. Mr. Hector Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina in the Netherlands during the opening of Malbec Day 2018.By Michael Bonté.The 8th edition of Malbec wine celebration once again kicked off at the ‘Gauchos restaurant’ located on a lovely lake at Weissenbruchlaan in Rotterdam. Dionysus, the God of Wine looked favourably upon us as the weather turned out fine.The Embassy of Argentina had invited wine connaisseurs to participate in a Malbec wine tasting. A whopping 18 wine importers showcased their Malbec wines. The guests were certainly in for a treat as about 100 wines were presented for tasting. From the North of Argentina wines with a balanced structure and a good ageing potential. From the famous Mendoza region come wines with lighter tannins and from the South of Argentina, which has more rain and more extremer temperatures, comes more complex and fruity wines.The guests went about the tasting room in a spirited way as they nibbled on crackers to get ready for yet another tasting of the excellent wines. As one of the invitees remarked: ‘Who doesn’t like day time drinking’. As tradition dictated a short Malbec master class was presented by Fransbert Schermer. Who educated the guests in an amusing way about one of Argentina’s great exports. Malbec master class by Fransbert Schermer.Ambassador H.E. Mr. Hector Horacio Salvador said: “ In a country where the winemaking tradition is as deeply rooted in its culture as tango, football and asado.” he also remarked that: “Wine is a vehicle for culture” and with those words he presented us with a couple who performed a tango dance.As the sun was out all the guests moved to the lake side lawns of the restaurant to enjoy 100 wines served with an lovely empanada and two different freshly grilled meat dishes from the food truck grill.The Ambassador of Peru H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera together with Ambassador Salvador.Among the participants were the Ambassador from Peru H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea, the Ambassador of Brazil H.E. Mrs. Regina Dunlop and H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar at the International Court of Justice.As the sun faded and the bottles were almost empty it was time to head homewards. Yet another excellent event and the invitees already looking forward to the 2019 edition.The Ambassador of Brazil H.E. Mrs. Regina Dunlop with Alejandro Mitri, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Argentina and spouse.For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157695907814301
The Netherlands — 25 April 2018 — The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) deployed to Damascus on 14 April 2018 to gather facts in connection with the reported use of chemical weapons in Douma, Syrian Arab Republic on 7 April 2018.
Security arrangements for the team’s deployment to various locations in Douma were made by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in liaison with the Syrian authorities and the Russian Military Police. Due to the security situation the team was only able to visit Douma on 21 April. The team also interviewed some people related to the Douma incident, who were brought to Damascus.
Today, the FFM team carried out a visit to a second location in Douma. It also collected samples at this site. These samples will be brought back, together with other samples, to the OPCW laboratory in Rijswik. They will be split and dispatched for analysis by the OPCW designated labs.
Meanwhile, the OPCW Technical Secretariat was informed by the Russian delegation to the OPCW that it will organise a briefing for States Parties in The Hague on 26 April. The delegation would bring some Syrians to speak about the reported Douma incident. In line with Director-General’s earlier requests to States Parties to share information on the Douma incident, the Secretariat advised the Russian delegation that these persons should be first interviewed by the FFM. It was also recommended that such a briefing take place once the FFM has completed its work. Nevertheless, the Russian delegation stated that it would go ahead with the briefing and that its intention was not to interfere with the FFM’s work.
The FFM will continue to carry out its independent and impartial mission based on interviews with relevant people, its findings from the site visits, analysis of the sample results, as well as any other information and materials collected.
The Director-General is confident that the OPCW FFM will continue to enjoy the support of States Parties to Chemical Weapons the Convention.
On the picture Sido de Brabander, chef at Crowne Plaza , Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of Crowne Plaza, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia and chef Natalia Chaduneli and her sous-chef Georgi Khvistani.Ambassador Surguladze and spouse.By Thomas Fleisher.
On the 12th of April, the Embassy of Georgia collaborated with Crowne Plaza and Diplomat Magazine’s monthly Gastronomic event to celebrate Georgian cuisine and culture, whilst, simultaneously, celebrating the Centenary of the birth of their fledgling democratic republic in 1918.
Taking place at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Promenade dining room, varied members of the international diplomatic community, distinguished guests from the Dutch foreign ministry and the Senate, and personal friends began arriving at 18:00.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157692911398642The Ambassador of Burundi H.E. Vestine Nahimana, the Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Elyes Ghariani, the Ambassador of Czech RepublicJana Reinišová, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov and the Ambassador of Georgia.
With a few kind opening words of welcome and gratitude to those attending by Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of the hotel and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze began the event with an introductory speech, wherein Ambassador Surguladze thanked Bavaria and Tikatours for their assistance in co-sponsoring the event.
His Excellency then introduced the fine chefs behind the soon to be served gastronomic masterpiece 3 course meal, Ms, Natalia Chaduneli and her sous-chef Georgi Khvistani, thanking them for “their exquisite hands and for bringing Georgian flavours to the Netherlands”. For their work, they were presented with a framed memorial certificate.
The musical side of the gastronomic event was led by the Ziryab World Music Event, who traveled to the Netherlands for this occasion to present us with the best of traditional Georgian music, a pleasure the ambassador profusely thanked them for in his opening remarks.
The Ambassador then outlined the second of the two reasons why this event was held: one hundred years ago the Democratic Republic of Georgia came into being, existing for 3 years until 70 years of Soviet occupation began, until Georgia finally achieved independence 27 years ago, becoming a country in their own right.
However, the Ambassador was clear to point out that Georgia’s aspirations to full freedom and unity have been hampered by the continued occupation of 20% of Georgia’s sovereign territory by the Russian Federation. Despite this, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze believes he and his people remain optimistic for the future.
