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 AntĂłnio 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.
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I unseals a warrant of arrest for Al-Tuhamy Mohamed Khaled charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.
24 April 2017, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) unsealed the warrant of arrest for Al-Tuhamy Mohamed Khaled (“Mr Al-Tuhamy”) allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of the situation in Libya in 2011. The decision to unseal the warrant of arrest was delivered upon the ICC Prosecutor’s request submitting that “reclassifying the warrant of arrest as public may facilitate [Mr Al-Tuhamy’s] arrest and surrender as all states will then be aware of its existence” and “could foster support and cooperation for an arrest operation from the international community”.The warrant of arrest was issued under seal on 18 April 2013. Mr Al-Tuhamy is charged with four crimes against humanity (imprisonment, torture, persecution, and other inhumane acts) allegedly committed in Libya from 15 February 2011 until 24 August 2011, and with three war crimes (torture, cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity) allegedly committed in Libya from at least early March 2011 to 24 August 2011.The situation in Libya was referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the United Nations Security Council in its resolution 1970 dated 26 February 2011. On 3 March 2011, the Prosecutor announced the decision to open an investigation in the situation in Libya. Warrant of Arrest for Al-Tuhamy Mohamed Khaled Decision on Reclassification of the Warrant of Arrest Â
The Principality of Andorra is in the process of beginning talks with the Spanish Minister of Public Works and Transport, Íñigo de la Serna, to discuss the technological updating of Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell’s airport to allow it to receive more frequent flights from different European destinations.
It is the Princely Government’s intention to equip the airport with the latest GPS technology, which thus far no airport in Spain utilises.
For Andorra, a working commercial airport in its vicinities is of utmost importance owing to the current long delays to reach the principality from Madrid, Barcelona and other strategic cities in Europe. Evidently for Andorra the airport is also very topical as the country is seeking to host the Ibero-American summit in 2020 with the support of the Spanish Government.
———-
For further information:
Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell airport:Â http://aeroportandorralaseu.cat
SecretarĂa General Iberoamericana:Â http://segib.org
Georgia was expecting its 6 million tourist to arrive in 2016, and the lucky one was Jesper Black a visitor coming from the Netherlands who flew into Tbilisi to visit friends living there. The Georgian Government organised an outstanding welcome reception inviting him for a private dinner with Prime Minister, Mr. Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
 He was declared “Special Guest of the Republic of Georgia” during his sojourn in the country. “I will never forget this incredible surprise, this is the most amazing experience I’ve ever had…”, declared him to the press.
Georgia’s touristic potential has been recently praised by many prominent International Magazines and travel media. Mrs. Claire Allfree, from The Telegraph ranked Tbilisi, Capital of Georgia #4 destination. She highlighted this fact in her article entitled: “21 European cities you never thought to visit – but definitely should”.Svaneti, Georgia.
Vogue’s writer Jen Murphy, published on Dec 30th, 2016 her top 10 destinations for 2017. Georgia is the first on the list.
Georgia’s new hotels and shopping malls are popping up all over the country; Art Nouveau buildings and traditional balconies houses, surprising great wines and authentic cuisine, excellent cultural  scene and venues, new access for core skiers and snowboarders to the never touched snow mountains in the Caucasus, is all part of the fantastic touristic glamour that the rising Republic of Georgia can offer to foreign visitors. Â
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague and the Stichting Banjar Suka Duka Nederland, organized a tremendous day of activities called One Day in Bali and Beyond, showcasing the rich culture of the island of Bali.
The event took place on the lawns of the residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Mr. I Gusti A. Wesaka Puja. The date was 15 April 2017. The program included cultural presentations- and performances of dozens of artists, followed by a lunch buffet.
On particular element on the program was the ceremony of Galungan Kuningan in which scores of persons participated. A very diverse crowd consisting of Ambassadors, diplomats. Dutch officials both current and past and the Indonesian diaspora who came from all over Europe.
The activities went on until the evening. It has been a fabulous day, brimming over with Indonesian hospitality.
Photography by Anton Lutter.
 H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangaldesh to the Netherlands.
On 15 April 2017, a diverse group of approximately five-hundred persons responded favorably to a call of the Embassy of the Republic of Bangladesh to come and celebrate this year’s feast of lent, the UNESCO recognized Mangal Shovajatra (new year) at Bangladesh House.
For additional Hester Dijkstra’pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157682875800765Ambassador Belal and spouse Dr Dilruba Nasrin standing up for peace with ladies from Bangladesh.
Locals and expatriate Bangladeshis have highlighted the theme of the celebration i.e. Culture for Peace through the Peace Rally. The performance of local and guest artists enthralled the audience where Deputy Mayor of the Hague Mr. Rabin Baldewsing, Foreign Ministry officials, Ambassadors of India, Sri-lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Yemen were in the audience.
In addition to local NRBs in the Netherlands, Bangladeshis from Belgium, Sweden, Germany, UK among others, also participated in this mega celebration.
The residence of Bangladesh Ambassador known as Bangladesh House in Wassenaar was beautifully decorated with motifs, balloons, festoons, posters, banners to beam an aura of Bengali culture befitting the day.
Dr. Dilrua Nasrin, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh.
All Bangladeshis on this spring morning adorned themselves indistinct colorful Bengali dress while ladies drew mehendi tattoos and children roamed with paints in their faces.
