Eurojust coordinates arrests in Swedish cannabis trafficking case

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Eurojust coordinates arrests in Swedish cannabis trafficking case

Eurojust has supported the Swedish and Spanish authorities in the coordinated arrest of four suspects involved in the wholesale and transport of cannabis and other illicit drugs. The main suspect was allegedly organising the reception of the drugs in Sweden and their distribution in and around Stockholm. He was arrested in Spain based on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) with a view to surrender him to Sweden. 

Eurojust set up a coordination centre last week to assist the Swedish and Spanish authorities with the exchange of information and the execution of the EAW, as well as European Investigation Orders. A number of premises were also searched and various goods and telecommunications equipment seized during concerted actions in both countries.

Based on the interception and decoding by the Swedish authorities of large-scale encrypted communications, it was established that the suspects has transported, received and stored large quantities of cannabis in the second half of 2020.  During this period, also a large quantity of the synthetic drug MDMA was handled. .

At the request of the Swedish authorities, Eurojust enabled contact with their counterparts in Spain, where the main suspect in this case was residing. The actions on the ground were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

·       Sweden: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Stockholm; Swedish Police; Nordic Police and Customs Liaison Officer, Malaga.

·       Spain: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Alicante, International Cooperation Unit; Guardia Civil; Policía Nacional.

Roman villas in Limburg

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Roman villas in Limburg

A new exhibition at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, from April 2024

Around two thousand years ago, there were numerous of Roman villas, as the Romans themselves called them, in the region of Limburg, the Netherlands. These enormous arable farms supplied the whole region with grain. Their owners used the benefits to decorate their farmhouses in Mediterranean country-house style, with bathhouses and Roman inventions such as glass windows and underfloor heating. They were often buried, along with their valuables, on their own land.

Over the past century, archaeologists researched and excavated more than twenty of these country estates. The finds were dispersed across various collections. The ‘Roman villas in Limburg’ exhibition in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden (the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities) brings together the most striking archaeological finds from these villas for the first time. They are displayed in stories about Roman life and agriculture in Limburg, and the significance of the farmlands within the larger Roman network. Particular attention is paid to the residents, from the lady of the house to the people who tilled the land.

The exhibition is a joint project between three Dutch museums: the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, the Limburgs Museum (Venlo) and the Thermenmuseum (Heerlen). ‘Roman villas in Limburg’ opens in Leiden (25 April-25 August 2024) and then travels to the partner museums. The exhibition is suitable for all ages.

Villa rustica

In addition to the main building -a luxurious country house-, a Roman villa rustica consisted of a large estate with storerooms, houses, stables, workshops, ornamental gardens and extensive arable lands. Archaeological research has shown that dozens of people lived and worked there. Between the first and third centuries AD, the Limburg villas supplied grain to all the residents of the region, in towns such as Heerlen (Coriovallum), Xanten (Colonia Ulpia Traiana) and Cologne (Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium), as well as soldiers along the Limes, the frontier of the Roman empire. Grain was traded with far-flung corners of North-western Europe, via an extensive network of Roman roads and waterways. When Roman power waned at the end of the third century, the villas were destroyed, burned down and abandoned. Hardly any trace of them remains in the landscape of Limburg today.

On display in Leiden

Featuring more than 200 archaeological finds, models, 3D reconstructions and film, ‘Roman villas in Limburg’ transports visitors to rural life two thousand years ago and fields full of waving grain. The finds range from agricultural tools, roof tiles and statues to luxurious mosaics and glassware. The villa residents’ personal possessions, such as a perfume-holder from Bocholtz and a bronze cosmetics box from Maasbree, tell us more about who they were, what they did, and where they were from.

The exhibition includes old favourites such as the amber figurines from Heerlen and the ‘rooster from Buchten’, as well as pieces from museum depots that have never been exhibited before. Highlights include a metres-high reconstructed fresco from Maasbracht depicting gladiators and villa residents, and a glimpse of life at home with the ‘Lady of Simpelveld’. Her villa and its interior are known from images on the sarcophagus in which she was buried. Visitors can take an interactive tour of the ‘Villa of Voerendaal’ and learn how it was enlarged and renovated over three hundred years. They can also see the portrait of the Lady of Voerendaal, who was buried near the villa.

The exhibition features objects from the collections of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden, the Limburgs Museum in Venlo and the Thermenmuseum in Heerlen. There are also loans from various museums and the provincial archaeological depot in Limburg. In addition, there are reconstructions of Roman furniture made specially for the exhibition by students from HMC College in Rotterdam.

‘Roman villas in Limburg’ is one of two exhibitions at the National Museum of Antiquities in the summer of 2024; the exhibition ‘Paestum. City of goddesses’ will be held at the same time. 

Accompanying the exhibition

The exhibition will be accompanied by the booklet ‘Romeinse villa’s in Limburg’ (€12.50, Dutch), an RMO Magazine (€3.95, Dutch), lectures, guided tours, interactive routes for families, and children’s activities in the school holidays and during the National Archaeology Days (16-18 June 2024). There will be interactive tours for schools (from year 5), and on Monday, 27 May 2024, an international congress will be held in Leiden for specialists and enthusiasts.

