US DSS John J. Sullivan jaunting through Europe 

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 US DSS John J. Sullivan jaunting through Europe 
Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan is traveling to Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Latvia, and Belgium from February 15-24.
The Deputy Secretary will arrive in Munich on February 16 to lead the State Department delegation to the Munich Security Conference. He will participate in a nuclear security and arms control panel discussion with foreign government officials and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to global nuclear security. While in Munich, he will also hold bilateral meetings with officials from Germany and other countries. The Deputy Secretary will then travel to Rome from February 18-20, where he will meet with senior Italian officials to discuss cooperation on priorities in Ukraine, Libya, the fight to defeat ISIS, the Sahel, and human rights and religious freedom. He will also deliver remarks and engage with foreign policy experts, students, and members of the press at the American Studies Center to discuss the U.S.-Italian relationship and our cooperation on security issues around the world. He will visit Kyiv on February 21 to meet with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Groysman, and Foreign Minister Klimkin. The Deputy Secretary will stress the importance of Ukraine expeditiously implementing credible economic and anti-corruption reforms and will underscore U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On February 22, Deputy Secretary Sullivan will travel to Riga where he will meet with senior Latvian officials to reaffirm NATO’s Article 5 commitment and discuss various other economic, investment issues, and bilateral priorities. Finally, on February 23, he will visit Brussels to participate in the G5 Sahel Donors Conference and discuss continued support for development, security, and political issues in the Sahel. During his trip, the Deputy Secretary will also engage with U.S. Embassy staff in each of the countries, as well as representatives from the business community and civil society. ——— For further information: 
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/02/278334.htm
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By the Office of the US Spokesperson (Secretary of State)
Washington D.C., February 14, 2018. 
John J. Sullivan – Picture by State Department.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks at MSC 2018

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Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks at MSC 2018
Thursday, 16 February 2018, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Federal Republic of Germany: Former XXIV Danish Prime Minister, XII NATO Secretary General and Founder as well as CEO of Rasmussen Global, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen,  spoke at the Munich Security Conference on how Artificial Intelligence could affect warfare in the future. In his utterances “I believe human beings should always be kept ‘in the loop’ on life & death decisions and we need to begin discussing a non-proliferation treaty for truly autonomous weapons”.  ———– For further information:  Munich Security Conference: https://www.securityconference.de/en/activities/munich-security-conference/msc-2018/ Rasmussen Global: https://rasmussenglobal.com Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Munich Security Conference 2018 – Picture by Rasmussen Global. 

OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria

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OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria
OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria Continues Investigations into Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use The Hague, Netherlands – 17 February 2018 – Recent allegations about the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Aran Republic continue to be of grave concern to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), whose mandate is “to establish facts surrounding allegations of the use of toxic chemicals … for hostile purposes in the Syrian Arab Republic”, is investigating all credible allegations and provides regular reports for consideration by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). A rigorous methodology is employed for conducting an investigation of alleged use of chemical weapons. The FFM report will take into account corroboration between interviewee testimonies; open-source research; medical reports and other relevant documentation as well as the characteristics of any samples obtained by the FFM. The FFM works closely with States Parties including the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. The FFM’s mandate is to determine whether chemical weapons or toxic chemicals as weapons have been used in Syria; it does not include identifying who is responsible for alleged attacks. OPCW Director General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü reiterated: “Any use of chemical weapons is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the hard won international norm prohibiting these weapons. Those responsible for their use must be held accountable. These abhorrent weapons have no place in the world today.”

