Celebrate Bahrain Season Shatters Records with Over 100,000 Visitors

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Celebrate Bahrain Season Shatters Records with Over 100,000 Visitors

22nd January 2024 – Bahrain’s resplendent variety of culture, music, sports, and family festivities came alive during the recently concluded Celebrate Bahrain Season. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) proudly announced the outstanding success of the event, which attracted a staggering number of over 100,000 visitors. This accomplishment not only underscores Bahrain’s appeal as a premier global tourism destination but also sets a new standard for cultural celebrations in the region.

The Celebrate Bahrain Season, a collaborative effort with numerous partners, showcased a diverse array of events across various governorates, creating an immersive experience for both locals and visitors alike. From family-oriented activities to musical extravaganzas, cultural showcases, and sporting events, the festival encapsulated the spirit of Bahrain’s rich heritage and modern vibrancy.

The grand finale of Celebrate Bahrain Season ended in a spectacular New Year’s celebration at iconic locations such as Water Garden City, Marassi Beach, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Harbour, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain National Museum, and Al Najmah Club.

The overwhelming turnout transformed the Festival City into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, entertainment, and joy, leaving an impact on everyone involved.

A notable achievement of Celebrate Bahrain Season was its ability to draw a substantial number of tourists from around the world. Exclusive promotions and a diverse range of events successfully captivated the attention of global travelers, solidifying Bahrain’s position as an unparalleled destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Bahrain’s dedication to hosting successful and inclusive events is evident in the multifaceted success of Celebrate Bahrain Season. The strategic partnerships forged during the celebrations not only exceeded expectations but also positioned Bahrain as a trendsetter in cultural festivities in the region.

As the kingdom continues to evolve as a prominent tourism hub, events like Celebrate Bahrain play an important role in shaping Bahrain’s global identity and attracting visitors from around the globe.

Zeitgeist Irland 24 launched in Berlin by Tánaiste Micheál Martin 

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Zeitgeist Irland 24 launched in Berlin by Tánaiste Micheál Martin 


Friday, 19 January 2024, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland), Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence, Micheál Martin travelled to Berlin for a number of high-level meetings, and to launch Zeitgeist Irland 24, a season of Irish arts and culture across Germany in 2024.

During his visit, the Tánaiste met with the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany Annalena Baerbock where they had a warm and constructive meeting reflecting the very strong friendship between our two countries. After their meeting, the Tánaiste and Minister Baerbock conducted a joint press conference. 

While in Berlin, the Tánaiste also had a valuable exchange with the Bundestag Committee on European Affairs on shared European priorities and he provided a keynote address on ‘Navigating Europe: Ireland’s Voice in Shaping the Future of Europe’ at the Jacques Delors Centre affiliated to the Hertie School in association with the Free University Berlin.

Alongside the State Minister for European Affairs and Climate Dr. Anna Lührmann, the Tánaiste launched Zeitgeist Irland 24 at a spectacular event in front of over 350 people during an event held at Berlin’s Metropol. The Zeitgeist Irland 24 programme of cultural events will bring new vibrancy to the long-standing connections between Ireland and Germany while showcasing the very best that contemporary Irish arts has to offer. It is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in Germany headed by Ambassador Dr. Nicholas O’Brien and Culture Ireland, supported by Tourism Ireland and will take place right across Germany over the coming year.

The launch event included a diverse line-up of Irish artists who are part of the Zeitgeist Irland 24 programme and provided an insight into the variety of Irish talent that will be performing across Germany in 2024.

For further information 

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Norwegian accreditation for Oman’s Maitha Al Mahrouqi

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Norwegian accreditation for Oman’s Maitha Al Mahrouqi

Thursday, 18 January 2024, Oslo, Kingdom of Norway: His Majesty King Harald V of Norway received the letters of credence from Oman’s non-resident top envoy Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi in a ceremony held at the Royal Palace. Al Mahrouqi took the opportunity to convey King Harald V the best regards from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said.

Maitha Al Mahrouqi is based from the Omani diplomatic chancery located in Berlin’s Grunewald district, Germany, since the autumn of 2022. Previous to her ambassadorship, Maitha Al Mahrouqi served in the capacity as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for eleven years. Therein she was responsible for the oversight of the ministry’s strategic ambitions to drive economic growth through tourism. She also sat on a number of boards of directors and committees in ministries, governmental entities and companies with financial and economic legislative mandates.  

