H.E. Elpidoforos Economou, Ambassador of Cyprus. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in The Hague organized a reception to mark the inauguration of the art exhibition “Home& Identity” by Toula Liasi. A diverse group of people, such Ambassadors from Cuba, Greece, chargé d’affaires from Lebanon, and Uruguay; also, representatives from the Embassy of Panama, the Russian Federation and the diaspora, responded favorably to the cordial invitation to attend the inauguration of the exposition. The art exhibition is unique as it contains works by students of two high schools in Cyprus and an expose by Toula Liasi (research). Toula Liasi started her expose with the screening of a video, featuring her trip from the airport in Nicosia to her village of Agia Triada. One point that stood out in Toula’s expose was the phenomena “Home” Where is home ? is it simply geographical, is it a sentiment within us, or is home where we are now?

Toula Liasi referred to Dr. Dennis Atkinson’s vision on identity. Atkonson is Professor Emeritus at the Goldsmiths University of London. Tula further expressed her gratitude vis-a-vis H.E. Elpidoforos Economou, Ambassador of Cyprus, Mr. Argyrides Nicos and Humanity House. A resume of H.E.Mr Elpidoforos Economou introduction and speech follows:  ‘I express my appreciation to the Humanity House for hosting the exhibition. This is the second exhibition we host here after the “Famagusta: A European Ghost City” exhibition last June. I am confident that the cooperation with the Humanity House will continue since the Republic of Cyprus shares the values of this Museum and educational platform.’

Economou continued, ‘I cordially express my appreciation to the curator of this exhibition, Mrs Toula Liasi, one of the most prominent members of the small community of Cypriots in The Netherlands. Toula has a first-hand knowledge of the consequences of the military occupation of more than one third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, including her village, Agia Triada in the Karpasia peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas of Cyprus. Her only brother, 21-year old Giannis, was a missing person since the Turkish invasion of 1974. Only in 2014 the family had the opportunity to offer him a decent burial after the identification of his remains by the Committee of Missing Persons in Cyprus.’ ‘He was the first and only -so far- Greek Cypriot missing person who after his identification was buried in the occupied part of Cyprus, due to the fact that his parents remained enclaved in their village. Toula herself lived under the occupation regime for one year before leaving Cyprus to study art first in Athens and then in the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague. For decades, the occupation regime refused her to visit her village and she could only meet her parents in the government-controlled areas with the help of the Red Cross. Famagusta clearly depict how living closed to a “ghost city” directly affects their sentimental world of the students. Toula will explain to us more about her research project at the school, but from a political point of view allow me to reiterate that the situation of Famagusta, the once most prosperous city of Cyprus that is today fenced-off under the control of a garrison of the Turkish army with its buildings and structures abandoned to the elements of nature and the ravages of time, is absolutely unacceptable.’ Ambassador Economou further indicated that one of the positive steps that followed the 2001 Judgement of the European Court of Human Rights was the reopening of the Rizokarpaso High School in 2004. ‘For about 30 years there was no secondary education for the Greek Cypriot enclaved, a fact which forced either the separation of members of the enclaved families or the transfer of all their members to the government-controlled areas with no possibility of return. The fact that Toula Liasi was not allowed to contact her project at the Rizokarpaso High School herself but had to rely on the cooperation of a teacher at the School is another proof of the serious and unreasonable restrictions that the occupation regime imposes to the schools. However, I am sure that you will agree with me that at least the drawings of the Rizokarpaso students presented in this exhibition can offer us a glimmer of hope.’ End quote. It might be added that, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says a deal on reunifying Cyprus is “very close”, but cautioned against hopes of a “quick fix”. Speaking after the first round of peace talks in Geneva, he said a settlement was within reach if the “instruments” were there to implement it.                

