Michel Barnier, second round of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom

Editor
-
0
Michel Barnier, second round of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom
  Speaking points by Michel Barnier at the press conference following the second round of Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom The European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier, said: Our second round, which began on Monday, was about the presentation of our respective positions. Our objective was to start working on substance and also to continue building trust between us. I said last week that I wanted to identify the points where we agree and the points where we disagree. This was possible this week for the issues on which there was a clear British position Sur la substance, c’est d’abord la question des droits des citoyens qui est une priorité partagée par l’Union européenne, les 27 Etats membres, le Parlement européen et le Royaume-Uni. La position britannique détaillée sur ce sujet nous a permis de commencer à identifier des points de convergence et des points de divergence. Nous avançons maintenant dans une direction commune. Mais il reste une divergence fondamentale sur la manière de garantir ces droits, et sur plusieurs autres points, comme les droits des futurs membres de la famille ou l’exportation de certains bénéfices sociaux. Les citoyens doivent pouvoir trouver dans l’accord de retrait lui-même la certitude juridique dont ils ont besoin dans leur vie quotidienne. Franchement, de notre côté, nous ne voyons aucune autre manière pour garantir la pérennité de ces droits européens exercés. Et évidemment, toute référence aux droits européens implique son contrôle par la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne. L’enjeu de la prochaine session de négociation sera donc de clarifier les raisons de ces divergences, en gardant toujours à l’esprit notre objectif commun que les citoyens concernés puissent continuer à vivre comme aujourd’hui. Sur le règlement financier maintenant, le Royaume-Uni avait reconnu la semaine dernière l’existence d’obligations vis-à-vis de l’Union au-delà de la date du retrait et la nécessité de solder ces engagements. Tout comme d’ailleurs, l’Union européenne l’avait déjà reconnu. Evidemment, seule cette reconnaissance permet d’engager le plus vite possible le travail sur l’identification précise des obligations à solder. La position de l’Union européenne, rendue publique le 29 mai, est le résultat d’un passage en revue de tous les engagements qui, de notre point de vue, doivent être couverts par l’accord de retrait. Et cette semaine, nous avons détaillé l’analyse juridique de ces engagements. Comme je l’ai dit très clairement à David, une clarification de la position du Royaume-Uni est indispensable pour négocier et pour aboutir à des “progrès suffisants” sur ce dossier financier, qui est inséparable des autres dossiers du retrait. Nous voulons – et nous y travaillons – une sortie ordonnée du Royaume-Uni, comme il l’a décidé. Et une sortie ordonnée exige de solder les comptes. Nous savons bien que cet accord-là ne se formera pas dans une discussion par petits pas, not through incremental steps Aussitôt que le Royaume-Uni sera prêt à préciser la nature de ses engagements, nous serons prêts à en discuter avec les négociateurs britanniques. On Ireland, we had a first discussion on the impact of Brexit on two key subjects: the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area. We agree that the important issue of the Good Friday Agreement, in all its dimensions, requires more detailed discussions. In particular, more work needs to be done to protect North-South cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Today, that cooperation is embedded in the common framework of EU law and EU policies. We need to better understand how the UK intends on ensuring the continuation of this cooperation after Brexit. We also agreed that the UK should clarify in the next session how it intends on maintaining the Common Travel Area after leaving the EU. Enfin, sur les autres sujets de la séparation, nous avons eu un échange de vues sur le champ à couvrir, sur les moyens d’apporter de la clarté juridique là où le Brexit crée des incertitudes, par exemple pour les producteurs, distributeurs, vendeurs de marchandises, mais aussi pour la coopération policière ou pour les citoyens ou entreprises engagés dans des procédures judiciaires qui sont en cours. Et nous, nous avons expliqué nos positions sur la base des sept papiers que nous avons publiés. Nous avons pris note des précisions du Royaume-Uni sur certains sujets, et de son intention de clarifier ses positions lors des prochains rounds de négociation.
  • Le premier round était celui de l’organisation.
  • Le second round a été celui de la présentation.
  • Le troisième round doit être celui de la clarification.
En août, nous aurons besoin declarification :
  • sur le règlement financier,
  • sur les droits des citoyens,
  • sur l’Irlande, notamment le Common Travel Area et le Good Friday Agreement d’abord.
  • sur les autres sujets de la séparation, pour lesquels l’expérience de cette semaine prouve que nous progressons mieux lorsque nos positions respectives sont claires.
————— Photo credits: AFP Photo/John Thys

Takedown of a Romanian THB network

Editor
-
0
Takedown of a Romanian THB network
Romania, UK, Belgium and Switzerland – coordinated takedown of a Romanian THB network

On 19 June, Romanian prosecutors from the Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), Piteşti Territorial Service, together with judicial police officers from the organised crime fighting structures within Piteşti, Craiova, Ploiesti, Bucharest, Vâlcea, and Dâmboviţa, carried out 71 house searches in Romania.