Ambassador Al Mahrouqi began her professional career in the aviation sector, working for Gulf Air, and becoming the youngest General Manager in the airline’s history. Thereafter she moved on to serve the country’s national carrier, Oman Air, as Country Manager, transforming the Oman office into a main hub for the airline.

Maitha Al Mahrouqi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and Arabic. 

She was awarded the Oman’s Civil Order (3rd Class) in 2015 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said. Al Mahrouqi was awarded the Distinguished Arab Women Award in the tourism sector in 2016 by the Arab Women’s Council. In 2014, Al Mahrouqi was named as one of the most powerful women in the public sector by Forbes Middle East.

For further information 

Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to Germany, to the Nordic countries, Poland and Ukraine: https://www.fm.gov.om/berlin/#Bilateral-relations

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Image courtesy of the Embassy of Oman in Germany

International Criminal Court Marks Opening of the Judicial Year 2024

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International Criminal Court Marks Opening of the Judicial Year 2024

On 19 January 2024, the International Criminal Court held a solemn hearing for the opening of its judicial year, featuring speeches of this year’s keynote speaker, Honorable Lady Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ICC Principals, and the President of the ICC Bar Association. ICC judges as well as the Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Ambassador Margareta Kassangana, Representatives from national jurisdictions, regional or international courts, the diplomatic corps, civil society and international organizations, also attended the event in ICC Courtroom 1 or through the online streaming.

The President of the ICC, Judge Piotr Hofmański, stated: “2023 was an extremely intense year for the ICC, both as regards judicial proceedings as well as investigations and reparations. This heavy workload will continue in 2024. What we would hope to see, of course, is more suspects in custody. We need States to step up their efforts to execute the outstanding arrest warrants.”

Honorable Lady Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, delivers Keynote Address at the opening of the ICC judicial year 2024 on 19 January 2024 at the seat of the Court in The Hague ©ICC-CPI

Honorable Lady Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, delivered a keynote address on the role of judicial institutions in pursuing sustainable peace, security and development and stated: “The strengthening of judicial institutions plays a key role in the restoration and consolidation of peace by facilitating the maintenance of law and order and fostering the peaceful resolution of disputes. … By holding the perpetrators accountable, the ICC ensures that justice is served, and prevents further crimes from occurring, hence contributing to sustainable peace, security and development. ”

Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC noted: “The opening of the judicial year is always a time for pause, reflection and re-commitment to doing better. This opening also is full of the hope, promise and expectations that victims around the world and humanity have for more justice and less crime. It is also one in which the obligation of the Court to effectively discharge its mandate is put into very stark relief. My Office and I commit to working with fidelity under the Rome Statute, to discharge our responsibilities by building partnerships and by independently assessing the evidence that we gather so that justice can be delivered more effectively in all areas where the Court has jurisdiction.”

ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler said: ”Looking forward to the year ahead, we find ourselves in the midst of a paradigm shift, where the demands for justice test the capacities of the international community to adequately address them. The Court’s operational landscape is undergoing a drastic expansion, reaching across five continents. Simultaneously, we are confronted with unprecedented security challenges that threaten the very essence of our institution. Security serves as a crucial precondition for the success of our operations, whilst also forming the foundation for judicial and prosecutorial independence, therefore placing it at the heart of the Court’s legitimacy.”

The President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) Marie-Hélène Proulx stated: “In a world that may seem more uncertain and dangerous with each passing day, justice must remain our guiding light. And for the rule of law to thrive, we need fearless lawyers. We need advocates who will represent victims with heart and soul, lawyers who will defend their clients tooth and nail, independent of prejudice and public opinion. We need lawyers who are not afraid to do the right thing, even when it is unpopular, controversial, or difficult. ICC external counsel and their teams are made of that cloth, and the ICCBA is proud to represent them and advocate for them.”

The solemn hearing was followed by the ICC’s Sixth Annual Judicial Seminar attended by ICC judges and more than 40 judges from international, regional and national courts, including several chief justices of ICC States Parties , held both online and at the seat of the Court. This year’s Seminar will focus on the role and the rights of victims in the context of judicial responses to international crimes, at the ICC as well as in other jurisdictions, notably national and regional courts. A summary report of the Judicial Seminar, held under Chatham House rules, will be issued subsequently. The ICC is grateful to the European Union for the funding provided for the Judicial Seminar.

