Dutch festival goers extended a warm welcome to Blahalouisiana, one of Hungary’s most talented young bands. The band performed at the two-days Life I Live Festival, one of the most popular King’s Day events of the Netherlands attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors. Next to their English songs, Blahalouisiana also made the audience gathered in the center of The Hague dance to hits in Hungarian. After the concert, Ambassador András Kocsis and cultural attaché Dániel Csonka congratulated Barbara Schoblocher and her bandmates on the great performance.
Hungarian exhibitors at PLMA’s 2017 ‘World of Private Label’ International Trade Show
PLMA’s 2017 ‘World of Private Label’ International Trade Show will be held at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 May, and will present over 4300 exhibit stands including nearly 60 national and regional pavilions. 35 prominent Hungarian food and non-food producers will exhibit at the event, in cooperation with the Hungarian governmental agencies MNKH (Hungarian National Trading House) and AMC (Agro-Marketing Centre).
Ambassador András Kocsis and Commercial Attaché Nandor Zemniczky will join the program, visit the Hungarian exhibitors and assists them with launching successful business in the Netherlands. Photography by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders. Second Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao, the OPCW’s Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, the Mayor of The Hague, H. E. Mrs Pauline Krikke and Kings Commissioner to the Province of South Holland, Mr Jaap Smit.By Sheila Turabaz.
On the 29th of April 1997 the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force and 87 States Parties finally recognized the importance of international cooperation and individual efforts to achieving effective progress towards the utopian view of a world free of chemical weapons. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), serving as the implementing body, was hereby established.
Twenty years later the number of States Parties has more than doubled to 192 States Parties, representing 98% of the world population. The OPCW has been contributing to the improvement of international security, stability and peace for two decades and on the occasion of its anniversary, a solemn ceremony took place on the 26th of April in the Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal) in The Hague. The 20th anniversary ceremony served as an occasion for reflection on the organisation’s achievements made over the course of its existence.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
The ceremony consisted of a welcome address by OPCW Director-General H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ahmet Üzümcü, a video message by Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres who officially took office this year and reflective speeches by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the new Mayor of the Hague H.E. Mrs. Pauline Krikke and the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng (in chronological order). In between, The Babylon String Quartet – a musical ensemble based in The Hague –, performed musical interludes. Furthermore, the solemn ceremony was highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and the Director-General.
During his welcome address, the Director-General, mentioned the organisation’s achievements and re-expressed its objectives, along with paying tribute to victims of the abuse of chemical weapons throughout the world, past and present.
He concluded his welcome address by stating that “The success of the OPCW is owed to the commitment of its Member States which have spared no effort in building an efficient and vibrant multilateral organisation. The progress we have made by working together for a nobel goal shines brightly as a contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation and thereby to global peace and security. This collective endeavor has strengthened humanitarian norms, transformed attitudes and highlighted the possibilities of multilateralism. I have no doubt, that States Parties will continue their efforts to make the Convention a document of enduring validity that is universally respected. I am also confident that they will further strengthen the OPCW to make it forever responsive to the imperatives of peace and security in the world”.
Minister Koenders quoted a Canadian soldier in 1919 that described a horrendous scene involving chemical weapons on the battlefield and throughout his speech, Minister Koenders stressed the still existing threat of chemical weapons and the importance of the OPCW in combating chemical weapons abuse. Moreover, he mentioned that objectivity and verifiability is crucial in light of “fake news” threatening to “increase the confusion surrounding suspected chemical attacks”.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden — who is an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — expressed her personal interest in chemical weapons disarmament and referred to her experience at the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs as a student, calling it an inspiration during her academic education.
Ridderzaal, The Hague.The Mayor of the Hague Mrs. Krikke acknowledged the significance of the OPCW in The Hague as international city of peace and justice and — while speaking on behalf of the municipality —, (re-) assured the organization of its continued support.
Towards the end, the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, Dr. Israng made his way to the lectern and addressed the audience, stating that international cooperation is necessary “to reinforce the absolute taboo of chemical weapons and (…) to fight the evil side and promote the beneficial side of chemistry”.
The ceremony was concluded with a screening of a commemorative film about the OPCW and afterwards, guests were invited to attend the reception.
The Business Circle of the Philharmonic orchestra or Residentie Orkest hosted an event on April 20th, 2017.
This time around ABN AMRO Bank welcomed the Business Circle members to her new premises, Koningskade 30 The Hague. Koningskade 30 previously housed the (regional) Chamber of Commerce and has since thoroughly been renovated.
Violists Timur Yakubov and Iteke Wijbenga.
After a warm welcome, a program overflowing with interesting information on the renovation of the building and a musical interlude followed by Alt- violists Timur Yakubov and Iteke Wijbenga.
Mr. Rob Vermeij, ABNA AMRO.
Mr. Rob Vermeij, ABNA AMRO ‘s specialist in sustainable transformation gave an expose on the sustainable transformation applied in the renovation process of the building. Vermij hinted sustainability will be taken a step further.
