OPCW Director-General Commends Major Milestone as Russia Completes Destruction of Chemical Weapons Stockpile under OPCW Verification
The Hague, Netherlands â 27 September 2017 â The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet ĂzĂŒmcĂŒ, made a statement today marking the completion of the full destruction of the 39,967 metric tons of chemical weapons possessed by the Russian Federation.
The Director-General stated: “The completion of the verified destruction of Russia’s chemical weapons programme is a major milestone in the achievement of the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.I congratulate Russia and I commend all of their experts who were involved for their professionalism and dedication.I also express my appreciation to the States Parties that assisted the Russian Federation with its destruction program and thank the OPCW staff who verified the destruction.”H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Netherlands.
The remainder of Russiaâs chemical weapons arsenal has been destroyed at the Kizner Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility in the Udmurt Republic.
Kizner was the last operating facility of seven chemical weapons destruction facilities in Russia. The six other facilities (Kambarka, Gorny, Maradykovsky, Leonidovka, Pochep and Shchuchye) completed work and were closed between 2005 and 2015.
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As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Conventionâs entry into force in 1997 â with its 192 States Parties â it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.Over 96 per cent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States Parties have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace.
Aerial photograph of Kiel – Picture by Klaas Ole Kurtz.
Friday, 22 September 2017, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany: A San Franciscan delegation led by the Californian Mayor Edwin M. Lee, was in Kiel, capital of Germany’s northernmost state of Schleswig-Holstein, in order to finalise the agreement of partnership between the two cities. A first for any German city indeed as highlighted to the media by Kiel’s Mayor Ulf KĂ€mpfer.
According to German media Kiel beat in this regards larger cities such as Frankfurt am Main, or Heidelberg in establishing the partnership. A central role in this development was played by the growing communities of Schleswig-Holsteiners, or rather people with roots in that state, who set up the “San Francisco-Kiel Sister Committee” working closely with its counterpart “The Bay Areas” headquartered in Kiel.
For further information:Â
City of Kiel:Â https://www.kiel.de
City of San Francisco:Â http://sfgov.org
German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has ventured in the world of jewerelly by launching a collection reflecting Parisian sophistication and flair in partnership with Swarovski.
The latter encompasses necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cocktail rings and much more in modern rock-chick styles.
For further information:Â
Karl Lagerfeld’s Jewerelly:Â https://www.karl.com/bg/women/jewellery
http://www.sayyeswithkarl.com
Pictures by Karl.com
A delegation of Dutch business people from the poultry sector will visit Rwanda from 3 to 6 October for a trade mission. Thirteen companies have signed up for the mission that will attend the Poultry Africa 2017 Expo and Leadership Conference in Kigali.
The mission is organized by the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC), the leading network of Dutch companies that do business with Africa, and has 350 members. A majority of them is active in the agricultural sector â one of the main sources of income for this western European country. âCompanies from the entire value chain are part of this trade mission,â NABCâs mission leader Mr Paul van de Ven said. âSo you will see companies that produce and sell feeds, but also slaughtering processing lines,â he said. âDuring match-making sessions we will link companies that share the same interests with each other.â
The October trade mission to Rwanda is linked to the Poultry Africa Summit 2017 expo in Kigali, on October 4 and 5. Participants of the fair can get in touch with companies active in poultry production that will be showcasing innovative solutions for the industry. The leadership conference at the Poultry Africa 2017 will focus on themes like antimicrobial resistance, avian influenza, poultry welfare and poultry marketing in Africa.
Registration can take place through www.poultryafrica2017.com
On June 21st 2017, the Dutch Poultry Centre (DPC), VIV worldwide and the Netherlands – African Business Council (NABC) organized an event to inform and attract Dutch poultry companies about the poultry trade mission. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga of the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague gave a presentation and informed the attendees about the investment opportunities in agriculture in Rwanda.
For this trade mission to Rwanda, NABC partners with the Embassy of Rwanda in The Hague and the Dutch embassy in Kigali. Other partners are the Dutch Poultry Center and Viv Worldwide.
Professor Dr. Gabriel Inzaurralde, Edith Bergansius and H.E. Hector Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina.
Recently the Embassy of Argentina and the AsociaciĂłn HispĂĄnica de La Haya organized a lecture on Ermesto SĂĄbato, at Humanity House, The Hague.
Professor Dr. Gabriel Inzaurralde, during the conference.Professor Dr. Gabriel Inzaurralde, specialised in Latin American Literature at the University of Leiden, gave a brilliant lecture on the author who lived to be nearly 100 years (1911-2011).
After welcome words by Ramiro Hidalgo from the Argentinean Embassy, there was a short video on Sabato’s house after which H.E. Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina had the opening words.