In parallel, on the same day, 20 house searches were conducted within the UK, Belgium and Switzerland. As a result of these joint operations, 30 suspects were detained in Romania and three suspects in the UK, and large amounts of currency, jewelry, firearms, drugs and electronic equipment were seized. Forty witnesses have been interrogated in the involved countries. Following an investigation initiated in Romania, on 12 September 2016, the Romanian Desk opened a case at Eurojust and sought the assistance and support of Belgium, the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The target of the investigations was an international organized criminal group (OCG) accused of committing trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, pimping and money laundering. The investigations revealed that a substantial amount of money was obtained from those criminal activities. The banking transactions managed through the OCG alone total EUR 5 million. Eurojust facilitated cooperation between DIICOT, the Territorial Service of Pitesti and the judicial authorities of the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Czech Republic by organizing two coordination meetings at Eurojust. A joint investigation team (JIT) agreement was signed between Romania, Belgium and the UK. Eurojust provided logistical and financial support to the JIT and its members. In parallel, Eurojust received and facilitated the execution of requests for cooperation submitted within this investigation from countries not a party to the JIT. Europol contributed to the smooth exchange of information among the States concerned, supporting the operation by organizing an operational meeting, providing cross-matches of information and setting up a mobile office in Romania on the action day. At the conclusion of the action day, Ms Daniela Buruiana, National Member for Romania, said: ‘This highly successful joint action could not have taken place without the constructive collaboration of all the parties involved, demonstrating the importance of national police and judicial authorities cooperating fully with each other and with Eurojust to defeat criminals sexually exploiting innocent victims’.      

Syria – inflexion point of certain understamndings between Washington and Moscow?

Editor
-
0
Syria – inflexion point of certain understamndings between Washington and Moscow?
By Corneliu Pivariu. The meeting of two hours and sixteen minutes (instead of around 30 minutes as planned) between president Donald Trump and president Vladimir Putin, a first that enjoied special attention from international mass media, ended in, at least from what is seen so far, an agreement for a cease-fire in south-east of Syria. The difficulty of solving the civil war in Syria is proved once more by the fact that the two sides agreed upon a cease-fire in an area with a less complex situation. Moreover, it would be wrong not to add to it Jordan’s contribution, of King Abdullah II personally, who, in a short time president Donald Trump took over his mandate, paid a visit to Washington (he was also the first head of an Arab state received at the White House) and to Moscow too. Jordan further plays an important role for implementing the cease-fire agreed upon in Hamburg at July 7th as the six years of civil war in Syria represent a threat to the Hashemite Kingdom’s security, to Jordan’s economic and humanitarian situation. The said cease-fire is important for Israel, too, as it stretches from Golan Heights to Quneitra, Daraa and Sweida regions. Untill sending these lines to print, the cease-fire lasted in spite of some news insuficiently confirmed concerning bombing, by Assad regime of some positions in Sweida and the intervention, in the same area, of some forces of the 3rd tanks division. No details of the understanding were made public officially and American sources who insisted on anonimity declared for Al-Hayat newspaper in London that the USA and Russia agreed upon Iran’s being denied access to south of Syria (what Israel wants) and also that president Bashar Al-Assad stays in power. Other security, military and political measures concerning the influence zones and keeping the security at the Syrian-Jordanian border have been agreed upon as well. A fragmented opposition operates south of Syria (around 50 rebel factions – according to Jordanian sources), and efforts are being made that these forces be directed to fight Jahbat al-Nusra and Khalid Ibn al-Walid groups. Pacifying this area, especially around Daraa, will contribute to encouraging the Syrian refugees in Jordan to return home yet this implies granting certain important humanitarian aids. Although some sources mention that this understanding is part of the larger agreement concerning the establishment of de-escalation zones agreed upon at Astana among Russia, Turkey and Iran, we think that neither Moscow, nor Washington want to involve Turkey and Iran in the said agreement and on July 10th the American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that the USA are prepared to work together with Russia for establishing no-fly zones in Syria and the American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared, the same day, that Russia will continue to cooperate with the USA regarding the de-escalation areas south of Syria and added that Moscow, Washington and Amman agreed upon setting up a center based in the Jordan’s capital for monitoring the situation in the south. We estimate that the Russian-Agreement concerning south of Syria is put in jeopardy by Iran that has considerable influence in Syria and that does not want its strategic interests of what is known as being the ”Shia crescent” be endangered. Geopolitically, Syria is too little as well for being a basis of an USA-Russia understanding, yet the adage according to which the great ones agree on the little ones’ account stands perfectly valid. ———— About the author: Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security.