Staff members are being encouraged to apply sustainability in the way they commute to work.
Mr. Bart Hoevenaars, a project manager at ABN AMRO.
In time, the number of parking lots will be reduced. A next presentation was by Mr. Bart Hoevenaars, a project manager at ABN AMRO. The Business circle members were offered a tour (Green tour) of the building.
In conclusion, there was a special performance by the Philharmonic orchestra; the next Business Circle meeting is scheduled to take place on May 11th 2017
Ms Abir Ali, H.E. Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Mrs Marianne van Stekelenburg and H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Ambassador of Iraq.Once again Diplomat Magazine together with Carlton Ambassador and Diplomatic Card, organized a traditional Diplomats Meet and Greet in collaboration with the Embassy of Lebanon in The Hague.The highly recognized and respected diplomat, Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy, received her guests after a long day of work, but with her kind smile, she was able to make everyone feel the warmth of the famous Lebanese hospitality. The rhythm of the conversations combined with the smooth music of the jazz band created a friendly and cosy atmosphere which all enjoyed.For additional Robert Huibert’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157683356561575Dr. Lr. Joris Voorhoeve and spouse, H.E. Dziunik Aghajanian, Ambassador of Armenia, Mr Roelof van Ees, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Heidemaria Gurer, Ambassador of Austria, H.E. J.S. Mukul Ambassador of India, H.E. Per Holmström, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina, Ms Abir Ali, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Haifa Aisami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela to the International Organizations, H.E. Nourredine Ayadi, Ambassador of Algeria and H.E. Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia.The Lebanese buffet especially made for the occasion was delicious. The flavors, colors, and presentation of the national dishes were exceptional. As Ms. Ali said, “the Lebanese cuisine is known in the whole world, and it has become Lebanon’s passport to the world”.Guests from the Diplomatic corps, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Organizations, the business sector, and friends filled up Carlton Hotel. An atmosphere of friendship and conviviality reigned throughout the night, or as the Dutch would say, it was “gezellig”.Steven van Hoogstraten and Jhr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland.In her welcome speech, Ms. Ali expressed the following:“I would like to thank Diplomat Magazine, and Mrs. Mayelinne De Lara, for initiating the beautiful practice of Embassies Meet and Greet, and for the many events they organize for the diplomatic community in The Hague.”.“.It is spring time, and Holland is in bloom. Every year, when the season of green and colorful flowers begin, I find myself singing with the great Louis Armstrong ‘I see trees in green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you, and I think to myself what a wonderful world’. And I always stop.”.“.I stop because, for one, I don’t know the rest of the song, and for two, I stop because I always ask myself: is it a wonderful world? Unfortunately, with the daily sad news that come to the screens of our smart phones, it is sometimes hard to think of the world as a wonderful place. But there is always hope like the hope that comes with the spring. And we, diplomats, have a responsibility to make the world a better and more peaceful place. And we leave it to the musicians and artists to make it a wonderful one”.Ms Abir Ali and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli.Ms. Ali conveyed to her guests the message that Lebanon represents. In her words: “My country, Lebanon, represents the message and values of tolerance, openness, acceptance of one another, and dialogue”. She ended by saying “wars can never solve anything, but dialogue can”.
Gandhi Center in The Hague, April 11, 2017. On the picture the yoga teacher Amit Khanna with Najat Bellouki (Morocco), Naima Shennib Swessi (Libya), Mita Mukul (India), Dr Dilruba Nasrin (Bangladesh), Natalia Tymoshenko (Ukraine). Ntokozo Koloane, (South Africa) Patricia van Oordt de Arias (Spain), Linda Zin (Malaysia) Midori Inomata (Japan) Ayadi Daorua (Algerie), Delkhaz Barzani (Iraq).
On 11 April 2017, a group of diplomatic spouses and the official yoga instructor at the Indian Embassy’s Gandhi Centre in The Hague, Mr. Amit Khanna, dedicated a farewell yoga session to Mrs. Mita Mukul who is returning to India with her husband, H.E. Ambassador, J.S. Mukul.During their stay in the Netherlands the couple have worked tirelessly to promote their country. Mrs. Mukul, who first arrived in The Hague in July 2015, successfully organized the first yoga sessions in the city specially for the diplomatic community. Mr.Amit Khanna.“I took the initiative to start the programme twice a week for diplomats and their spouses,” she explained to Diplomat Magazine. “The idea was to popularise yoga amongst the community. It has been a wonderful experience practicing yoga together with a group of friendly enthusiasts.”Mrs. Mukul and the Ambassador are themselves keen yoga practitioners. To mark International Yoga Day 2016, they jointly organized and coordinated a massive multicultural yoga session for some 600 attendees in the atrium of The Hague’s City Hall. Dilruba Nasrin, from Bangladesh and Linda Zin, from Malaysia.Many diplomats from different nationalities have since paid a twice-weekly visit to the Gandhi Centre, including representatives from Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Ukraine and several Latin American nations, among others.Diplomat Magazine was specially invited to cover the celebration, publishing several articles on India’s efforts to promote yoga at an international level. The Diplomat Magazine team would like to wish the Mukuls a safe return to India.