After the lecture the Embassy offered a reception -with Argentinean wines of course- on the terrace of Humanity House. The Ambassador of Peru H.E. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea, were among the attendants as well as other Grulac representatives.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ArgEnPaisesBajos/
Veronique Miclea and Ambassador Carlos Herrera with the high commanders of the BAP Union.
Visit of BAP UniĂłn to the Port of Rotterdam
 As part of its second training trip, which is taking place this year through Europe, the Peruvian Navy Ship (B.A.P.) âUniĂłnâ visited the Port of Rotterdam between the 8th and 12th of August.
Tatiana Delvalle and the Panamanian Ambassador Willys Delvalle Velasco with H.E. Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, Ambassador of Bolivia.
Upon its arrival, the Ambassador of Peru in the Netherlands H.E. Carlos Herrera, and the Commander of the BAP UniĂłn, ship Captain Franz Bittrich offered a Press conference on board, with the participation of important local media.
As part of the official activities, the Commander of the BAP UniĂłn, accompanied by officers from its crew, as well as members of the Embassy of Peru and the General Consulate in Amsterdam, made a visit to the authorities of the Port of Rotterdam, where they could learn the history and activities of this port.
At the same time, the cadets and a group of officers visited the National Maritime Museum of Amsterdam, in which they could deepen their knowledge about the millenary maritime history of the Netherlands.
Likewise, the Peruvian Navy Cadets visited the facilities of the prestigious STC Group, dedicated to education and investigation in the subjects of maritime logistics, maritime transport and Port Industries.
In this visit our future officers could learn about the activities of this institution and use the navigation simulators, considered as some of the most modern in the World.
It is worth to outline that during the 9th and 10th of August, days in which the ship was open to the public, it received the visit of around fifteen thousand people. The visitors could appreciate the installations of the ship and various Peruvian products in exhibition.
On August 11th, Ambassador Herrera and the Commanding Officer Captain (N) Franz Bittrich hosted a very well attended reception on board. Diplomats, Dutch business people and friends of Peru came to âB.A.P UniĂłnâ to enjoy the wonderful event.
H.E. Ms. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ambassador of El Salvador and spouse Ing Frank Escobar together with the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi.
BAP UniĂłn is the largest sail vessel in Latin America, it is use as a training ship of the Peruvian Navy. It was built between 2012â2015 by Shipyard Marine Industrial Services of Peru, known as SIMA.
Like other similar ships, UniĂłn has been conceived not only for training purposes, but also to be a sailing ambassador for its home country.For additional great Kim Vernaat’s pictures on the Peruvian reception on board, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687424302616
On the picture H.E. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy of Vietnam in The Hague, the Netherlands celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the National Day at the Chancellery on Javastraat, on 1 September 2017.
For additional Roy Stril’s pictures, please open the following link:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157687033139544
After being introduced, H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa delivered her introductory and welcoming speech. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa commenced her address by paying respect to Vietnam’s National hero and beloved President, Ho Chi Minh for declaring Vietnam’s independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
A country once plagued by war, Vietnam is currently an open-end economy, and as a result, living standards are constantly improving. Vietnam completes many Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before its goal-deadline, and its updated average GDP growth rate is at 6.5% per annum.
In part, this is what H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa stated about the relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the S.R. of Vietnam:
“Our diplomacy is one of openness and active contribution to the common cause of the world for peace, cooperation and development. The Vietnamese people always wants to befriend and be a reliable partner to all countries in the world including the Netherlands.”H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Ahmet ĂzĂŒmcĂŒ, Director General of OPCW, H.E Mr. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel.“It is impressive to see the fast growing relationship between our two countries: Viet Nam and the Netherlands. Our two countries are on the way to commemorate the 45th anniversary of that partnership in 2018.Our strategic partnerships are effective in significant areas such as climate change adaptation, water management; sustainable agriculture and food security.”The Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Urs Breiter. and H.E. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa.“The Netherlands is the second biggest European trading partner and top European investor of Viet Nam. During his visit to the Tulip Kingdom last July, our Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Dutch counterpart Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed to consider a promotion of the current partnerships into a comprehensive strategic partnership.Given our similarities and complimentary advantages, Viet Nam and the Netherlands have tremendous potentials for cooperation, and Iâm confident that our bilateral relationship will have a bright future, benefitting the peoples of both countries.”
The celebrations went on in the garden of the Chancellery with a fabulous performance by âQUAN HO LEN DONGâ folklore displaying Quan Ho folk singing and practices related to the Viet beliefs in the Mother Goddess of three Realms.
There were booths with authentic Vietnamese specialties. It was indeed a delightful Vietnamese afternoon in The Hague.
Henry Arvidsson, Mayelinne De Lara, Marian van Noort, Hester Dijkstra and Kim Vermaat, Diplomat Magazine’s team. Photography by Dick de  Jager.