On the picture H.E. Ms. Iffat Imran Gardezi, Ambassador of Pakistan. By Roy Lie A Tjam. ALKA Power Holding hosted a signing ceremony for an agreement between Gale Force (Germany) and Hamilton Tools (UK) on a project for the production of joint venture vertical axis wind craft turbine in Pakistan. The ceremony took place at the Hilton Hotel The Hague on Thursday 30 March 2017 with H.E. Ms. Iffat Imran Gardezi, Ambassador of Pakistan, attending as guest of honour. Another dignitary witnessing the signing ceremony was The Hon. Mr. Buddenbaum, State Secretary of Top Sector Energy, of Pakistan. For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157680707689150

The story of ALKA Power began in Pakistan in 2008. It has been a long road for a start-up with big dreams but few resources. Many steps had to be taken to finally become an independent power producer. There have been times of disappointment but also moments of encouragement as the journey proceeded. ALKA Power has moved to the Netherlands to start ALKA Power Holding. In April 2016, ALKA Power signed an agreement in Munich, Germany, on a renewable energy project for the production of 1,000 megawatts with the Sind Board of Investment (Pakistan). This project will now take on a concrete shape, and a production facility for Gale Force Wind Turbines is being set up.

By signing the agreement, the parties will commit themselves to working together towards the common goal of replacing the use of fossil fuels with clean alternative power sources. ALKA Power ’s partnership in promoting the production and de-simulation of Vertical Axis wind turbines is driven by their commitment to affordable and clean energy for people, especially in developing economies. The signing ceremony started with Ms. Raana Syed, CEO of ALKA Power Holding, welcoming the guest and subsequently delivering her remarks. Ms. Syed was followed by Mr. Claus Colling, CEO of Gale Force. His company has developed state-of-the-art Vertical Wind Turbines that have the potential to revolutionize the harnessing of wind energy. In his presentation, Mr. Colling described the key features, advantages and economic feasibility of this technology. Mr Malik Azhar Elahi, a former -Charge d’Affairs of Pakistan, who delivered a encouraging speech. The management of the technical set-up of this venture has been undertaken by the third joint Venture partner, Hamilton Machine Tools, a market leader with global recognition. address praising all parties that have contributed towards making the deal a resounding success. In conclusion H.E. Ms. Iffat Imran Gardezi, Ambassador of Pakistan delivered a powerful address praising all parties that have contributed towards making this deal a resounding success. A solemn signing ceremony followed, subsequently, the evening concluded with a impressive and lavish dinner.

Walk to Remember 2017 The Hague. On the picture H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, H.E.  Mrs. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark, friends of Rwanda and Rwandese diaspora in The Hague.

23rd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

This year, Rwanda marks the 23rd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Themed “Remember the Genocide against the Tutsi – Fight Genocide Ideology – Build on Our Progress”, this year’s Commemoration will be an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than million innocent lives lost. For additional pictures on Kwibuka23, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157679112993823

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands started the 23rd commemoration program on Friday April 7  in The Hague. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga hosted the official Kwibuka23 Commemoration at the Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by more than 300 guests, including Mrs Yoka Brandt, guest of honor and Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Pauline Krikke, the mayor of The Hague, the diplomatic community, friends of Rwanda, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands and many others. All guests joined the Walk to Remember that was held prior to the official commemoration.

The official Kwibuka23 event in The Hague in the Netherlands started with a prayer for the victims and survivors by Bishop John Manywa. This was followed by Mrs Christine Safari, who survived the carnage. She had the courage to deliver a moving testimony to the audience, which was followed by a minute of silence.