New research

The research on Roman villas in Limburg began in the 19th century. The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden was actively involved, often in collaboration with local researchers. By 1955 around twenty villas had been excavated, with many finds being brought to Leiden. The others remained in Limburg, including at the Province of Limburg, the Limburg Museum in Venlo and the Thermenmuseum in Heerlen.

For the ‘Roman villas in Limburg’ exhibition, the three museums and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) joined forces in a major research and public project: ‘A Roman idyll’ (2020-2024). A detailed analysis was made of the thousands of Limburg villa finds and old excavation documents preserved in the archives and depots. Aerial photos and recent excavation data were also used to gather additional information.Amateur archaeologists, museum visitors and heritage enthusiasts in Limburg contributed to several participatory projects. All of the results will be published in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden’s PALMA scientific series in 2024. The ‘Roman idyll’ project is funded by the Mondriaan Fonds, through the multi-year ‘Museums and heritage institutions’ programme.

Europe 2024 conference opened by Chancellor Scholz & Minister Bruno Le Maire

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Europe 2024 conference opened by Chancellor Scholz & Minister Bruno Le Maire

Tuesday, 19 March 2024, Berlin, Germany: In an exclusive setting, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz opened the two-days long conference “Europe 2024” organized jointly by Studio ZX, Die Zeit, Handelsblatt, Tagesspiegel and Wirtschaftswoche. 

During his speech, Chancellor Scholz emphasized the role of the German economy: A united Europe, and only a united Europe, has the best chance of moving and shaping a Europe in our interests. He added: Right-wing populism is a threat to democracy and cohesion; nothing should be glossed over. We are more. And we shouldn’t analyze the elections after the elections before the elections. Anyone who wants to vote for a Europe and defend peace and security can do so.

As a guest on the panel “A New Growth Strategy for Europe” at Europe 2024, French Minister of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Bruno Le Maire spoke about France’s position in the super election year.

In his speech he reported: “Today we are experiencing what my friend Olaf Scholz described as a turning point.” He emphasized that it is our duty to introduce new ideas, to build new solutions, to create hope for our countries and for our citizens create and concludes with the words: “I remain optimistic for France, I remain optimistic for Germany, I remain optimistic for cooperation and I remain optimistic for the future of Europe.”

For further information 

Europe 2024 organized by Studio ZX I Zeitverlagsgruppe: https://verlag.zeit.de/en/events/europe-20xx-en/

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Phil Dera Photography (https://www.picdrop.com/phildera/Gh8s6tHyuU?) 

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Germany attended by Minister Heydon

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St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Germany attended by Minister Heydon


St. Patrick’s Day, March 2024, Germany: Not many countries possess a national day as recognisable as St Patrick’s Day. The Irish see the potential in the latter fact, and dispatch government ministers to virtually every corner of the globe for this occasion. This year Minister of State for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, travelled to Germany. Accompanied by Ambassador Dr Nicholas O’Brien, the Minister travelled to events held across Germany to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Functions began in Stuttgart, capital of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, with a reception hosted by Ireland’s Honorary Consul General in Stuttgart, Dr. Wolfgang Haefele.  A cross-representation of political and business leaders, together with the Irish community celebrated together. The Minister and Ambassador visited Hohenheim Agricultural University to meet with President Stephan Dabbert and discussed German-Irish cooperation of agricultural research. The Minister also met with Baden-Wurttemberg State Secretary for Agriculture, Sabine Kurtz.

Ambassador Dr Nicholas O’Brien addressing the audience on the St. Patrick’s Day reception

The next city to visit was Cologne, where Honorary Consul General Brigitte Wagner-Halswick hosted political and business leaders to celebrate the national day. This was followed by a visit to Frankfurt, where Ireland opened a career Consulate General in 2019. Organised by Consul General Patrick Jacques, the Minister met with political contacts, including Ms. Eileen O’Sullivan, Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt, who is of Irish heritage.

Then, on to Berlin, where the Minister and Ambassador met with Dr. Ophelia Nick, State Secretary for Agriculture.  The Minister attended business events, including an Irish food promotion event organised by Bord Bia, the Government’s food promotion agency.  The Ambassador hosted two very well-attended receptions, for the diplomatic corps, political and official leaders, including many members of the Bundestag; and an event for the Irish community.

The final stop on the Minister’s itinerary was Munich, where the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade on mainland Europe is held. Events began with the ‘Ambassador’s Business Breakfast’ hosted by the Irish Business Network Munich.  The parade started at 12.00 with Mayor Dieter Reiter, Minister Heydon and Ambassador O’Brien, leading the parade in horse drawn carriages.  It is estimated that 50,000 people attended the parade under glorious sunshine.

