Mr. Michel Kerres, NRC newspaper, Mr. Sico van der Meer, Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute, Mr. Remco Breuker, Professor of Korean Studies at Leiden University and Director Leiden Asia Centre, H.E. Lee Yun Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Dr. Jun Bong-Geun, Advisor on the Inter Korean Summit 2018, Republic of Korea and Mr. Peter Potman, Director Asia and Oceania, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.By Roy Lie Atjam.Current developments on the Korean peninsula-Such was a theme of a seminar co-hosted by Leiden Asia Centre, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and the Clingendael Institute. The seminar was held at Societeit De Witte The Hague on Tuesday 22nd May 2018.Mr. Sico van der Meer, Research Fellow, the Clingendael Institute.The focus of the seminar was on providing academics, diplomats, media, the general public and others with some insight into the recent developments on the Korean peninsula.
Furthermore, a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump is hopefully going to take place in Singapore on 12 June 2018.
Current developments on the Korean peninsula.
Speakers at the seminar:
H.E. Lee Yun Young, Ambassador of the
Republic of Korea in the Netherlands
Mr. Remco Breuker, Professor of Korean Studies at
Leiden University and Director Leiden Asia Centre
The Korean Peninsula after the Inter- Korean Summit 2018’
Dr. Jun Bong-Geun, Advisor on the Inter Korean Summit 2018,
Republic of Korea
What role for the European Union on the Korean Peninsula?’
Mr. Sico van der Meer, Research Fellow, the Clingendael Institute
The Netherlands and the Korean Peninsula: Supportive Diplomacy’
Mr. Peter Potman, Director Asia and Oceania,
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Michel Kerres, during Q&A session, at the table Remco Breuker and Peter Potman.
The organizers of the seminar were unaware that President of the USA Donald Trump was about to pull out of the North Korea Summit with Kim Jong-un on that day.
Now with the ongoing summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, on June 12 in Singapore, details of the seminar are on hold.
Al Bashir case: ICC Appeals Chamber invites submissions from Sudan and Mr Al Bashir on legal questions raised by Jordan
On 25 May 2018, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) invited submissions, by 16 July 2018, from the competent authorities of the Republic of Sudan and Mr Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir on the legal questions raised by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (“Jordan”) in its appeal pending before the Appeals Chamber.
Jordan’s appeal against Pre-Trial Chamber II’s decision of 11 December 2017 concerns a finding that Jordan, a State Party to the Rome Statute since 2002, had failed to comply with its obligations under the statute by not executing the Court’s request for Mr Al Bashir’s arrest and surrender to the Court while he was on Jordanian territory attending the League of Arab States’ Summit on 29 March 2017.
The Pre-Trial Chamber had decided to refer the matter of Jordan’s non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties and the United Nations Security Council. On 12 March 2018, Jordan appealed this decision. This will be the first time that the Appeals Chamber will consider the matter of a referral of a State Party’s non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties and the United Nations Security Council.
The Appeals Chamber had, on 29 March 2018, invited observations from the United Nations and Regional Organisations (specifically the African Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of American States), ICC States Parties and Professors of International Law on legal questions raised by Jordan.
Order inviting submissions
Heiko Maas and the XII President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö – Picture by Matti Porre, Tasavallan presidentin kanslia.
German-Finnish meeting at Helsinki
Friday, 25 May 2018, Helsinki, Republic of Finland: A foreign affairs meeting was held in Finland at the invitation of the Finnish chief of diplomacy, Timo Soini, for his colleague hailing from Germany, Heiko Maas. Albeit their counterparts from Sweden and Denmark were due to partake their participation was postponed for a later date to be announced. In fact, the axis bringing together Germany and the Nordic EU-countries has not met since 2016 during a summit held at Berlin.