Concert at the Czech Residence

Editor
-
0
Concert at the Czech Residence
H.E. Jana Reinišova Ambassador for the Czech Republic.

The Štěpán Rak Guitar Competition for young guitar players

Once again H.E.Jana Reinišova Ambassador for the Czech Republic made her residence in The Hague available for a series of concerts on May 10 and 11 2017, Both concerts were under the acumen direction of Štěpán Rak along with Dr. Mariel Peñaloza Moreno. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684444458780
Štěpán Rak
The concert on 10th May was a Certificate Awarding Gala Concert for participants of the Štěpán Rak Guitar Competition for Young Guitar Players (from 10 up to 18 years old), it consisted of an open competition concert. There were 3 levels: one for beginners (Category A), one for intermediate students (Category B) and another one for more advanced students (category C). The actual competition itself took place on Monday 8th May at the Malcolm Davies Auditorium at the International School of The Hague. The objective of the concert was to build a bridge between the international community and the local through guitar music. Interfacing Culture is the motto. The didactic projects for guitar wish to promote creativity, composition skills, and performance skills on a very polifacetic instrument such as the guitar. The Štěpán Rak Guitar Competition 2017 is dedicated to the Czech classical composer Štěpán Rak (1945), who has produced major works for guitar, innovating the instrument’s technique. The purposes of this project are to promote:
  •    A contemporary repertoire for guitar.
  •    Štěpán Rak’s compositions for guitar.
  •    New instrumental techniques for guitar.
  •    A bridge between an international community of young guitar players.
  •    A reflection of the Czech identity based on a specific contemporary Czech cultural expression.
  •   That young guitar players get in touch with Štěpán Rak’s guitar repertoire.
  •    A joyful environment for guitar players to play to their strengths.
The repertoire for the competition was strictly a guitar composition by Štěpán Rak.
Dr. Mariel Peñaloza Moreno.
The winners are: Category A: 1st place: Ryan Azfa / Furiant 2nd place: Letizia di Francescantonio / Good bye 3rd place: Luka van der Weelden / Znelka-Introduction Category B: 1st place: Daniel Smith / Ancient Song 2nd place: Sam Dilling / Lullaby 3rd place: Ester Holá / Mysterious winter (from the 5 Fairy Tales) Category C: 1st place: Pleunie Euser / Golden coach (from the 5 Fairy Tales) and Barbarian Dance 2nd place: Emre Yalcin / Malé Blues (NB: sick and could not come to the gala) 3rd place: Carlos Gutiérrez / Spanish Dance The composer Štěpán Rak studied at the Fine Arts School in Prague and continued guitar studies at the Prague conservatory. He studied composition at the Prague Academy of Arts and taught guitar at the Jyväskylä Conservatory in Finland. In 2000, he was historically and officially named the first professor of Guitar in the Czech Republic at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he still teaches guitar. His contribution to the guitar world is not only thanks to his prolific composition activity but through his new techniques and guitar explorations, for example, the use of the 5 fingers of the right hand. According to this Czech composer “Humans have five fingers on their hands and I do not see one viable reason why any one of them should be excluded from playing”. His strumming expanded techniques inevitably lead to a freer and more unorthodox use of the usual 4 fingers of the right hand, representing a challenge to the guitar player, even with compositions where no extended technique is used. Moreover, this opens new doors for the compositions themselves, as more and new elements allow for more and new possibilities.
H.E. Jana Reinišova with the Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Peep Jahilo.
Another element in his compositional language is the contemporary use of ‘colors’ in the guitar, given by the use of sull tasto (playing near the frets) and sull ponticello (playing near the bridge), which enhances the guitar soundscape. The teacher Mariel Peñaloza Moreno studied Guitar at the National School of Music of Mexico, being the second woman who graduated (with distinction) in Guitar studies. She became a professor of Guitar at that same institution before moving to The Netherlands to study guitar at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She then followed masters in Image and Sound at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts while she followed masters in musicology at the University of Amsterdam. Peñaloza got a Ph.D. in Dutch ethnology at that same University. She has an experience of more than twenty years in guitar teaching and founded Guitar@Work as a forum for exploring the magical world of the guitar. Building bridges is her motto and the Štěpán Rak Guitar Competition is an example thereof. Organizers and sponsors 1)   The Embassy of the Czech republic in The Netherlands 2)   The Czech Center in Rotterdam 3)   Guitar@Work 4)   Cez Group 5)   Ajeto Glassworks 6)   The International School of The Hague On Thursday 11th May a concert by Štěpán Rak was held at the residence of Ambassador Jana Reinišova .  