Mayor Reiter sang Irish songs from the stage, together with famous Irish Eurovision winner Johnny Logan. In their speeches, the Minister spoke of the strong links between Ireland and Bavaria; and the Ambassador announced that the Government of Ireland will open a career Consulate General in Munich this summer.  Both the Government of Ireland and the Government of Munich provide financial support to the parade, which is organised by the Munich Irish Network. The parade was likewise attended by the US Consul General in Bavaria, Timothy Liston. 

There was a wonderful festive atmosphere at the parade and this rounded off the week-long St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Germany. 

For further information 

Irish Embassy in Germany: https://www.ireland.ie/en/germany/berlin/

‘Paestum – City of Goddesses’

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‘Paestum – City of Goddesses’

A new exhibition at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, from April 2024

On 25 April 2024, the exhibition ‘Paestum. City of Goddesses’ will open at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden – the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, in Leiden. This exhibition was created in close collaboration with the Ministero della Cultura – Parco Archeologico di Paestum e Velia, to bring an exceptional selection of archaeological finds from Paestum on loan to the Netherlands. Poseidonia, as Paestum was originally called, was founded around 600 BC on the Bay of Salerno in Southern Italy.

The exhibition focuses on the dynamic history and cultural diversity of the city, famous for its Greek temples. Highlights include a marble statue of the goddess Hera and eight unique frescoes from the tombs of Paestum’s elite. There are also figurines of terracotta, bronze and marble, incense burners, splendid pottery, fine glassware, coins, Greek bronze armour and numerous offerings for the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. ‘Paestum. City of Goddesses’ is the first retrospective exhibition to be held in the Netherlands on the archaeology of Paestum. Telling a story that lasted around a millennium, from the city’s founding to the Roman era, the exhibition will run until 25 August 2024.

City of goddesses

Paestum is one of many Greek cities to have been founded along the coasts of the Mediterranean, the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea from the 8th century BC onwards. The city was located on a fertile plain near a navigable river. Agriculture and shipping brought great wealth to Paestum, and Greek traditions and history soon merged with the local culture. This cultural diversity is highlighted in the exhibition, with a variety of archaeological finds and stories about exchange and interaction between the different communities. The veneration of the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite forms a connecting theme. Despite the diverse population, with various backgrounds and changing traditions, the temples and shrines of Paestum remained in use. From the 3rd century, the plain of Paestum was transformed into a marshland where malaria was prevalent, making the city uninhabitable. The last residents left in the 7th century AD, and built a new city in the hills. In their church they worshipped the Madonna del Granato, the successor to the goddesses of Poseidonia. In the end, the monumental Greek temples and huge city walls were the only recognisable remains of the original city in the landscape.

From Poseidonia to Paestum

The exhibition starts with the famous temples and the founding of Poseidonia (600 BC), with 3D architectural prints and reconstructions, original temple decorations, and unique 18th-century temple models made of cork. They are displayed in large-scale sets against the colourful hues of Southern Italian skies, in an attempt to capture the vastness of the landscape.

In multicultural Poseidonia, local Lucanians took power from the Greeks around 420 BC. The exhibition shows lavishly decorated tombs depicting Lucanian warriors, burial games and burial rituals. Characteristic fish plates from Campania and decorated drinking cups illustrate the daily life of the Greeks and Lucanians. The numerous terracotta offerings to the goddesses of the city provide insight into the religious practices of the time.

After it was conquered by Romans in 273 BC, the city was given the Latin name Paestum and underwent a metamorphosis. Many Greco-Lucanian buildings made way for monumental Roman architecture, and a new industry arose: the production of perfume from olive oil and roses. In Leiden, Roman statues, decorated tombstones and a display case full of precious perfume bottles highlight the Roman influence on the city.

In addition to the loans from the Ministero della Cultura – Parco Archeologico di Paestum e Velia and Leiden’s own collection, the exhibition features objects from the Musée du Louvre in Paris, Antikensammlung Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, National Numismatic Collection/De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam, and the Allard Pierson in Amsterdam. ‘Paestum’ is the fifth exhibition in the National Museum of Antiquities’ series on important cities in the ancient world. It follows the crowd-pulling exhibitions on Petra (2013-2014), Carthage (2014-2015), Nineveh (2017-2018) and Byblos (2022-2023).

Accompanying the exhibition

Ruurd Halbertsma, curator of the exhibition, has compiled additional background stories in the audio tour (English/Dutch), the podcast series and the exhibition booklet ‘Paestum. Stad van godinnen’ (€12.50, Dutch). There will also be an issue of the RMO Magazine (€3.95, Dutch), interactive tours for secondary schools, and extra children’s activities during the school holidays. The ‘Paestum’ exhibition will be held at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden at the same time as the exhibition on ‘Roman villas in Limburg’.

Acknowledgements

The exhibition booklet was made possible by a contribution from Labrys Reizen. The National Museum of Antiquities is supported by the Vriendenloterij.