Focus of the bilateral Finnish-German discussions were the common security concerns in the Baltic region but likewise the current affairs of the Iran deal with the EU, the war in Syria, the transatlantic relations as well as the further development of foreign and security policy after Brexit.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was likewise received by Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö for a private audience. Thereafter he held an allocution at Finlandia-Hall in the framework of the celebrations to mark the hundredth anniversary since the setting-up of the Finnish Foreign Ministry.
For further information:
Embassy of Finland to Germany (Ritva Koukku-Ronde): http://finnland.de/public/default.aspx?contentid=375391&nodeid=37052&culture=de-DE
Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (HE Minister Timo Soini): http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?culture=en-US&contentlan=2
By Guido Lanfranchi.On May 24th, United States State Department voiced its support for the actions undertaken by the Dutch and Australian governments, which have called Russia “to account for its role in the July 2014 downing of Malaysia Fight #17.”
On July 17th, 2014, the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH-17) took off from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and headed towards Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At around 16:20 local time, the aircraft was flying over eastern Ukraine, theater of a conflict between the government and separatist rebels, when it was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. All the 298 people on board, both crew and passengers, died.
In the aftermath of the accident, the different factions fighting in eastern Ukraine started trading accusations. The matter was swiftly referred to the United Nations Security Council. On July 21st, the Council passed Resolution 2166, expressing support for the “efforts to establish a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the incident,” and calling all UN member states to “provide any requested assistance to civil and criminal investigations.” Since then, several investigations have been held, with the Dutch government playing a pivotal role in many of them.
On May 24th, the Dutch Public Prosecutor exposed the findings of the most recent investigation, conducted by the so-called Joint Investigation Team. According to the JIT results, the surface-to-air BUK missile that hit the MH-17 was shot from a launcher belonging to the Russian 53rd anti-aircraft brigade. After the publication of these information, the Dutch and Australian government decided to hold the Russian government legally responsible for the incident, in which 193 Dutch nationals and 27 Australian citizens lost their lives.
In its press communique, the United States State Department declared its “complete confidence in the findings of the JIT.” In the document, USSD Spokesperson Ms. Heather Nauert stressed that the launcher used to down the MH-17 “was brought into sovereign Ukrainian territory from Russia, was fired from territory controlled by Russia and Russia-led forces in eastern Ukraine, and was then returned to Russian territory.”
The US State Department thus expressed strong support for the “decisions by the Netherlands and Australia to call Russia to account,” and urged Russia to “cease its lies” and to “adhere to UNSCR 2166 and respond to Australia’s and the Netherlands’ legitimate requests.”
The State Department also offered its condolences to the families and friends of the 298 innocent victims, pledging to “call for justice” on their behalf. In the conclusive remarks, the Department highlighted that it remains “confident in the ability of the Dutch criminal justice system to prosecute those responsible in a manner that is fair and just.”
The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, with Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, The Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan.
The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, met with senior government officials and highlighted the chief challenges in chemical demilitarisation during his visit to the United Kingdom from 23 to 25 May 2018.
Ambassador Üzümcü held separate meetings on 24 May with the UK’s Minister of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Earl Howe, and Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan.
During these meetings, the Director-General thanked the UK for its consistent stance as a champion of the OPCW’s work and as a vocal defender of the global norm against chemical weapons.
In his address to the 21st International Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference on 24 May, the Director-General depicted the shifting landscape of chemical demilitarisation.
The Director-General stated that there is “a clear and continuing role” for the OPCW in combatting chemical terrorism – a major new threat. He predicted that: “Diligent implementation of the legal obligations coupled with effective responses measures offer the best protection in this regard.”
At the Royal Society of Chemistry on 23 May, the Director-General spoke about the importance of science related to the implementation of the CWC.
He remarked that as the Organisation goes forward into the post-destruction era, the relationship with science will intensify and the OPCW will continue relying upon scientific insights to ensure that science is used solely for human benefit.
Ambassador Üzümcü joined a panel of prominent experts to discuss stopping the use of chemical weapons in modern conflicts, during an event at Chatham House on 25 May.