119th Anniversary of Philippines Independence

Editor
-
0
119th Anniversary of Philippines Independence
H.E. Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda. By Roy Lie A Tjam. H.E. Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda organized a reception to celebrate his country’s 119th Independence Day Kalayaan on the SS Rotterdam, 23 June 2017. Ambassador Ledda made the following remarks: I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for joining us this evening to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the Declaration of the Philippines independence and taking the time to travel to Rotterdam for this occasion. I would like to acknowledge the presence of Mr Roellof van Ees, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assuring us in the Philippine Embassy that we are not in breach of protocol for holding this national day reception. For addional KimVeermat´s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684251645900
H.E. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran and the Honorary Consul of Afghanistan Ehsam Turabaz.
This is not a matter of doing something different but there is an important reason for holding our reception in Rotterdam and here in the SS Rotterdam. Rotterdam is host to thousands of seafarers who call at Europe’s largest and busiest port. It is estimated that one out of every four seafarers in the world is a Filipino. By hosting this year’s reception, I want to highlight the very close maritime cooperation between the Philippines and the Netherlands and the complementarity that has been created from this partnership. Every year since the year 2000, we hold bilateral consultations; maritime authorities, ship owners and manpower providers and other stakeholders to discuss and exchange information on industry developments, promote contacts and address current issues and concerns such as training and certification compliance, maritime safety and security, promotion and protection of seafarer’s welfare, among others.
Together with the Ambassador of Panamá H.E. Wyllis Delvalle and spouse Tatiana Delvalle.
As Filipino seafarers make significant contributions to the competitiveness of the Dutch shipping industry, they also make significant contributions to the Philippine economy with their remittances which reached almost US$125 million in 2016. I would like to take this opportunity to salute the Filipino seafarers for their brave and indomitable spirit and character (to quote the Secretary of Foreign Affairs) who distinguish themselves among the more than 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad. Sadly, they’re not with us tonight but I was able to express my country’s appreciation to some of them, last Sunday, the 28th of June, was incidentally the International Day of the Seafarer.
H.E. Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda and spouse Gina Ledda.
 I would like to acknowledge also Honorary Consuls General Eppo Horlings and Albert Bos of Amsterdam and Rotterdam who have been dedicated in their respective roles to promote the Philippines and their contribution to enhancing this particular aspect of the bilateral relations. I want to thank the very active Filipino community for joining hands with Dutch volunteer groups and foundations in providing support services for the seafarers and various socio-civic causes. The Philippine Embassy happily supports your efforts in promoting invaluable people-to-people relations. I would also like to sincerely thank my colleagues in the Philippine Embassy who have been very gallant in the performance of their functions from extending consular services, undertaking efforts to promote Philippine cuisine and culture, working together with our ASEAN colleagues to celebrate ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary this year. Thank you for striving to do your best. Finally, I want to say thank you to all of you in the Dutch government, the diplomatic corps, my colleagues in ASEAN, the private sector and civil society for your immense support and very warm friendship.      