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden/National Museum of Antiquities

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden brings archaeology and the ancient world to life. At the museum, everyone can explore the age-old civilisations of Egypt, the Classical World, the ancient Near East, and the Netherlands in prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times. The museum is located in Leidens historic centre, just a 10 minutes’ walk from Leiden Centraal railway station, at half an hour’s journey from Amsterdam.

In Conversation with Ambassador of Malaysia to France:

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In Conversation with Ambassador of Malaysia to France:

Diplomat Magazine met with His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Bin Khalid to discuss his views on Malaysia-France relations and other significant issues.

What were your thoughts when you were informed that you would be appointed as Ambassador of Malaysia to France?

When I was informed that I would be appointed as Ambassador of Malaysia to France, I could not figure if it was a blessing or a curse. As a junior diplomat, I was posted to the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris from 2000 to 2002. I was also fortunate to pursue a M.A. (Comparative Politics) at the Institute of Political Studies, Sciences Po between 2004 and 2006.

The Malaysian Government must have calculated their decision to send someone who is au fait or familiar with the country and who already had an established network as its top envoy to France as it is a rare feat in our system! Therefore, returning to France for a second time (or third time if my time as a master’s student is taken into account) definitely comes with higher expectation.

H.E. Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Bin Khalid, presenting his credentials to President Emmanuel Macron.

When did you arrive in France to take on your role as Ambassador of Malaysia? How would you describe the Malaysia-France bilateral relations at that point of time?

I arrived in Paris in September 2021, as the world was slowly reopening following the Covid-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding, I could not help but remark how invaluable Malaysia-France bilateral relations were throughout this difficult time. Both our countries had worked closely in repatriating our respective nationals and facilitated passage during international lockdown. Travel restrictions also did not deter high-level engagement. Both our then Foreign Ministers had engaged virtually in February 2021.

I was also happy to learn that there was robust cooperation on scientific research at the height of the pandemic whereby Malaysian virologists were attached at the Institut Pasteur in Paris to share and build expertise on Covid-19 genome sequencing and tracking.

Malaysian street performers – Eeiffel Tower, Paris.

Another important achievement was the acceptance of France as one of ASEAN’s development partner in September 2020. Travel restrictions and lockdown imposed no barrier but rather stimulated both sides to forge meaningful partnership in trying times.

The Covid years had put a brake on many defining sectors of Malaysia-France bilateral relations like trade and investment, tourism and to an extent education. These were among the first challenges I had to address as Ambassador of Malaysia. The post-pandemic landscape was a white canvas and it was only prudent that Malaysia seized the opportunity to reconnect with the French market. Malaysia was already open for business at the point and I was grateful to have the support of the colleagues at the Embassy as well as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Tourism Malaysia who readily doubled efforts to channel focus on Malaysia.

MIichelle Yeoh at Voyage Culinaire.

Considering that you have been at your post for two and a half years now, how would you describe Malaysia-France bilateral relations thus far? Are you contented with the way the relations are proceeding?

Today, I am pleased that Malaysia and France relations are at an all-time high. Each recognise the other as a key player – politically and economically in our respective regions. Our political leaders, including ministers and parliamentarians, continue to show commitment to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between Malaysia and France. This is quantified by the number of high-level visits and exchanges between both sides in recent years.  At the senior official levels, we have launched regular bilateral consultations that will facilitate and help us take stock of cooperation in various sectors.

Economically, Malaysia regards France as a significant partner. After all, France is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in the European Union (EU). Likewise, Malaysia is also France’s third largest trading partner in ASEAN. I must add that Malaysia has one of the most open economies in the world and with our strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, this makes us the ideal economic hub. Today, Malaysia is focused on attracting investments in aerospace and automotive as well as green technology. France and Europe are leaders in these sectors and therefore there are potentials for closer cooperation.

The diplomatic and business community aside, I observe that knowledge about Malaysia among the French is still lacking. While East Asia – its history, politics and culture are well known to the French, countries in Southeast Asia do not share the same pedestal. Therefore, I have undertaken to correct this through various outreach programmes to promote Malaysia and build closer people-to-people relations.

To this end, the Embassy in Paris has organised various programmes that showcase our gastronomy (something Malaysia and France have in common) as well as our culture from music and dance to costumes and martial arts. Our focus has been to reach a varied audience to show what Malaysia Truly Asia means.

How would you show what Malaysia Truly Asia means in a city like Paris?

I recall one event we held in Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower as background, tourists and locals alike were serenaded by a group of musicians playing traditional tunes on traditional musical instruments while a troop of dancers performed various traditional dances and invited the onlookers to participate. It was a warm summer afternoon but the crowd were just so happy to join in and have a good time.

I am particularly proud of the annual Voyage Culinaire, a flagship event of the Embassy whereby we take our visitors on a culinary journey of Malaysia’s best foods. Last year we brought Malaysian hawker and street food to the heart of Paris! Visitors were able to taste and try their hands at making popular dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Char Koay Teow and Teh Tarik, among others.