Ziryab World Music Event, Georgia.
After a raising of glasses, the evening properly began. With wine flowing freely and Georgian music filling the room, guests enjoyed a plate of diverse entrées, including a particularly delicious dish called Acharuli Xachapuri, followed by a main course buffet ranging from meats such as beef and chicken to baked potatoes and brown beans, and delightfully ending with dessert comprising of cake and yogurt.
All in all, a lovely evening of free conversation and good food, celebrating Georgia’s unique gastronomy was had.
HE Ambassador Mukta Dutta Tomar (India to Germany) greeting PM Narendra Modi upon arrival in Berlin – Picture by Ministry of External Affairs of India.Friday, 20 April 2018, Berlin, Germany: Freshly departed from the Commonwealth Summit 2018 in London, the XVI Prime Minister of India, HE The Honourable Narendra Modi embarked on a short visit to Berlin to meet his German counterpart Dr. Angela Merkel.Germany is a leading economic power not only in Europe, but also in the world. Its position as the foremost nation in the European Union is a known fact. The Modi-Merkel chapter took off when India was invited to be the partner nation at the Hannover Messe 2015, the world’s largest industrial fair. The economic engagement between the two nations grew on the plank of Prime Minister Modi making an appeal for Germans to manufacture in India. Germany is also India’s largest trade partner in the European Union.Since then, the heads of both India and Germany have made it a point to enhance strategic and economic ties by meeting on a regular basis. In 2015, Chancellor Merkel held bilateral talks during her visit to India. Her visit was followed by a number of inter-ministerial meetings throughout 2016. In the year 2017, Prime Minister Modi visited Germany twice, first on a state visit and later to attend the G20 Summit. In the meanwhile, the two leaders have been meeting at various international fora.For further information:https://www.indianembassy.de
Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the City of Hamburg.
On Wednesday, 28 March 2018, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg elected a new First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, after his predecessor Olaf Scholz was called to Berlin to become Vice-Chancellor of Germany as well as the country’s Minister of Finance in the Cabinet Merkel IV.
Dr. Tschentscher is a physician and molecular biologist by educational background. He has been a member of the Hamburg City-State Assembly (Hamburger Bürgerschaft) since 2008, and served as Finance Senator (ministerial office) between 2011 and 2018 under Mayor Scholz.
He leads a governmental coalition by Social Democrats and Greens, and is seconded by Senator Katharina Fegebank, in charge of the portfolios of Science, Research, and Equal Rights.
For further information:
Speeches by the First Mayor of Hamburg: https://www.hamburg.de/buergermeister-reden/http://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/hamburg-tschentscher-zum-neuen-buergermeister-gewaehlt-15516996.html
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Picture by Senatskanzlei, Engel
HRH Prince Henry of Wales – Picture by the commonwealth.org
Monday, 16 April 2018, London, UK: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth, appointed her grandson, HRH Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales, to the position of “Commonwealth Youth Ambassador” ahead of the recently held Commonwealth Youth Forum. Hitherto this is the most senior position entrusted to the prince, which entails a rather global profile.
For further information: http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/royal-appointment-kicks-commonwealth-youth-forumhttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bhtnv76FKnt/?hl=en&taken-by=theroyalfamily
The Hague, Netherlands — 21 April 2018 —The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited one of the sites in Douma, Syrian Arab Republic today to collect samples for analysis in connection with allegations of chemical weapons use on 7 April 2018. The OPCW will evaluate the situation and consider future steps including another possible visit to Douma.
The samples collected will be transported to the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk and then dispatched for analysis to the OPCW’s designated labs. Based on the analysis of the sample results as well other information and materials collected by the team, the FFM will compile their report for submission to the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention for their consideration.
Commonwealth Summit 2018 – Picture by commonwealth.org
19-20 April 2018, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM) was hosted by the 88th British Prime Minister Theresa May in her capacity as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office in rotating fashion after the Maltese Premier Joseph Muscat passed the torch to her.
The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire. It represents about 2.4. billion people scattered about the world. This two-day summit involved 46 heads of Commonwealth governments and foreign ministers from the remaining seven countries.
All in all, the leaders agreed on a communiqué entitled “Towards a common future” wherein they obliged themselves to pursue policies to protect the oceans from pollution and climate change, combat cyber online crime and threats, prevent violent extremism and human trafficking, pledged to halve malaria in Commonwealth countries by 2023 and endeavour that all boys and girls should receive at least 12 years of education by 2030.
Britain encouraged more active trade amongst the countries with in order to expand intra-Commonwealth trade to $2 trillion by 2030.
A pivotal result of the consultations was the decision that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ought to be succeeded by her eldest son and heir apparent, HRH The Prince of Wales, as Head of the Commonwealth after the former’s demise. The ceremonial role, currently held by Queen Elizabeth II, is largely a symbolic one and carries no maximum fixed term but it is not deemed to be hereditary.
Normally the Head of the Commonwealth pays regular visits to the member states to foster links amongst them personally.
A decision on all successive heads has yet to be made by the Commonwealth leaders.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Secretariat, its central organisation, help to plan many Commonwealth activities. Incumbent and VI Secretary-General is HE The Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal.For further information:http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/commonwealth-heads-government-meeting-communiqué-“towards-common-future*https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-2018
H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran made a speech discussing the meaning of the celebration, and the role it has in the modern world. Dr. Jahangiri went on to say, “(Nowruz) promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.”
The spirit of neighborliness was obviously alive and well, with ambassadors from India H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamoni, from Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov and Afghanistan H.E. Dr. Homayoon Azizi all being present to celebrate the feast.