OPCW Director-General Calls for Protecting Global Norm during Visit to Iran

Editor
-
0
OPCW Director-General Calls for Protecting Global Norm during Visit to Iran
                            On the picture Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü , OPCW Director-General, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr Javad Zarif and H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
OPCW Director-General Pays Homage to Victims of Chemical Weapons and Calls for Protecting Global Norm Against Chemical Weapons during Visit to Iran
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 4 July 2017 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü reinforced the need to take every necessary action to protect and strengthen the global norm against chemical weapons during his visit to Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 2 to 3 July. During the visit, the Director-General held a number of meetings with senior officials from the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran. The Director-General met with Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr Javad Zarif, on 2 July, where the discussion focused on the progress and challenges related to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, including OPCW activities regarding Syria. He also met with Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Dr Seyed Abbas Aragchi; and Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Mr. Ameer Saeed Iravani.
Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü , OPCW Director-General and Iranian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri.
The Director-General spoke about the milestone represented by the 20th anniversary of the Convention and the founding of the OPCW in his closing remarks for the Sixth Regional Training Course on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Asian States Parties co-organised by the Government of Iran and the OPCW. The Islamic Republic of Iran joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997. Iran actively engages in OPCW projects in the areas of capacity-building; assistance and protection; and national implementation and development. It also participates in training courses for medical professionals for the treatment of chemical casualties. Ambassador  Üzümcü emphasised that “improving our ability to prepare for and respond to chemical weapons attacks must be matched with greater collaboration and a recommitment to the international norm against chemical weapons”. Ambassador Üzümcü while referring to the 30th anniversary of the chemical weapons attack in Sardasht and recent uses in Syria reaffirmed the commitment “to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons” enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in his remarks to the Institute for Political and International Studies at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 3. He called attention to incidents in Syria where this resolve continues to be “defiantly challenged” and further underscored: “No religion or culture rationalises such brutality. The Organisation not only has the mandate but an absolute responsibility to do everything within its capacity to confront this situation. Giving up the effort to uncover the truth will be an affront to the victims of chemical weapons everywhere.” The Director-General also visited the Tehran Peace Museum where he met with victims of chemical weapons and listened to their painful recollections and learned about what survivors have done to try to rebuild their lives. —– Sixth Regional Training Course on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Asian States Parties: The training course is jointly organised by the Technical Secretariat and the Government of Iran and serves as a final course to complete the basic training programme for this region. This course is designed to train first responders – with priority given to Police officers – on emergency response to chemical incidents and the participants are expected to attend the advanced course, which will be held in Seoul, South Korea in September 2017. The training brings together representatives from States parties in the region and around the world and serves as a forum for enhancing capacity to respond to chemical weapons incidents while providing the opportunity to discuss practical challenges in building an effective response system.  

Launching of China Culture Week at China Cultural Center

Editor
-
0
Launching of China Culture Week at China Cultural Center
By Roy Lie A Tjam. The launching of the China Cultural Week with the theme “Inheritance and Innovation—China Intangible Cultural Heritage” has been a tremendous success. It took place at the China Cultural Center in The Hague on Wednesday 21 June 2017. Mr. Chen Ribiao Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy delivered the welcome address. Ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions along with other invitees attended the opening ceremony. For additional Roy Strik s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157686387042396
Mr. Chen Ribiao, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of China.
The program included a performance by Shenzhen Fangyin Chinese Music Troupe, in collaboration with Zhang Die, Director of Chinese Art Academy Europe, they staged a dazzling show portraying traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as Guzheng, Guqin, Xiao, and Pipa, with the fusion of some modern elements. Various cultural activities took  place in The Hague and Purmerend between 21 – 30 June 2017. Finally, guests toured the exhibitions of Chinese Gyotaku Art and Silk-road. The exhibition was open to the public.  