In keeping with Malaysia’s commitment to promote Silat, which has UNESCO’s recognition as an intangible cultural heritage, we find every opportunity to highlight this ancient martial art, rooted in the Malay Archipelago. This form of self-defence has stood the test of time, having been in practice since the 7th century during the Langkasuka Kingdom. I am very happy that the practice continues to live on and more importantly more and more French are learning this martial art discipline.

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus-UPCC is Coming to Town

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The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus-UPCC is Coming to Town

Roy Lie Atjam

In Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The Embassy of the Philippines, under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, is partnering with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and Diplomat Magazine to present a concert featuring the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC). The group will be specially flown in from Manila for the celebrations, and the performance will take place in The Hague in June 2024. Attendance will be by invitation only.

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), also known as Korus, is an official performing group of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Since its inception in 1962, Korus has gained a reputation for her musicality, of perfecting versatility in bridging musical genres such as classical, folk, pop, and Broadway with their signature “Choreocapella” or choreographed a capella has dazzled many around the world. 

The UPCC is led by Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, known as “Jai” to intimates, who serves as the Conductor and Artistic Director. Korus has been recognized with numerous awards locally and beyond.

When it comes to international singing contests, Filipinos do more than just stand out. The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) attests to that. Competing against 42 other chorales from 25 countries some years back, the UPCC emerged among the best. In 2018, Korus was named one of the “Most Outstanding Institutions” of Quezon City -Philippines.

UPCC has a rich legacy of impressive stage performances, lively choreography, dramatic expressions, captivating costumes and a distinct Filipino charm. The UPCC Concert Chorus continues to revolutionize choral performance not only in the Philippines but also globally.

The iconic UPCC is coming to town in June and will and leave a lasting impact on The Hague’s music scene.

The Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands

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The Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Bangladesh Embassy organized the first-ever Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands, 7-8 March 2024 at the Royal Leonardo Hotel, The Hague. The Embassy rolled out this culinary exposition in collaboration with the Diplomat Magazine and Leonardo Royal Hotel.
Diplomatic missions in the Hague effectively use their culinary heritage as a tool for public diplomacy. “Many Europeans, particularly Dutch people, tend to think of Bangladeshi food as being similar to the “Indian food” found in restaurants. However, we have noticed that Bangladeshi cuisine is not often offered as a fine dining option. This is why we want to change the perception of our traditional cuisine and position it in an innovative way.” expressed H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh,

H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi chefs Sayat Chowdhury. and Sheikh Emdadul Haque.
Bangladesh Food Festival, March 2024.

Chef Sheikh Emdadul Haque, has been working as a chef at the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague for eight years. Prior to joining the embassy, he worked for four years at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent. Emdadul hails from southern Bangladesh, a region famous for its freshwater fish, particularly the renowned black tiger shrimp. He has a deep passion for his culinary style and enjoys blending traditional spices into his dishes.

Chef Sayat Chowdhury Originally from southern Bangladesh, Sayat Chowdhury moved to the Netherlands seven years ago to attend university. Yet, his uncanny love for food and faith in his ability to connect-nurture-inform landed him in professional kitchens. Having worked at Restaurant Arles, Restaurant Elkaar and Foer, he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s in New Media & Digital Cultures (University of Amsterdam). Currently, he holds his first full-time position as chef de party at REM in Amsterdam.

The Bangladeshi Food Festival Menu

At the outset guests were greeted with a live Jhalmuri station and green mango juice to tantalize their taste buds.

“Finalizing the six course menu was a challenge as we tried to incorporate a variety of dishes ranging from street food (jhalmuri) to everyday dinner (khichuri, bharta) and special occasion dishes (pulao) as well as traditional sweetmeats. In a time where a vegan plant-based diet is trendy, even in continental Europe, let alone the Netherlands, we aimed to balance our menu and present the dishes attractively to our guests.”

“We used our aromatic rice – Chinigura – in pulao and khichuri and served the famous black-tiger shrimp. Homemade Potato Homemade halwa was served as a dessert to balance the sweetness with crunchy, savory bites as also connect with the Dutch i.e. where potato is a staple. Additionally, the main course was presented on banana leaf. Finishing with traditional milk tea.

To create an attractive ambience, we incorporated different elements that made the hotel staff stand out with their elegant checkered and striped patterns of red, orange, or green Gamcha (scarf), which added to the charm.” declared the Bangladeshi chefs.

On both evenings, two expatriate Bangladeshi artists,  Saikat Barua dressed in a majestic Bangladeshi traditional attire and Swarnaly Chowdhury, enthralled the guests with their rendition of popular live Bangladeshi songs.

Bangladeshi artists,  Saikat Barua and Swarnaly Chowdhury.

A selection of Bangladeshi crafts at the restaurant entrance added to the ambiance.

The Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague Promenade was completely booked for an event attended by two former Dutch Ministers, Mr. Jan Pronk and Mr. Tom de Bruijn. The event was also attended by Dutch government officials, distinguished businessmen, and ambassadors, including the Dean of the diplomatic corps, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem. The gastronomic adventure received high praise from all attendees who were impressed by the distinct taste, aroma, and flavours of the culinary experience.