Lunar New Year Vietnam Style

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Lunar New Year Vietnam Style
The Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa. Its new year in Asia; a dozen or so countries in the region celebrate the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. Vietnam is one of them. It’s on this occasion that H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa of Vietnam, in keeping with an old Vietnamese tradition invited colleagues and friends to come and celebrate Vietnam new year with her at the Chancellery in The Hague on February 14, 2018.
The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. HIroshi Inomata, Mr. Peter Bouman, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh.
A Vietnamese duo consisting of the artists Bui To Nga and Bui Thanh Hung performed folk melodies from the North, Central and South of Viet Nam. Chef de Cuisine Quyen prepared a variety of delightful Vietnamese dishes. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157663757408587
The Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Mr. Yun Young Lee, Ambassador Hoa and H.E. Dimitris Iliopolus, Ambassador of the European Union to the International Organizations.
Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa welcome delivery now follows. “I’m honored to welcome you all to our New Year Reception this evening. When the traditional New Year comes around, Vietnamese people tend to gather with close friends to reflect on the past year and celebrate the new one that’s coming. Therefore, I’m very glad that we have the chance to gather here on this fine evening to share this very special moment, true to Vietnamese tradition. 2017 was quite a memorable year for us as the Vietnam – Netherlands relations flourished incredibly, proceeding towards our 45th year anniversary; as well as our increasingly active contributions to multilateral relationships. Without a doubt, these accomplishments couldn’t have been achieved without all of your assistance and cooperation; which is why we’d like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I hope that you’ll continue to assist us in the upcoming year to achieve even greater results together and to strengthen our relations even more. Some of you may not know this but, 2018 is the year of the Dog, according to the 12-zodiac cycle. The animal is perceived as a man’s best friend. Well, in Vietnamese culture, it’s regarded as an even more special and auspicious creature that can bring good fortune and prosperity to human beings. This is why I believe that 2018 will be a great year for us all. In the spirit of friendship, we would like to invite you to celebrate the New Year with us.”

United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defence Visits OPCW

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United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defence Visits OPCW
The Hague, Netherlands — 14 February 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, met with the Minister of State for Defence for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Earl Howe, yesterday during a visit to OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Mr Howe was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the OPCW, H.E. Mr Peter Wilson. The Director-General and the Minister of State for Defence discussed the progress of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), OPCW’s continuing activities in Syria, initiatives to counter the use of chemical weapons by non-State actors as well as recent proposals to enhance the capabilities of the OPCW such as the expansion of the Laboratory and the establishment of the Rapid Response and Assistance Mission (RRAM). The Director-General expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom’s valuable support for OPCW’s work and the UK’s contributions to achieving a world free of chemical weapons. ————- Photography by OPCW.

ICC commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute

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ICC commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute

Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court, (left) and William R. Pace, Convenor of the Coalition for the ICC, (right) speaking at the Coalition for the ICC’s Open Forum held at the seat of the Court on 15 February 2018 in The Hague (Netherlands).

ICC hosts launch of civil society forum to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute

On 15 February 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) hosted the launch of the Coalition for the ICC’s commemorations of the20th anniversary of the Rome Statute – the Court’s founding treaty– with an Open Forum at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. More than 280 persons attended the event, including protagonists of the Rome Statute’s adoption, ICC officials, representatives of states, regional and international organizations, and civil society.

“It is a great pleasure for me to receive at the ICC so many of those very same people who worked so hard to make this Court possible”, said the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, calling the adoption of the Rome Statute “one of the biggest achievements of recent decades to advance the rule of law, a ‘revolution’ according to some.”

“This event recognises the role of the variety of stakeholders involved in the adoption of the Rome Statute – states, regional and international organisations, and civil society, and aims to spur a global dialogue on advancing justice for atrocities,” said the Convenor of the Coalition for the ICC, William R. Pace. “We call on all actors in the international system, organizations and individuals to organize 20th anniversary events throughout 2018 to raise awareness of this historic treaty and organization and commit to taking strides towards universal ratification and cooperation with ICC decisions, such as arresting wanted persons. Let us eliminate war and impunity for mass violence and repression.”

The ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, thanked the Coalition for the ICC and its membership from across the globe for their invaluable contribution to the cause of international justice, the establishment of the Court and marking this milestone achievement.  “The creation of the International Criminal Court must surely be one of humanity’s proudest moments,” said ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.  “Cooperation efforts need to amplify in order to secure long-term gains for justice.”

Recalling that victims participation and reparations are unique and cornerstone features of the Rome Statute system, Registrar Herman von Hebel stated that  the “success of the Court will depend not only on its judgements and sentences for individuals who have committed the gravest crimes of concern to the international community as whole. Rather, the success of the Court will also – if not even to a greater extent – depend on giving the victims voice and adequate reparation and assistance in re-building their lives.”