The Spanish Central Investigating Court of the Audiencia Nacional and the Romanian Directorate for Investigation of Organised Crime, Central Office and Terrorism (DIICOT), as well as the Romanian Police, initiated separate investigations into an organised crime group (OCG), composed mainly of Romanian nationals. The OCG, which targeted a multitude of victims worldwide, including public and private entities, as well as individuals, is suspected of having committed the crimes of fraud, forgery of documents, money laundering and involvement in an OCG. Following simultaneous house searches in both Member States, thirty-three suspects were detained in Spain (fourteen were arrested in Spain on the action day) and five people were arrested in Romania on the basis of Spanish European Arrest Warrants (EAWs).Once more, Eurojust’s contribution was indispensable to the successful outcome of the operation, providing all the necessary judicial cooperation tools as well as its operational support in a timely and effective manner. On the initiative of the Spanish Desk at Eurojust, a case was opened in February 2018, and, in April 2018, a coordination meeting was held at Eurojust with the national authorities involved to coordinate the investigations in the Member States — as the OCG members were constantly commuting among several countries — exchange case-related information and agree on a way forward. Subsequently, Eurojust, via the concerned National Desks, facilitated the national authorities’ investigations through the execution of EAWs and Letters of Request. Two action days took place, in Spain on 23 April, and in Romania on 26 April. Europol deployed mobile offices in both Member States.The OCG has been active since 2016. Its members opened numerous bank accounts in various Member States using forged identity documents. Through those accounts, and via websites such as Amazon and Airbnb, the perpetrators defrauded an amount estimated at more than EUR 8 million by deceiving them into buying counterfeit products or services, such as fake holiday packages.
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Photography by Eurojust.
H.E. Mrs. Vestine Nahimana with Radboud University StudentsBy Roy Lie Atjam.
On Tuesday 22nd May 2018, a group of about twenty-five enthusiastic students of the Faculty of Public Administration, Radboud University Nijmegen, made their way to the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in The Hague. The reason was a study visit. H.E. Mrs. Vestine Nahimana Ambassador heartily welcomed the students. The Ambassador subsequently introduced her country and touched on some min topics. A Q&A was also part of the interactive encounter. Extracts of Ambassador Nahimana’s presentation now follows.
“It is always a good opportunity to get to know foreign countries through this kind of visits, notably for students with your background and aspirations.
Inspired by the questions you have prepared in advance, I will give you a presentation of my country Burundi, although I know that you have done your homework.
Burundi is a landlocked country, located in the African Great lake region, Tanganyika, commonly known as Swiss of Africa because of its hills similar to those of Switzerland. Burundi is also referred to as the heart of Africa because of its geographical location. Its surface is 27,834 square km with a population estimated at about 12 million.
Ambassador Nahimana and group’s coordinator Jelle Lammers.
It is a country with a young population of (65 %) and agriculture is the activity most practiced by the population (90%). Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962 thanks to Prince Louis Rwagasore (killed a year earlier). In 1965, Burundi inaugurated the era of the Republic by the late President Michel Micombero. Then, in order, Colonel J. Baptiste Bagaza and Major Pierre Buyoya. All these presidents came to power through military coups.
In 1993 the first president to be democratically elected was invested. H.E. Melchior Ndadaye, he was killed later that same year (three months later) during a coup by the then mono-ethnic army. This triggered a decade-long war that left about three hundred thousand (300,000) dead and millions more went into to exile.
In 2005, after three years of transitional government, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza was appointed by the Parliament and Senate to the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi.
The Government of Burundi is composed of the executive organ, the legislative organ composed of two chambers (National Assembly and Senate) and the judiciary organ, all independent.
On the economic front, Burundi is one of the developing countries. Endowed with rich natural resources, the country fights to take advantage of its minerals for development. The other main source of its development is the exportation of crops grown in the country.