During the inauguration remarks, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh, declared “we highlighted the diversity of food in different regions of Bangladesh. We also emphasized how food is an integral part of people’s identity, and how specific ingredients have been traditionally used in the preparation of various dishes, which are still associated with Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Food Festival Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.

The Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher expressed gratitude to the Embassy for their collaboration in organizing the special event. They appreciated the rich tradition of Bangladeshi cuisine, which they described as “a symphony of flavors”. The Hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Thomas Kortleve, then addressed the guests, explaining how the Bangladeshi gastronomic tour would offer an exciting experience that celebrates the authentic combination of spices, flavours, and colours.

A Bangladesh Food Festival raffle, with interesting prizes, was included as an integral part of the festive program.

If this continues in the future, it will have a lasting impact on Dutch society, which values and embraces multiculturalism.

Pakistan Urges Consensus at The Hague-Based Chemical Weapons Body

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Pakistan Urges Consensus at The Hague-Based Chemical Weapons Body

The 105th Session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has drawn to a close in The Hague, marking an important moment in the ongoing efforts to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Pakistan, represented by H.E. Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, seized the opportunity to advocate for the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Convention. In his national statement delivered during the session, Ambassador Tarar emphasized the urgent need for robust adherence to the principles outlined in the Chemical Weapons Convention.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and security, particularly in light of the ongoing tragic situation in Gaza. Pakistan reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Pakistan’s dedication to upholding the Chemical Weapons Convention is evident through its robust national implementation mechanism and the establishment of a sub-regional Assistance and Protection Centre, which serves as a beacon of excellence in the region. Additionally, Pakistan boasts an OPCW designated laboratory, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting capacity-building activities under the Convention.

Ambassador Tarar also addressed the evolving threat landscape, noting the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence in the proliferation of chemical weapons. Pakistan stands ready to contribute to Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias’ initiative to address this emerging challenge, reaffirming its proactive stance on global security issues. Central to Pakistan’s message is the importance of consensus-based decision-making within the OPCW framework.

Ambassador Tarar emphasized that while Pakistan remains constant in its commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention, it is imperative to revert to consensus in all decision-making processes. As an active member of the 41-member Executive Council, Pakistan plays a key role in shaping the OPCW’s agenda and policies. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OPCW’s Executive Council, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, holds the prestigious position of Chair of the 28th Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. This leadership role underscores Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to advancing disarmament objectives and promoting international cooperation in combating the proliferation of chemical weapons.

Is there a possibility of ending the Russo-Ukrainian War before 2025?

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Is there a possibility of ending the Russo-Ukrainian War before 2025?

As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its third year, there is considerable anticipation across Europe for its resolution, given the substantial human and material toll on both sides. Many questions loom over Europe regarding this protracted war, which unexpectedly erupted on the continent’s doorstep. Chief among these concerns is how will the war conclude in the next twelve months, and particularly – will Europe continue to support official Kiev. How long can the burdensome financial support to Ukraine be sustained? What impact might the upcoming US presidential elections at the end of the year have, especially if Republican Donald Trump wins? Is there a possibility of ending the war before 2025? Foremost remains the question – how long can Europe effectively insist on its exhaustive financial support to Ukraine?

Since the outset of the conflict, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with a combined total of $96 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian aid. On 1 February 2024, European leaders agreed to allocate up to $54 billion to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation initiatives, alongside its efforts to implement reforms crucial for its prospective EU membership by 2027. Consequently, the cumulative financial commitments from the EU exceed $150 billion[2]. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has pledged over $15 billion to Ukraine since 2022, while the United States has already expended $66 billion, with an additional $60 billion earmarked for future assistance.

The resolution of this conflict remains elusive, and the expenditure of vast sums of money on Ukraine may become politically untenable for Western governments backing the country. Political pressures regarding expenditure are likely to become more pronounced in the lead-up to the upcoming European Parliament (EP) elections in June 2024, along with national parliamentary elections in several countries, including the United Kingdom, a key ally of Ukraine.

EU policy after the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June 2024?

Voters across the European Union’s 27 member states will participate in the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June, electing 720 Members of the European Parliament. Surveys suggest that right-wing extremist parties are poised to make significant advances in these elections.

While legislative voting largely follows party alliances, historically, the European Parliament has been dominated by parties from the broader centre, comprising the European People’s Party (EPP) on the right, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) on the left, and the liberal Renew Europe—ALDE.

These three groups currently hold 60% of the seats in the European Parliament. However, it is certain that this alliance will lose a substantial number of mandates to the far right, thereby shifting the balance of the new parliament towards the right-wing spectrum.

The composition of the upcoming European Parliament will not only impact the course of the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia but also influence the future of common European defence policy. Additionally, it may affect the issue of EU membership enlargement, making the accession of new member states nearly impossible.