“Twenty years since the Rome Conference, the ICC is now an integral part of the international system. Its work contributes to the rule of law, the promotion of human rights and to a more peaceful and secure world,” said the President of the Assembly of States Parties O-Gon Kwon. “At this important juncture in its history, the Court needs our support more than ever […] In the end, the Rome Statute system can only be as effective and efficient as we, States Parties, together with the Court, and other stakeholders, make it through our actions and cooperation. ”

Interventions included the Coalition’s Convenor, the ICC President, Prosecutor and Registrar, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, the UN Secretary-General and UN Human Rights Chief, and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, among other high level officials and participants of the 1998 Rome Conference.

 

The Open Forum continued today, 16 February, at the Peace Palace in The Hague and commemorations will take place throughout the year worldwide, including around 17 July 2018, the Day of International Criminal Justice, and the Rome Statute’s official anniversary. It is hoped that the 20th anniversary will be a time for renewed commitment to the Rome Statute, the ICC, and the unprecedented system of international criminal justice created by the treaty.

HSV International Primary School new location from August 2018

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HSV International Primary School new location from August 2018

In the photo you can see the HSV Management Team. From left: Helen Claus (Interim Director – Lighthouse Special Education and Three Little Ships), Lorraine Dean (Director – HSV International Primary School), Anita van Schie (Head of School – Het Open Venster) and Hans van der Vlugt (Executive Director – HSV).

The HSV International Primary School is an established international school, currently housing three locations in the heart of The Hague. It is with great enthusiasm that the Board of Haagsche Schoolvereeniging announces the opening of its 4th location on van Heutszstraat 12 in the Bezuidenhout neighbourhood from August 2018.

The expansion was initiated by the City of The Hague as part of the Dutch Government’s expansion of (subsidised) International Education in The Netherlands. The new location will help reduce the significant waiting lists, especially for the younger year groups.

HSV is glad to announce the relocation of the Lighthouse Special Education into the same building as the fourth International Department location. This will provide a more inclusive environment for these children and provide additional learning support expertise to the International Department. Families who have children with both special educational needs and typically developing children will have the opportunity for their children to attend school in the same building.

In addition, the HSV is working on expanding its current Early Years Provision. The Three Little Ships Preschool will move into the new location, enabling children to transition easily into international education.

The new location will also house HSV’s board office, and the HSV’s Dutch School for children with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, Het Open Venster.

Rwanda at 2018 Vakantiebeurs tourism exhibition

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Rwanda at 2018 Vakantiebeurs tourism exhibition
H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands. For the 9th time Rwanda showcased its unique attractions at the Vakantiebeurs tourism exhibition, the largest tourism exhibition in the Benelux that took place from 9 to 14th of January in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The exhibition kicked of with a trade day for the Dutch travel industry professionals and travel media. Rwanda was among the 160 countries that participated at the Vakantiebeurs, which attracted more than 100,000 visitors. This years’ edition of Remarkable Rwanda at the Vakantiebeurs was all about getting inspired. First, by getting in touch with the local specialists from Rwanda and hearing the stories and experiences from first hand. The Rwanda Development Board, the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague, RwandAir, Amahoro Tours, Wildlife Tours Rwanda and Mercator Assistance were represented at the Rwanda stand during the six-day event. Then, cultural inspiration came while enjoying a traditional dance performance by the Rwanda dance group, followed by a culinary experience served by the barista on the Rwanda stand, serving specialty coffee and tea from the land of thousand hills. All visitors enjoyed live presentations by the co exhibitors and inspirational video presentations in the RwandaFul Lounge. Included in the program were the brand new TV episodes of the most famous biologist in the Netherlands, Freek Vonk. In the Summer 2017 his dream came true while discovering Rwanda. In total, 4 TV episodes about Freek Vonk in Rwanda have been broadcasted in November. With his enthusiasm, Freek gave a wonderful impression about nature and wildlife in Rwanda and it’s expected that this will attract crowds to the Rwanda stand. RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, operates  three weekly direct flights from/to Brussels on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On behalf of the Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, invited the Dutch tourism professionals and travel media to the RwandaFul Coffee Break. The trade&media day on 9 January at Vakantiebeurs was an opportunity to meet with new Dutch tour operators that have great interest to include Rwanda (both leisure and MICE) in their brochures and on their websites. Furthermore, it was an opportunity to promote the news that, effective 1 January 2018, Rwanda grants visitors a 30-day visa upon arrival without prior application. During the trade day Ambassador Karabaranga invited Mayor Van Zanen of Utrecht to the Rwanda stand to discover the tourism opportunities in the land of a thousand hills. ——– Co-exhibitors at the Rwanda stand RwandAir – Mrs Pulchérie Nyinawase, Sales executive RwandAir – Brussels Amahoro Tours – Mr Gregory Bakunzi, Owner Wildlife Tours Rwanda – Mr Davidson Mugisha, Owner Mercator Assistance – Mr Vedaste Kayiranga, Owner Events & activities at the Rwanda stand Networking: RwandaFul Coffee Break for trade & media on Tuesday 9 January – 12pm at the Rwanda stand Culture promotion: Rwanda dance performances right in front of the Rwanda stand. Coffee/Tea promotion: Barista (Mr Paul van Weert / Brewanda) with daily free Rwanda specialty coffee & tea tasting Story telling promotion: a varied program of presentations in the RwandaFul lounge at the stand. Live presentations by the coexhibitors, African Parks, Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague and Bird specialist Mr Karel Werdler from the Inholland Tourism University in Amsterdam.