Thailand Road Show in the Netherlands

Editor
-
0
Thailand Road Show in the Netherlands
  By Roy Lie A Tjam. In a short space of time, the Thai Mission in the Netherlands has organized two road shows. The first leg was the Grand Thai Festival at the Plein in The Hague on 1 – 2 July 2017. Next was the Thai Night, Lost in Culture which took place in Amsterdam on 4 July 2017.
H.E. Miss Pornprapai Ganjanarintr Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The performances at the Thai Grand Festival included. After the MC open reception of the 12th edition of the Thai Grand Festival the Thai Best Wishes Dance Group performed. They were followed by Thai Classical Music, Thai Customed Dance “Proud to Be Thai” Thai North-eastern Traditional Dance “Rum Serng” Art Performances in Remembrance of His Majesty King Rama IX, Thai Classical Music Performance. At about 14:00h H.E. Miss Pornprapai Ganjanarintr Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands delivered her welcome speech and officially declared the 12th edition of the Thailand Grand Festival 2017 open. Scores of Thai bands and groups performed. Style Band was the last to perform. On Sunday 2 July, several other groups participated. There were booths offering Thai food, fashion, jewelry and traditional Thai massage. Thai music, and music from the southern- and northeastern region of Thailand. Ms. Natsupang Poshyananda, First Secretary at the Thai Embassy, introduced H.E. Miss Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, who warmly bid the Ambassadors and other guest welcome.
Mr. Asi Mamanee, Deputy Chief of Mission, at the Embassy of Thailand.
Ms. Natsupang Poshyananda, further made sure each element of the show was well explained, like performances of pieces such as Ram Farang Koo, a graceful dance originally meant for performance at the Royal Court. The piece has been adapted and (re)designed by Thailand experts of performing arts. Another remarkable piece was Phrae wa kalasin, a silk dance. Inspired by the internationally renowned and locally produced silk of the northeastern, in  Kalasin province. Stick dance, you will find stick dances in almost every part of the world. However, each with its own particularity. It has been a brilliant performance of Thai martial art. Fon on son Isan, portraying the uniqueness of the dance of the Isan people. Fast lively and rhythmic movements, Alleged to be a characteristic of the Thai northeastern region. An evening full of authentic Thai entertainment indeed.

The Japanese Order of the Rising Sun

Editor
-
0
The Japanese Order of the Rising Sun
By Roy Lie A Tjam. It was at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan, onTuesday 5 July, 2017. When “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” was confirmed on Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot. Mr. Hiroshi Nomura welcomed the guests and subsequently invited H.E. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to deliver his address. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata noted “I feel honored to host this conferment ceremony of the Japanese decoration “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Odinot. This decoration is conferred in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on Mr. Odinot’s contribution for introducing Japanese culture and promoting understanding of Japan in the Netherlands through budō, Japanese martial arts. I would like to share some of the many highlights in his career that have led to this celebratory moment.” “After studying English and French, and about ten years in the banking world, Mr. Odinot made a life-changing decision. He decided to leave his job and dedicate himself to practicing and teaching jūdō, which he deemed more socially rewarding. I guess you could say that at this point a hobby turned into a true calling. As Mr. Odinot has expressed it himself: “It is worth it to fully dedicate oneself to studying”. Mr. Odinot taught jūdō, kendō, and self-defence to a variety of students; from children to adults, from prison personnel to the police officers. Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot, for more than fifty years you have made invaluable efforts to advance budō in the Netherlands. The Government of Japan recognizes and is deeply grateful for your tremendous contribution to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the Netherlands by means of budō. Now the time has come to honor you, Mr. Odinot, in the Name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, with “the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold, and Silver.” Mr. Aad van de Wijngaart, vice-chairman of the Dutch Kendo Federation (NKR) also addressed Mr.Odinot, he praised Hein Odinot’s humanity. Mr. Hein Odinot commenced his acceptance speech by stating how nervous he was. He said, I have never had problems delivering a speech but today I do. Mr. Jan Hendrik Odinot expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and to all those who made it all happen. Mr. Hiroshi Nomura closed the ceremony.

Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

Editor
-
0
Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

Embassy of Japan in The Hague, conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun

By Roy Lie A Tjam. Embassy of Japan, The Hague11 July 2017, a solemn ceremony in connection with the conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Mr. Jacob van der Goot. For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157683945793781  
Jacob van der Goot’s family.
Mr. Jacob van der Goot, a former Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Rotterdam had the Japanese Imperial Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon and Rosette, bestowed upon him. To this end, an official solemn ceremony was held at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Hiroshi Inomata on Tuesday 11 July 2017. Mr. Jacob van der Goot received the distinction as a token for his significant contributions in promoting friendly relations and economic exchanges between Japan and the Netherlands. Mr. Van der Goot is a co-chairman and board member of the prestigious Rotterdam Japan Club(RJC). The objective of the club is the cultivation of friendly relations between senior Japanese and Dutch businessmen mainly in the Rotterdam area by being open to the mutual cultures, and for the exchange of information.   RJC board member Mr. Jeroen Kamphuis lauded Jacob van der Goot for service rendered to the club over the years.   Also present, Mr. Willem Sodderland, founder of the Rotterdam Japan Club. He recounted the interesting history of the RJC and subsequently thanked Mr. Jacob van der Goot.
The Order of the Rising Sun.
 
1...551552553...876Page 552 of 876