Elections are coming at a time when the EU is poised to consider the possibility of continuing or reducing financial assistance to Kiev. The issue of common European defence will also be a major topic in these elections, especially after Donald Trump confirmed that the United States will protect and defend European states if they are willing to pay the price and increase defence spending.

What worries Kiev the most is the so-called “Ukraine fatigue,” indicating a waning of sympathy and support from the broader public in EU countries. Recent elections in the Netherlands and Slovakia have already resulted in a decline in support, with Slovakia halting a significant aid package for Ukraine, while the Netherlands may not fulfil its long-standing promise to deliver F-16 aircraft.

Poland’s Policy towards Ukraine

Tense negotiations are underway in the EU with Hungary and other member states regarding assistance to Ukraine. Hungary has taken Russia’s side, unlike the rest of the EU, and aims to completely halt aid to Ukraine.

After initially providing significant support and aid to Ukraine at the outset of the conflict with Russia, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced in September 2023 that his country would cease arming Ukraine to prioritize strengthening its own defence forces. This decision coincided with an ongoing dispute between the two countries over the export of Ukrainian grains, leading Ukraine to threaten legal action against Poland with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Poland had extended support to Kiev amounting to nearly three billion euros, including military equipment worth 1.5 billion euros.

The new Polish government, elected in December 2023, has returned to the European course. Poland’s new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, a seasoned European politician and former President of the European Council (2014-2019), visited Berlin and Paris in February 2024 to bolster cooperation in European foreign policy. Together with Germany and France, the Polish government activated the “Weimar Triangle” formula, further strengthening foreign policy and security cooperation. The “Weimar Triangle” formula, established in 1991, is an alliance among the three countries aimed at collaborating on European matters[3].

The United States presidential elections are set for 5 November 2024

US President Joe Biden is facing difficulties in passing a financial aid package for Ukraine through the American Congress in the election year. Compounding this challenging situation for Ukraine is the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House next year.

Trump has not clearly articulated his policy towards Ukraine, apart from his claim that he could end the war within 24 hours[4]. His anti-NATO rhetoric is well-known, along with his general disdain for European institutions and his surprising admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. There is already a growing apprehension in the EU about the potential return of Trump to the helm of the United States. While the exact financial implications of another Trump administration remain uncertain, it is prudent to anticipate the worst-case scenario for Ukraine, where their military is losing ground momentum, and it is expected that Trump will decide to halt billions in aid to Ukraine. This is a concerning prospect for European defence policy, which already believes that Putin is biding his time and trying to outlast the West. The next 12 months are crucial for European allies of Ukraine, as it is evident that Europe’s interest lies in preventing Putin from winning this war.

In the lead-up to the US presidential elections, concerns will inevitably be raised about the implications for European security if the United States is absent. Given that Ukrainian security is directly linked to broader European security, the question of how to support Kiev remains paramount. Europe’s long-term goal is to achieve greater security independence from Washington, which diverges from US transatlantic policy.

Over the next 12 months, Brussels will begin exploring the possibility of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. While these funds cannot be legally used to purchase weapons, they can be utilized to cover reparations costs. Diplomats fear that setting a precedent for using frozen assets to raise funds for foreign wars could encourage countries like China to follow suit in their confrontations with the West, especially since Beijing passed a new law last year facilitating similar actions involving foreign assets within China.

Even if the US House of Representatives approves an additional $60 billion to support Ukraine, there is little prospect of stopping the Russian offensive or deterring Russia from continuing this war.

Is it just a matter of time before former President Donald Trump returns to the White House? What will he do in a second term, what lessons has he learned, and what mistakes will he avoid repeating? Trump disparages President Biden’s policies, but without presenting alternatives. This includes accusations against the US administration of handing Ukraine over to Russia and his critique of Biden’s decision not to deploy troops there, even though it’s widely understood that Trump will not send troops either.  Trump is unlikely to burden Americans with substantial financial commitments. Instead, he would seek to find a practical solution by accepting necessary concessions from Ukraine and negotiating based on them.

Trump doesn’t share the same beliefs in principles and values as Europeans, such as Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty and other justifications that don’t align with his priorities or calculations. He will probably engage with Putin to discuss resolving the crisis, which will likely come at the expense of Ukraine, as it lacks crucial leverage that matters to Trump and his opportunistic nature.

The United States is a nation governed by institutions that hold significant sway in decision-making, independent of party interests or individual agendas. These institutions often temper the whims of American presidents and administrations, especially if they perceive a genuine threat to US national security, as demonstrated several times during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Even when the American administration acts in line with its interests, it is ultimately American decision-making centres that have the final say. Therefore, there is no real fear that a future American president would compromise Ukrainian statehood and integrity.

Is the status quo the ‘Korean scenario’ for halting the conflict in Ukraine?

Despite Russia’s denial of discussions about the “Korean scenario,” it presents a useful solution for Moscow for several reasons. The Russian conflict with Ukraine has been in a state of attrition for months. The “Korean scenario” guarantees Russia the preservation of territory it has occupied in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as the fortification of its positions along the approximately 1,000 km border line.