The Office of the Prosecutor launches public principles to advance understanding of the crime of gender persecution

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The Office of the Prosecutor launches public principles to advance understanding of the crime of gender persecution

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim AA Khan KC, is pleased to announce a new initiative to advance accountability for the crime against humanity of persecution on the grounds of gender. This initiative will culminate in a comprehensive set of principles on gender persecution to provide guidance for increasing its prevention, and ensuring protection and participation of its survivors.

Complementing and building on the 2022 Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution , this new initiative will help to further promote accountability, transparency and predictability in the work of the Office in this crucial area and serve as broader guidance internationally. The principles will be developed on the basis of international criminal law and human rights law, drawing from applicable treaties and general principles and rules of international law. It will also draw on the jurisprudence of the Court and other relevant human rights and accountability mechanisms.

Through this, the Prosecutor invites comments early in the development of this initiative, calling for input on, inter alia, the nature and scope for preventing, protecting and including victim participation that the principles ought to include, cover and address.

In highlighting the importance of the policy and stakeholder consultation, Prosecutor Khan stated: “Sexual and gender-based crimes are among the gravest under the Rome Statute. Justice requires a holistic understanding as to why perpetrators committed such acts, if we are to eliminate discrimination and break cycles of violence. Holding such crimes that meet the threshold for persecution accountable is a key priority for the Office. The gender persecution principles initiative is another commitment to this necessary objective.”

Mr Karim AA Khan KC, ICC Prosecutor.

Professor Lisa Davis, Special Adviser to the Prosecutor on Gender Persecution , will be assisting the Prosecutor and the Office in developing the principles. Professor Davis will be taking leave from the OTP during the open call and will return shortly after. “ Recognition of gender persecution acts helps to shed light on the historical and longstanding structural discrimination and fundamental rights deprivations experienced by vulnerable groups such as women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons. These principles will contribute to furthering effective measures to prevent and protect against gender persecution as well as to strengthen survivor participation”, stated Professor Davis.

In this first round of external consultations, the Office welcomes and encourages comments on the substance of the initiative early in the drafting process and prior to the first draft being produced and circulated for further input. The Prosecutor is of the view that external consultations on its policies and working methods are important for maintaining and furthering transparency and predictability, and generating the most comprehensive principles and policies. Comments will therefore be sought during the drafting process: first before the draft has been formulated, and a second round to solicit more specific and focused feedback.

Comments can be sent to OTP.Policies@icc-cpi.int by Friday, 22 November 2024, midnight, CET. All input received by the deadline will be carefully considered in the internal review and revision process.

The Office is grateful for the interest and support of the Rome Statute community for its activities and initiatives.

US-Greece Relations Reach New Heights: Blinken-Mitsotakis Meeting in Crete

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US-Greece Relations Reach New Heights: Blinken-Mitsotakis Meeting in Crete

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta

The meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, held at the prime minister’s ancestral home in Chania, Crete, lasted an hour and twenty minutes. Against the backdrop of kaltsoynia (Greek traditional sweets) and raki (Greek traditional drink), Mitsotakis warmly welcomed Blinken, showcasing the nearby American base in Souda Bay from his garden.

The meeting unfolded in a friendly atmosphere, with Blinken underscoring that Greek-American relations are currently at their zenith, attributing it to Mitsotakis’s significant contribution. The Greek Prime Minister, in turn, conveyed the commitment of Athens and Washington to continue collaborating towards restoring peace and security in the Middle East region. In a brief exchange before television cameras, Mitsotakis expressed his pleasure in hosting Blinken, emphasizing the symbolic depth of the two countries’ relations, currently at an all-time high.

Mitsotakis stated, “It is with pleasure that I welcome you here in Souda Bay in a place that symbolizes the depth of our strategic partnership. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to a place like this at a time when our bilateral relations are better than ever. These are difficult and challenging times for the region and it is especially important for us to stand side by side and work not only for our strategic cooperation as allies but also to ensure that peace and stability return to our troubled region. Again, it is my pleasure to welcome you here.”