UNESCO is selecting a successor for Irina Bokova, its current leader and already the UNESCO Director General candidature interviews took place on April 24Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO.Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, front Qatar, emerged as a front-runner out of nine candidate countries, during the meeting in Paris last week. France, China and Qatar emerged as serious contenders. However, France and China face an obstacle in the fact that both European and Asian officials have recently led the organization. Paris is also the host of UNESCO’s headquarters.
Statement by President Trendafilova on the Judgement of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court.
Following the Judgement of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court, President Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova delivered today the following statement:
“The review by the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court of the adopted Rules of Procedure and Evidence is an indispensable corollary to ensure that, as required by the Constitution of Kosovo, the highest human rights standards are applied by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Compared to other institutions dealing with similar crimes, this represents an innovative step forward.Today’s decision by the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court concludes that out of a total of 208 rules, ten discrete provisions of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence need further consideration by the Plenary of Judges. This process reinforces the framework of the Specialist Chambers and guarantees full respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.I will as soon as possible convene a Plenary in order to ensure that this discrete set of rules be revised in line with the decision of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court. The entire Rules will therefore enter into force once the Constitutional Court has finally determined that all Rules are in compliance with Chapter II of the Constitution.I would like to express my gratitude for the tremendous work and commitment of the Judges of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court, thereby ensuring the highest human rights standards for the proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers”.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, His Majesty the King of the Netherlands and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders. Second Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao, the OPCW’s Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties, H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, the Mayor of The Hague, H. E. Mrs Pauline Krikke and Kings Commissioner to the Province of South Holland, Mr Jaap Smit.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 26 April 2017 — In the presence of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) today marked the 20th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the founding of the OPCW during a solemn ceremony held at the Ridderzaal (Hall of the Knights) in The Hague.
“We have come together to rededicate ourselves to peace, security and progress. Those are the abiding objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the essence of all our endeavours at the OPCW,” expressed the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, in his opening statement.
Ambassador Üzümcü paid homage to the memory of victims of chemical weapons across the world: “Many survivors continue to endure painful suffering despite the years that have elapsed since exposure. Some are present here today. They remind us of the human toll when morality is recklessly abandoned and universal norms callously breached.”
He reminded guests that “the work of the OPCW represents the most effective response to such cruelty; a ray of hope illuminating a dark shadow on our history.”
During the ceremony, the King together with OPCW’s Director-General, unveiled a plaque acknowledging the Organisation’s anniversary. The plaque will on display at OPCW Headquarters next to the plaque dedicated by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix on the occasion of the OPCW’s 10th anniversary.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr António Guterres, sent a special video message to the OPCW, while keynote remarks featured Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr Bert Koenders; H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, the Mayor of The Hague, H. E. Mrs Pauline Krikke.Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands.
The Commemorative Ceremony was attended by 450 Permanent Representatives and other delegates from OPCW Member States; chemical weapon victims; leaders of international organisations, chemical industry and civil society; and dignitaries from the Netherlands.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997 – and with its 192 States Parties – it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
H.E. Dr Christoph Israng, OPCW’s Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties.
This achievement is the result of a global endeavour – involving nations, chemical industry, scientists, and civil society – to create and enforce the world’s most successful international disarmament treaty. For its efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace.
On the picture King of the Belgians greeting foreign heads of missions including Dr Bahiya Al Jishi, Bahrain, to his left-, Chargé d’affairs Matthew Lussenhop, USA, Omar Said, Djibouti, behind the king, to his left Spain’s Ambassador Cecilia Yuste Rojas in conversation with Panamanian Ambassador Dario Chirú.Thursday, 20 April 2017: Their Majesties the VII King of the Belgians and Queen Mathilde hosted a private reception and tour of the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken located in the gardens of Laeken Castle, their residence. The reception was attended by foreign ambassadors and chargés d’affaires accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium, and it was meant to promoting the international image of Belgium. Albeit the greenhouses enjoy an international reputation, they are mostly not accessible to the public except for about three weeks annually in April and till the first week of May. This year from 14 April till 5 May 2017. HE Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel (The Netherlands to Belgium) – Picture by Royal Dutch Embassy to Belgium.For further information: https://www.monarchie.be/nl/agenda/opening-van-de-koninklijke-serres-van-laken-2017————-Picture by the Belgian Monarchy
During their stay in the Netherlands the couple have worked tirelessly to promote their country. Mrs. Mukul, who first arrived in The Hague in July 2015, successfully organized the first yoga sessions in the city specially for the diplomatic community.
Diplomat Magazine was specially invited to cover the celebration, publishing several articles on India’s efforts to promote yoga at an international level.
The Diplomat Magazine team would like to wish the Mukuls a safe return to India.