For the third year in a row, it is time for PhotoOp “a democratic photo exhibition”.
This years edition featured 15 national and international photographers, among them Henry Arvidsson, Kim Vermaat, Marian van Noort and Hester Dijkstra from Diplomat Magazine’s team. More than 300 attended the opening to see incredible pictures from almost every subject and technique.
As a pop-up the location was grander than ever before at Korte Vijverberg 2, a short stone throw from Mauritshuis. This was made possible by ANNA Vastgoed & Cultuur (www.annavastgoedencultuur.nl) who manages the location.
The exhibition theme âThe World I Seeâ is left open for interpretation to allow for the broadest possible participation. This is the corner stone of PhotoOp to allow any photographer with a desire to exhibit to show their work to the public. Exhibitors are only limited by the wall space of the available location.
Seeing a picture on Instagram or Facebook is far from actually getting close to view the richness of a physical quality print. Size matters, a 50×70 cm print have a significantly greater impact than seeing it on a 5âsmartphone screen. Another important aspect of PhotoOp is to bring the doers and the viewers together under one roof, to view, talk photography and network.PhotoOp is the brain child of Swedish photographer Henry Arvidsson (www.henryarvidsson.com) who has been Hague based since 1997. He adopted a concept he first encountered in Stockholm, Sweden many years ago to fit local circumstances. PhotoOp is a non-profit volunteer undertaking. That said each exhibitor may offer his/her work for sale on an individual basis keeping any and all profit.
The exhibition opened on Thursday 21 September 2017 at 1700 and close on Sunday 24 September 1700. Hope to see you thereFor further information please visit www.photoop.euOr https://www.facebook.com/photoopeu or https://www.instagram.com/photoopeuInquiries contact: Henry Arvidsson info@photoop.eu or 0610577487
For further information:Â
Karl Lagerfeld’s Jewerelly:Â https://www.karl.com/bg/women/jewellery
http://www.sayyeswithkarl.com
Pictures by Karl.com
Visitors could also view a special one-day multimedia exhibit from Courtroom Iâs Public Gallery, where large format videos were projected on the walls and floor. Visitors learned about the roles of ICC Judges, Prosecution, Defence, the Legal Representatives of Victims and witnesses testifying before the Court. At the centre of the Courtroom was footage of people from communities affected by crimes, placing victims and survivors at the heart of the Courtâs operations. Questions from visitors focused on the various aspects of the Court’s work, including its mandate, the support it needs from the States and possibilities to attend the ongoing trials.
Youth and families with children explore and learn about the ICC through augmented reality games
on The Hague International Day, 24 September 2017 © ICC-CPI
An area was also designated for youth and families with children, and featured several activities, including movies, puzzles, colouring challenges, and a new âPlanet Justiceâ programme featuring augmented reality games through which youth can explore and learn about the ICC.
The Hague International Day is organised on a yearly basis by the Municipality of The Hague â the Court’s host city â and gives the public the opportunity to learn more about the functioning and aims of the various international institutions and non-governmental organisations based in the city. The Hague has been hosting the ICC since 2002. The city and its surrounding area are now home to over 160 international organisations.
The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. 
Likewise, the Peruvian Navy Cadets visited the facilities of the prestigious STC Group, dedicated to education and investigation in the subjects of maritime logistics, maritime transport and Port Industries.
It is worth to outline that during the 9th and 10th of August, days in which the ship was open to the public, it received the visit of around fifteen thousand people. The visitors could appreciate the installations of the ship and various Peruvian products in exhibition.
In part, this is what H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa stated about the relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the S.R. of Vietnam:
“Our diplomacy is one of openness and active contribution to the common cause of the world for peace, cooperation and development. The Vietnamese people always wants to befriend and be a reliable partner to all countries in the world including the Netherlands.”
The celebrations went on in the garden of the Chancellery with a fabulous performance by âQUAN HO LEN DONGâ folklore displaying Quan Ho folk singing and practices related to the Viet beliefs in the Mother Goddess of three Realms.
There were booths with authentic Vietnamese specialties. It was indeed a delightful Vietnamese afternoon in The Hague. 
PhotoOp is the brain child of Swedish photographer Henry Arvidsson (www.henryarvidsson.com) who has been Hague based since 1997. He adopted a concept he first encountered in Stockholm, Sweden many years ago to fit local circumstances. PhotoOp is a non-profit volunteer undertaking. That said each exhibitor may offer his/her work for sale on an individual basis keeping any and all profit.
The exhibition opened on Thursday 21 September 2017 at 1700 and close on Sunday 24 September 1700. Hope to see you there
For further information please visit www.photoop.eu
Or https://www.facebook.com/photoopeu or https://www.instagram.com/photoopeu
Inquiries contact: Henry Arvidsson info@photoop.eu or 0610577487