I Benelux-Slovenia summit 

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I Benelux-Slovenia summit 
Monday-Tuesday, 5-6 February 2018, Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia: For the very first time leaders of all three Benelux countries were hosted for a multilateral summit by the Government of Slovenia. 10th Slovenian Premier Minister, H.E. Mr. Miro Cerar hosted a dinner for Luxembourgian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel and Belgian Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Didier Reynders at Ljubljana Castle before they are joined on 6 February by  Dutch Premier H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte for a working session at Podrožnik Villa on Tuesday. After lunch all four on Tuesday, strolled through the city of Ljubljana. They ended up their meetings with a supper at Strmol Mansion north of the capital. One of the topics under discussion was the implementation of the border arbitration award after Benelux prime ministers urged Slovenia and Croatia in July last year to respect the award in a constructive spirit. Mark Rutte touched on the issue again when visiting his Austrian counterpart H.E. Mr. Sebastian Kurz early in January 2018, when they both expressed concern about the dispute and their willingness to contribute to its solution. Slovenia has very good relations with the Benelux countries, something that was noted when Cerar hosted his Belgian counterpart H.E. Mr. Charles Michel for a meeting in Ljubljana in May 2017.  The countries have similar views on the EU’s future. Both Slovenia and Belgium were at the time said to be advocating a strong, forward-looking and development-oriented EU. Cerar highlighted the usefulness for Slovenia to build stronger ties with the Benelux countries, considering the shared values and political policies with them.
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https://twitter.com/BelgiumMFA/status/960878698575679488 Picture by Slovenian Government 

UNESCO Director General Azoulay on maiden visit to Brussels 

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UNESCO Director General Azoulay on maiden visit to Brussels 

24-25 January 2018, Brussels, Berlaymont:  UNESCO Director General Ms. Audrey Azoulay met in Brussels with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini.

On the occasion of her first visit in Brussels, UNESCO Director General held a fruitful first encounter with the High Representative, aimed at discussing priority areas for further EU-UNESCO cooperation.

Director General Azoulay received strong support for UNESCO’s mandate from the High Representative, stressing that the Organisation will continue to be a significant partner for the EU. In their discussion, in addition to relevant achievements in the cultural sector as the European Union’s strategy for international cultural relations, the protection of cultural heritage in danger and the recently launched European Year of Cultural Heritage, it was reiterated the support of the European Union to UNESCO’s work in preventing radicalisation and in the fields of education and science.

High Representative and Director General explored future opportunities to cooperate having regard to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including further joint action on women and youth empowerment.

Director General Azoulay also took the opportunity to encounter Mr. Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis as well as  Ms. Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development.

For further information 

https://en.unesco.org/news/director-general-s-meetings-european-commissioners

——– Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO DG and Federica Mogherini – Picture by European Union
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