The “Korean scenario” or “38th parallel” is typically referred to as the solution reached after the Korean War (1950-1953) along the ceasefire line between North and South Korea, where a demilitarized zone stretches between the two Koreas. However, this scenario did not involve the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries, effectively keeping them at war since 1953.

If this scenario is implemented along the existing battle lines and in future peace negotiations, Ukraine stands to lose approximately 100,000 square kilometres directly. It will be split into two parts, with the first under Russia’s control, encompassing the southern and southeastern regions, including the Crimean Peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. The creation of a demilitarized zone several kilometres deep would secure a ceasefire, resulting in a de facto frozen conflict. Deploying peacekeeping forces along the demarcation lines would be necessary to establish this demilitarized zone. Given the current circumstances, the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine is essential to guarantee Ukraine’s security.

On 26 February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he does not rule out the possibility of deploying French ground troops in Ukraine. Following the conclusion of the conference on aid to Ukraine in Paris, Macron added that all options are on the table to prevent Russia from winning the war against Ukraine[5]. However, several NATO members, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, swiftly rejected this proposal. This development raises questions about whether the French President’s suggestion signals the beginning of efforts to establish demarcation lines akin to the Korean scenario.

Ukraine will not accept any formula for freezing the conflict akin to the “Korean scenario” unless Western support completely ceases. This is not expected to happen anytime soon as Europe still considers Ukraine its first line of defence.

A new Turkish peace initiative was announced on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on 3 March 2024, following a meeting between the Turkish and Russian Foreign Ministers, Hakan Fidan and Sergei Lavrov. “On the issue of Ukraine, our view is that both sides have reached the limits of what they can get by war. We think that it is time to start a dialogue for a ceasefire,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan. This prompts the question of whether Turkey’s initiative continues the African initiative from July 2023[6] or aligns with Macron’s vision for ending the conflict.

Russia is in favour of freezing the conflict and status quo

Putin’s primary policy guideline in 2024 is maintaining the status quo on the Ukrainian front. Geopolitical and military experts do not anticipate a major offensive from the Kremlin, at least not in the first half of the year. This approach is strongly justified from their perspective. Moscow sees no need to alter the current war demarcation line, as doing so could upset the existing balance of power as the country prepares for important presidential elections. Despite the predictable outcome of these elections, it does not diminish the significance of the event, which practically positions Putin as the nation’s leader and the lifelong master of the Kremlin. This means solidifying the “Putinist” approach in Russia for many years to come, defying previous Western expectations of its collapse.

In the current circumstances, Moscow has positioned itself somewhat advantageously in the “war of attrition.” Consequently, its focus is on widening the rift among Western states amidst growing European discontent. Russia anticipates that several more countries will follow the examples of Slovakia, Hungary, and the Netherlands in toning down their rhetoric towards Moscow.

In the same context, the Russians are aware that Western stockpiles have run low on weapons and ammunition, meaning that the supply costs for Ukraine will escalate in the upcoming phase. This development is prompting some Western nations to favour establishing a joint defence industry with Kiev as an alternative to military arms deliveries and technology manufactured in NATO countries. There is even consideration regarding the potential involvement of Western Balkan states, leveraging their enhanced capacities, in producing much-needed ammunition for Ukraine.

For Russia, the stalemate in the conflict serves as a crucial basis for instigating internal discord within Ukraine, which could intensify as the date for the Ukrainian presidential elections approaches, elections that have been delayed thus far. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s mandate expires in May 2024. According to the constitution, the election of a new head of state in Ukraine should take place on the last Sunday in March, but due to the war, the electoral process is unlikely to commence.

Experts do not anticipate an expansion of the military conflict before the middle of the year, and any such escalation is likely to be linked to the internal (dis)order in Ukraine. Overall assessments indicate that the final quarter of 2024 will be decisive in determining the fate of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Analysis Published by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) on 18 March 2024.

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN in New York since 2018, and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives.”
[2] EU Assistance to Ukraine, link: www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/united-states-america/eu-assistance-ukraine-us-dollars_en?s=253
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Vestager, link: https://europa.eu/newsroom/ecpc-failover/pdf/speech-24-1327_en.pdf
[3] “The Weimar Triangle” is a regional alliance of France, Germany, and Poland, established in 1991 in the German city of Weimar. The group is aimed at promoting cooperation between the three countries on cross-border and European issues. Available at: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/poland/the-weimar-triangle/  . 
[4] Trump to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “If I’m president, I will have that war settled in one day, 24 hours.” Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/20/europe/zelensky-trump-end-russia-ukraine-war-intl-hnk/index.html .
[5] Macron not finding support to send NATO soldiers to Ukraine against Russia. Available at: www.eunews.it/en/2024/02/27/macron-nato-soldiers-ukraine-russia/
[6] An African Peace Initiative in the Russia-Ukraine War. Available at: link: https://blog.prif.org/2023/07/21/an-african-peace-initiative-in-the-russia-ukraine-war/

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