Mr. Rabin Baldewsing, Deputy Mayor of The Hague highly appreciated the initiatives of the Embassy of Bangladesh. In his speech Deputy Mayor stressed on the necessity of diversity and inclusion.
The spouse of Deputy Mayor Baldewsing, H.E. Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia and spouse Linda Zin, H.E. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Ambassador of Sri-Lanka, H.E. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and spouse Dr Dilruba Nasrin, Mr. Rabin Baldewsing, Deputy Mayor of the Hague, Ambassador of India, H.E. J.S. Mukul and spouse Mita Mukul, Ms. Mira Woldberg, Head, South Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Louise A.E. Huijbens, Senior Policy Officer, South Asia Division, H.E. Mrs. Sahar Mohammed Abduljabbar Ghanem, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen.
Ambassador of Bangladesh in the Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal introduced the celebration as the most universal and secular festivals of Bangladesh. He referred to the recognition of Mangal Shovajatra by UNESCO and termed it as a big achievement. Ambassador Belal urged the non-resident Bangladeshis to follow the best practices of the developed world and introduce in Bangladesh for making a prosperous Bangladesh.
In the cultural programme, performance of the children was appreciated by all. Performance of the expatriate Bangladeshi artists has made the audience spell-bound. Performance of the local band Trimatrik drew lot of appreciation from the audience. As usual the crowd especially children with colorful dress and painted faces did not miss the opportunity to dance with the music.
Mr. Rabin Baldewsing, Deputy Mayor of the Hague and Ambassador Belal.
Local vendors put up stalls to serve Bangladeshi cakes and other cuisine to the visiting participants. Lunch, stuffed with Baishaki menu, was served to all the audience. Sweets of different kinds, cakes, pithas etc. were also served to the guests.
Bangladesh House.
As the significant presence of the Dutch society in traditional Bangla dress was an attraction, everybody chanted the slogan of solidarity and peace throughout the day.
Â
The European Investment Bank and Dutch bank ABN Amro will sign an agreement today to support investments for greening the European shipping fleet. This framework is the first with a financial institution in the Netherlands and is supported by the “Connecting Europe Facility” and was made possible by the “EFSI” (European Fund for Strategic Investments), central pillar of the Juncker Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe.
The framework guarantee agreement will ensure that promoters of sustainable projects in the maritime transport sector can benefit from favourable financial terms as a result of the EIB’s AAA rating. The facility is open for both retrofitting of existing shipping as well as for projects that envisage the construction of new vessels with a green innovation aspect, it applies to both inland shipping and seagoing operators.
“The Bank received a clear signal from the market that there was a financing gap for the greening of shipping fleets.” said EIB vice-president Pim van Ballekom. “By allowing the EIB to take more risk, the Investment Plan for Europe enabled us to create a new instrument to support shipping companies in complying with the European sustainability standards. This is the second agreement under a EUR 750 million EFSI Green Shipping Guarantee Programme, which was set up after numerous discussions with Dutch counterparts from the public and private sector. We are really looking to ship owners to make use of it so that we can implement it in other countries as well.”Daphne de Kluis, CEO Commercial Clients ABN AMRO added: “We are very happy we can support the Juncker plan through this initiative. The EIB facility is an extra stimulus for ABN AMRO to stimulate our shipping clients to look for sustainable solutions. It fits perfectly with our other efforts to promote sustainable solutions in this important sector.”
EU Commissioner for Transport VioletaBulc said: “Financing the transition to more sustainable transport systems and networks requires a commitment to invest. Today’s agreement demonstrates that the Investment Plan can play an important role in mobilising private finance to support this transition.”
This sector risk bearing programme is meant for projects that will improve the environmental performance of transport vessels in terms of diminishing the emission of pollutants as well as increasing fuel efficiency. Projects should be proposed to the ABN Amro Bank and will be subject to their eligibility and risk acceptance criteria.
Georgia, Minister Dolidze stated, is experiencing a new epoch, security is high on the agenda, hence membership of the NATO and the EU are important. Even so is State building. Georgian soldier are involved in fighting terrorism in different parts of the world. Afghanistan is one example. Russia has to understand says Minister Dolidze that a stable Georgia means stability in the region
Information center are scattered all over Georgia, in order to inform the population about Georgia’s relationship with NATO and the EU. Georgia and the Netherland have several joined projects; one of them is the Erasmus education program. There is convincing evidence that Georgia is on the right track, success is imperative.
In the Q&A session that followed Minister Dolidze took questions from the audience including those posed by the Ambassador of Austria, Armenia, and Iraq. The Georgia success story Minister Dolidze is due to transforming the economy, the creation of sufficient SME’s. Diversifying the economy in other words.
The Schengen(Biometric visa) has made it easier for the Georgian businessman to visit his business partners in the EU. The construction of a new airport is underway; this will further enhance the position of Georgia. The country will become an important Hub in the region.
The residence of Bangladesh Ambassador known as Bangladesh House in Wassenaar was beautifully decorated with motifs, balloons, festoons, posters, banners to beam an aura of Bengali culture befitting the day.
In the cultural programme, performance of the children was appreciated by all. Performance of the expatriate Bangladeshi artists has made the audience spell-bound. Performance of the local band Trimatrik drew lot of appreciation from the audience. As usual the crowd especially children with colorful dress and painted faces did not miss the opportunity to dance with the music.