The relationship between the Netherlands and Burundi
The Netherlands and Burundi enjoy friendly relations and this is illustrated in several ways:
Diplomatically and politically, both countries are represented by Embassies respectively installed in each other countries. We can also note also frequent courtesy visits by official authorities.
On the Security front, Burundi and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a “memorandum d’entente” for the implementation of the Security Sector Development Program.
On the economic front, both countries benefit from mutual cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture. Many Dutch NGOs and start-ups operate in Burundi in the sectors of agriculture, food, security and health.
Recent tensions in Burundi and the current security situation
In 2015, Burundi witnessed protests turned into insurgency, these insurrections that later led to an attempted coup were planned by some politicians who did not support the idea of participating in the elections. But this period is over. Burundi enjoys peace and security throughout its territory. Nevertheless, cases of banditry and delinquency can be recorded, as is the case in all countries of the world.
Tensions between Hutu and Tutsi
The tensions between the two groups are almost over, thanks to the Constitution and the Arusha Agreement that allowed the two groups to collaborate and not to exclude themselves, which was one of the reasons for the civil war in Burundi for a very long time. During the 2015 Attempted Coup, some political actors attempted to divide the population with this ethnic rhetoric. But the Burundian people have resisted the division, and I believe this is a huge victory for the Burundian people.
The example of Rwanda (economy, government)
I will not talk about governance or the economy of Rwanda, but rather about Burundi. But let me answer very clearly, Rwanda is not an example for Burundi because the two countries are not the same and do not have the same challenges. What you need to know about Burundi is that it tries to solve the needs of its people rather than designing plans and imposing them on the population. I think this is important.
The importance of African integration like the European Union.
African countries have been aware long time ago of the imperative necessity to work together to achieve common goals. It is in this sense that the African Union was created. There are also sub-regional communities in Africa. Burundi is part of the East African Community for instance. What is important to note is that challenges, goals and purposes of Africans are different from those of the European Union. Integration in terms of effective free movement of goods and people is still a big challenge for example.
Yes, Africa’s future lies in sound and stable integration. Burundi enjoys its full integration into the East African Community. Thus, the country can enjoy access to the sea via Mombasa or the port of Dar-Es-Salam.
Dear students, I now invite you on a video trip to Burundi through this short report that will show more about the landscapes, the resources, the culture and even opportunities that abound in the country.”
The students were impressed when learned about a 30% quota for women in institutions.
The group’s coordinator Jelle Lammers presented Ambassador Nahimana with a token of appreciation. Enriched with a better insight of Burundi, the students bid goodbye to Ambassador Nahimana.
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Photography by the Embassy of Burundi in The Hague.
Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the City of Hamburg – Picture by Senatskanzlei, Engel.
23 May 2018, Berlin, Germany: The German Federal Government entrusted the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, with the office of Cultural Plenipotentiary in the framework of the Franco-German cooperation.
Dr. Tschentscher follows on the footsteps of his mayorial predecessor Olaf Scholz in the mandate granted to him up to 31 December 2018. Olaf Scholz is now Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister in the Federal Government.
In this function, Dr. Tschentscher is accorded the protocolary treatment of a federal minister, for he represents the cultural and educational interests of the 16 German states and the federation vis-à-vis his French counterparts.
Precisely fifty five years ago the Franco-German cooperation was sealed through the Élysée Treaty. Already on 4 June 2018 Hamburg is due to host the state cultural ministers as well as the French rectors und rectrices d’académie. In Germany culture is a field heeded by the federal states. On the other hand the federation accredits a Commissioner for Culture and Media responsible before the Chancellor; incumbent is Minister of State, Prof. Dr. Monika Grütters.
Wednesday, 16 May 2018, Villa La Favorite, Cannes, France: Montblanc Brand Ambassador Charlotte Casiraghi unveiled a collection designed by herself focusing on the concept that opposites attract.