Expressing gratitude, Blinken thanked the Greek Prime Minister for the warm welcome, acknowledging the honor of being received at his home in Chania and highlighting the significance of hospitality. He remarked, “It is a great honor for me professionally and personally and it means a lot to me to be welcomed into your home and thank you very much. I have many Greek friends in the US who know what hospitality means. I completely agree with you about the relationship between the two countries. I have been doing this job for 30 years and I have told the US ambassador in Athens Mr. Giorgos Tsounis and I do not remember another time when the friendship and relations between Greece and the US were stronger and this is due to the good relationship between the two peoples and also to the leadership that you have demonstrated. We are grateful for that.

We are facing the most difficult challenges but we are united whether it is the war in the middle east or in Gaza, it gives us strength for the future. That’s why I’m here and I want to hear your point of view, and your cooperation and alliance means a lot to the United States. I completely agree with what you said about bilateral relations.”

He added, “We’re facing some of the toughest challenges we’ve ever faced, but the fact that we’re united, whether it’s Ukraine, or security and stability in the Middle East, or the war in Gaza, that gives us enormous strength and perspective for the future,” closing the brief conversation in front of the cameras by emphasizing the importance of their cooperation and alliance for the United States.

According to government sources, Greece, as a consistent and reliable partner and ally, will receive what has been agreed upon following the meeting. This is believed to refer to the approval of the sale of American F-35s to Greece. The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of Greek-American relations, confirming the “excellent” level, with expectations of further positive steps in defense cooperation in the coming period.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is currently in Washington, with discussions centering around the F-35 and the Middle East situation. On February 9, the Greek and US foreign ministers, Giorgos Gerapetritis and Anthony Blinken, are scheduled to meet in Washington. Greece is seeking an increased role in the ongoing processes in the Middle East, and the talks include Athens’ commitment to participating in the “Guardian of Prosperity” operation in the Red Sea.

Additionally, Greece aims to expand channels with critical actors in the region, as demonstrated by Mr. Gerapetritis’s recent visits to Jordan and Egypt, where he engaged in discussions with counterparts and leaders on regional issues, including the situation in Libya.

Case Against the Netherlands at the European Court of Human Rights

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Case Against the Netherlands at the European Court of Human Rights

The Dutch Supreme Court dismissed a claim against two Israeli military officials in August 2023, asserting that under international law, the accused enjoyed absolute immunity from civil suits. Despite the serious nature of the allegations against them, the Dutch courts found that Mr. Benny Gantz and Mr. Amir Eshel, former senior Israeli military officials, were immune from civil prosecution in the Netherlands.

Mr. Ismail Ziada, a Dutch national of Palestinian origin, exhausted his legal avenues within the Dutch court system after the dismissal of his civil claim against the two Israeli officials. This claim stemmed from the bombing of his family’s residence in Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp in July 2014, which resulted in the tragic death of six family members. The District Court of The Hague and the Court of Appeal had previously rejected the case.

Having exhausted domestic legal options, Ismail Ziada’s legal team is now taking the matter to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). A legal briefing took place on 18 December at the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) in The Hague. On 18 December, international lawyer Helen Duffy of Human Rights in Practice, in collaboration with ISS, the Nuhanovic Foundation, and the European Legal Support Center, lodged the case against the Netherlands at the ECHR. These entities co-hosted the public briefing.

Mr. Ziada’s case challenges the denial of justice in Dutch courts as a violation of the Netherlands’ obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically the right of access to justice. The legal action at the ECHR seeks to rectify this perceived violation and hold the Netherlands accountable for its obligations.

It is noteworthy that the backdrop of this case is the Israeli military operation codenamed “Operation Protective Edge,” during which approximately 2000 Palestinians, including Ziada’s mother, three brothers, nephew, and sister-in-law, lost their lives between July and August of 2014.

Mastering Public Diplomacy at the University of Ottawa: A Strategic Approach to Modern International Relations

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Mastering Public Diplomacy at the University of Ottawa: A Strategic Approach to Modern International Relations

In the fast-evolving landscape of international relations, mastering the art of public diplomacy has become increasingly crucial. The University of Ottawa’s Mastering Public Diplomacy course stands out as a beacon for diplomats and individuals eager to hone cutting-edge techniques in the realm of modern international affairs.

The course offers a comprehensive exploration into the realm of the “new diplomacy” – public diplomacy, where the focus extends beyond traditional state-to-state interactions to encompass the vital relationship between public diplomats and civil society in the receiving state. Over the 12-hour duration, participants delve deep into the intricacies of this evolving field, gaining valuable insights into effective communication strategies and hands-on skills development.