After the ceremony to light the candles, representing the ever shining lights of the victims, a speech was given by Mr Christian Mundele, the President of Ibuka in the Netherlands. The speech by the Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Yoka Brandt, was followed by the closing speech given by H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga. Ambassador Karabaranga said in this speech that we remember the genocide against the Tutsis, because it is an important occasion to remember the lives that were lost, show solidarity with survivors and unite to ensure it never happens again – in Rwanda or anywhere else. “It is also a chance to learn about Rwanda’s story of reconciliation and nation building. We remember with renewed clarity and commit ourselves to work for a bright future for the next generation of Rwandans”, said the Ambassador. “Kwibuka, which means ‘remember’ in Kinyarwanda, has been launched in Kigali this morning on 7 April 2017. We are called to act for the benefit of future generations in a united and prosperous Rwanda.” Ambassador Karabaranga also took the opportunity to thank the Dutch Government, for giving a good example by prosecuting 2 genocide suspects in the Netherlands and for having extradited 2 others to Rwanda to face the justice where the crimes were committed. He said that this is a good example that other countries in Europe should follow. “But also here, we know that many genocide fugitives are still on the run. More efforts should be put to try all those who live on the soil of this beautiful country the Netherlands, which hosts the International City of Justice in The Hague, should not be safe haven for genocide fugitives”, said the Ambassador. H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga concluded to take the opportunity to thank the guest of honor Mrs Yoka Brandt, IBUKA-Netherlands and the Rwandan Diaspora association in the Netherlands for organizing this annual event in cooperation with the Embassy.   Kwibuka23 Events in the Netherlands The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda invited everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. “As a new generation emerges we will all ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through our actions today. Kwibuka23 calls on the global community to stand together against genocide”. —- Join Rwanda in Kwibuka activities by leaving a message of remembrance on www.kwibuka.rw. Follow @KwibukaRwanda for updated information on Kwibuka23.    

By Roy Lie A Tjam. Back-to-back activities were held in one day, to bid farewell to the Ambassador of Kenya, H.E Rose Makena Muchiri. It all started with a luncheon hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday 30 March 2017. For pictures during the lunch, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157679021096853 Thereafter, a Ceremony of Merit was hosted by Diplomat Magazine to honor the distinguished, Ambassador Muchiri. These were concluded with a farewell reception organized by the Embassy of Kenya in the Netherlands.

  For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157682178062856

At the luncheon, the acting Director for Sub-Saharan Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Robert-Jan Slegert, thanked parting Ambassador Muchiri for her remarkable contribution as well as her leadership in the bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Kenya, which has yielded strong economic ties. As for the multilateral relations, Ambassador Muchiri also performed very well even though the odds were sometimes stacked against her. Slegert dwelt on the phenomena of a Dutch approach: combining Aid and Trade and Working together for effective private sector development. It is in fact adapting to a new economic reality in which the private sector has a crucial role to play. Kenya gladly grabbed this idea and Ambassador Muchiri enthusiastically put in efforts to make it a success.

For instance, Kenya grows flowers that make up 38% of the Dutch flower market. Apart from the Ambassadors, also present at the luncheon was the technical director of the Friesian, Mr. Martin de Jong who recounted his encouraging positive experience of doing business in Kenya. At the Ceremony of Merit organized by Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Rose M. Muchiri was presented with a Certificate of Merit as a token of appreciation. The certificate of merit is Diplomat Magazine’s official recognition to parting ambassadors in appreciation for their outstanding contribution in enhancing the bilateral ties between their countries and the kingdom of the Netherlands; not forgetting gratitude for their support to the Diplomatic Community and Diplomat Magazine.

The guest speaker at the ceremony was H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda, who recognized the Ambassador Muchiri for the mark she will be leaving behind as a valued personal friend. Karabaranga expressed his appreciation for the way in which Ambassador Muchiri led the ASfrica Group at the OPCW. The last component of the Kenyan-style valediction was a tremendous reception hosted by the Kenyan Diplomatic Mission in the Netherlands. A large turnout, consisting of fellow ambassadors from as far as Brussels, all came to the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague to say asante (thanks) to their parting colleague and friend. Among the guests were also judges from the various international tribunals, the president of OPCW, civil servants, and many others.

H.E. Rose M. Muchiri will be returning to her beloved country, Kenya, to take up a position in a UN entity in Nairobi. We wish Ambassador Muchiri all the best in the new phase of her diplomatic career.