Bracelets, rings and necklaces made of various materials and contrasting colours offer endless combinations in this collection. Hidden magnets allows the wearer to combine one, two or three bangles of different shape and texture to create simple, elegant or bold looks.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 16: (R-L) Macarena Gomez, CEO of Montblanc, Nicolas Baretzki and Aldo Comas attend the Montblanc dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi for the collection launch ‘Les Aimants at Villa La Favorite on May 16, 2018 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for MONTBLANC)
The private launch took place during after an exclusive dinner and subsequent feast organised in the framework of the Cannes Film Festival. Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki was accompanied by the house’s creative director Zaim Kamal as well as Charlotte Casiraghi with her half-sister, HRH Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Brunswick and Lüneburg as well as juror at Cannes Festival, Khadja Nin.
For further information: http://www.montblanc.com/en/collection/jewellery/bracelets/11856261-les-aimants-by-charlotte-casiraghi-bangle.html
HH Mayor Peter Tschentscher and US Ambassador Grenell – Picture by Tim Ott, Senatskanzlei Hamburg.
Wednesday, 16 May 2048, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: US Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, who took office the same day he arrived to Berlin on 8 May, pay a visite de courtoise to the Mayor of Hamburg Dr. Peter Tschentscher.
A 45-minutes long confidential conversation took place at the mayor’s behest at the Mayor’s Office to discuss ongoing transatlantic relations, and the ways to enhance them. According to Ambassador Grenell he is not preoccupied for a trade war that might damage relations to the EU partners.
Hamburg’s City Hall is the seat for the Mayor, the City-State Government (Senate) as well as its State Assembly (Hamburgische Bürgerschaft).
For further information:
In 2005, after three years of transitional government, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza was appointed by the Parliament and Senate to the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi.
The Government of Burundi is composed of the executive organ, the legislative organ composed of two chambers (National Assembly and Senate) and the judiciary organ, all independent.
On the economic front, Burundi is one of the developing countries. Endowed with rich natural resources, the country fights to take advantage of its minerals for development. The other main source of its development is the exportation of crops grown in the country.
On the economic front, both countries benefit from mutual cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture. Many Dutch NGOs and start-ups operate in Burundi in the sectors of agriculture, food, security and health.
Yes, Africa’s future lies in sound and stable integration. Burundi enjoys its full integration into the East African Community. Thus, the country can enjoy access to the sea via Mombasa or the port of Dar-Es-Salam.
Dear students, I now invite you on a video trip to Burundi through this short report that will show more about the landscapes, the resources, the culture and even opportunities that abound in the country.”
The students were impressed when learned about a 30% quota for women in institutions.
The group’s coordinator Jelle Lammers presented Ambassador Nahimana with a token of appreciation. Enriched with a better insight of Burundi, the students bid goodbye to Ambassador Nahimana.
———
Photography by the Embassy of Burundi in The Hague. 
In 2005, after three years of transitional government, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza was appointed by the Parliament and Senate to the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi.
The Government of Burundi is composed of the executive organ, the legislative organ composed of two chambers (National Assembly and Senate) and the judiciary organ, all independent.
On the economic front, Burundi is one of the developing countries. Endowed with rich natural resources, the country fights to take advantage of its minerals for development. The other main source of its development is the exportation of crops grown in the country.
On the economic front, both countries benefit from mutual cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture. Many Dutch NGOs and start-ups operate in Burundi in the sectors of agriculture, food, security and health.
Yes, Africa’s future lies in sound and stable integration. Burundi enjoys its full integration into the East African Community. Thus, the country can enjoy access to the sea via Mombasa or the port of Dar-Es-Salam.
Dear students, I now invite you on a video trip to Burundi through this short report that will show more about the landscapes, the resources, the culture and even opportunities that abound in the country.”
The students were impressed when learned about a 30% quota for women in institutions.
The group’s coordinator Jelle Lammers presented Ambassador Nahimana with a token of appreciation. Enriched with a better insight of Burundi, the students bid goodbye to Ambassador Nahimana.
———
Photography by the Embassy of Burundi in The Hague. 