One of the course’s key objectives is to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to implement public diplomacy projects under a cost-effective policy. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s global context, where resource optimization is paramount, and swift, impactful strategies are essential for success.

Through a combination of storytelling and practical exercises, participants not only understand the theoretical foundations of public diplomacy but also learn how to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. The emphasis on storytelling is especially noteworthy, as it aligns with the contemporary trend of using narratives to shape public opinion and build meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

An innovative aspect of the Mastering Public Diplomacy course is its recognition of the increasing role of locally engaged staff (non-diplomats) in public diplomacy departments. Participants gain valuable insights into why these individuals are becoming integral to the functioning of diplomatic missions and international organizations. This understanding allows diplomats and professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of public diplomacy with agility and adaptability.

The course caters to a diverse audience, including diplomats, diplomatic schools from ministries of foreign affairs, civil servants, journalists, international communication professionals, academics in diplomacy or international relations, staff from international organizations, the military, multinational corporations, the private sector, NGOs, and the civil society in general. This broad spectrum ensures a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences, enhancing the overall learning environment.

In a concise 12-hour timeframe and by bridging theory with practical skills, the course empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of modern international relations, fostering a new generation of public diplomats who are ready to face the challenges of our interconnected world.

For additional information visit Ottawa University Professional Development Institute

OpenAI Responds to New York Times Lawsuit: Defending the Use of Copyrighted Material

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OpenAI Responds to New York Times Lawsuit: Defending the Use of Copyrighted Material

OpenAI, the organization behind the creation of ChatGPT, recently faced legal action from the New York Times, alleging the unauthorized use of millions of articles and a violation of intellectual property law. In response, OpenAI addressed the issue during a presentation before the British Parliament, emphasizing the challenges posed by the diverse nature of data sources.

OpenAI, in collaboration with Microsoft, asserted that it is “impossible” to develop advanced AI models without incorporating materials protected by copyright law. The organizations contended that copyright coverage extends to a broad spectrum of human expressions, ranging from blog posts and photographs to forums, software code snippets, and government documents. They argued that constraining AI training data to sources from 50 years ago or limiting it to public domain materials would be impractical and insufficient for meeting the demands of contemporary society.

“Copyright today covers virtually every type of human expression, including blog posts, photographs, snippets of software code, and government documents. It would be impossible to train leading AI models without using protected materials,” explained OpenAI.

Additionally, OpenAI is currently facing legal challenges from prominent authors, such as George R.R. Martin, John Grisham, and Jonathan Franzen, who allege that their works were used by the company to train its algorithms. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between the necessity of using copyrighted material for AI training and the concerns raised by content creators regarding unauthorized use of their intellectual property.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will likely shape the future landscape of AI development and the boundaries between innovation and intellectual property rights.

Lithuania contributes €10,000 to OPCW missions in Syria

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Lithuania contributes €10,000 to OPCW missions in Syria

Lithuania’s contribution will support OPCW in implementing its mandate related to the Syrian Arab Republic

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—21 December 2023— The Government of the Republic of Lithuania has voluntarily contributed €10,000 to the Trust Fund for Syria Missions of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The contribution will be used towards the full elimination of the Syrian Chemical Weapons Programme as well as establishing facts surrounding the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, relevant decisions of the policy-making organs of the OPCW, and resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

The voluntary contribution was formalised on 19 December 2023 in a signing ceremony held between the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the OPCW, H.E. Mr Neilas Tankevičius, and the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Fernando Arias, at the Organisation’s Headquarters in The Hague.

Lithuania’s contribution will support OPCW

“Lithuania commends the important work of the OPCW and will continue supporting key activities of the Organisation. With this voluntary contribution, we are pleased to assist the OPCW’s pivotal work in the Syrian Arab Republic,” said Ambassador Tankevičius.

“We will continue to support the Organisation through active engagement in the Executive Council from 2024 to 2026,” he added.

The Director-General stated: “I express my sincere appreciation to Lithuania for its financial and political support to the OPCW’s mission to permanently eradicate chemical weapons. This contribution will help the OPCW to continue its critical work in Syria to ensure that the norms and principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention are upheld.”

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