President Ilham Aliyev and the VII King of the Belgians – Pictures by the Belgian Monarchy.Monday, 6 February 2017: The IV President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, was in Brussels for bilateral and multilateral meetings. Concerning Belgium, President Aliyev called upon the country’s monarch, King Philippus, to symbolically invite Belgian companies to invest in Azerbaijan. Likewise to highlight the relevance of Belgo-Azerbaijani ties in order to improve the relations with the EU at large. Azerbaijan being a strategic partner in securing energy supplies to Europe. President Aliyev and Commissioner Mogherini – Picture by EU.To continue his multilateral agenda President Aliyev held talks with Commissioner Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk as well as with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and the Commissioner for Energy Union, MaroĆĄ Ć efÄoviÄ. For further information:President of Azerbaijan: http://en.president.azEmbassy of Azerbaijan to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg (HE Ambassador Fuad Ä°sgÉndÉrov): http://brussels.mfa.gov.az    Â
Tribunal President Carmel Agius today concluded a three-day official visit to Zagreb, Croatia. During the visit, President Agius met with the Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-KitaroviÄ, Prime Minister Andrej PlenkoviÄ, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Davor Ivo Stier, Minister of Justice Ante Ć prlje, and President of the Supreme Court Branko Hrvatin.
âH.E. Ms. Andrea GustoviÄ-Ercegovac
Croatian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Andrea GustoviÄ-Ercegovac also participated in the visit.  During the meetings President Agius and Croatian officials discussed a range of topics including in particular the need to intensify regional cooperation in the prosecution of war crimes. In the context of the Tribunalâs closure at the end of 2017, President Agius expressed hope that the countries of the former Yugoslavia will continue the work of the Tribunal by bringing to justice those alleged to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He stressed the need to do this efficiently as time is running out, and that the current state of cooperation among the countries of the former Yugoslavia must be improved. Â The Tribunalâs legacy was another important topic of the meetings. President Agius informed the Croatian President and Prime Minister about the “ICTY Legacy Dialogues”, Â a series of public events to be held throughout the year, aimed at ensuring that the Tribunalâs legacy continues to be impactful and to contribute to the processes of transitional justice in Croatia and throughout the region after the ICTY closes down.
Further, President Agius recalled the initiative for the establishment of ICTY information centres, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1966 (2010), which would make the Tribunalâs public records and archives available to the citizens of Croatia and throughout the region. The President invited the Croatian officials to further explore the possibilities for establishing such an information centre in Zagreb. This initiative was very well received by the Croatian leadership, who expressed their interest and support.
This was the first in a series of visits that President Agius will pay to the countries of the former Yugoslavia before the ICTY closes at the end of this year.
The latest documentary of the Tribunalâs Outreach Programme, Dubrovnik and Crimes against Cultural Heritage, had its English language premiere Thursday February 16, Â at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, as part of the ICTY Legacy Dialogues series.
The documentary provides an overview of the Tribunalâs work in adjudicating crimes of systematic destruction of institutions dedicated to religion, education or culture. The screening was attended by more than 120 guests, including diplomats, representatives of international and non-governmental organisations, lawyers, academics and students.
Welcoming the guests, Tribunal President Judge Carmel Agius said: âDestruction of cultural heritage is a topic that, unfortunately, has regained prominence in todayâs world [âŠ]. At the ICTY, we believe that our contribution to these efforts forms an important part of our legacy.â
Following the screening, a panel discussion was held which explored issues relating to the adjudication of crimes against cultural heritage, with a focus on the ICTYâs pioneering work in clarifying the applicable law and bringing these crimes to justice. The panellists also discussed lessons to be learned for both the prevention of crimes against cultural heritage and adequate judicial responses to the commission of such crimes.
The panel included Ms Marina Lostal, lecturer in international criminal law at The Hague University of Applied Sciences; Ms SneĆĄka Quaedvlieg-MihailoviÄ, Secretary General of Europa Nostra â an association for the safeguarding of Europeâs cultural heritage; and Ms Laurel Baig, Senior Appeals Counsel in the Office of the Prosecutor of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. Speaking about the relevance of the Tribunalâs legacy, Ms SneĆĄka Quaedvlieg-MihailoviÄ said: âI think it is very very important that the extraordinary work, the painstaking work of the ICTY, has to go out of the walls of that building here in The Hague. The story has to be told to a much wider public.â
Dubrovnik and Crimes against Cultural Heritage is the sixth in a series of documentary films produced by the ICTYâs Outreach Programme, as part of its efforts to bring the work and achievements of the Tribunal closer to audiences in the former Yugoslavia and around the world. The documentary is available online in English and in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. To obtain a free copy of the DVD, please send an e-mail to outreach@icty.org. The complete series of Outreach-produced documentaries can be viewed on the Tribunalâs website.
The Outreach Programme is generously supported by the European Union.
Pictured H.E.Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran. The tone has been set for what might become a regular phenomenon, a working breakfast with H.E. Prof. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the members of the media. Ambassador Jahangiri spoke about Iran, its relations with the Netherland, the latest in the region and international developments. This was followed by a Q&A session.From left to right Mr. Ahmadi Counselor, Embassy of Iran; Mr. Rob Vreeken, Volkskrant; Mr.Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat magazine; Dr. Jahangiri Ambassador of Iran; Mr. Joost van der Valk, BNN; Mr. De Boer, Trouw; Mr. Floris van Straaten, NRC and Mr. Mahdi Nourian, Deputy Minister, Embassy of Iran.
On the Picture H.E. President Jean-Claude Juncker.European Commission welcomes Parliament’s support of trade deal with Canada
Strasbourg, 15 February 2017
CETA marks the beginning of a new era in the EU-Canada relationship.
Today, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, concluding the ratification process of this deal at the EU level.
Welcoming the outcome of the vote held in Strasbourg, President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “Today’s vote by the European Parliament is an important milestone in the democratic process of ratification of the agreement reached with Canada and it also allows for its provisional entry into force. As a result, EU companies and citizens will start to reap the benefits that the agreement offers as soon as possible. This trade deal has been subject to an in-depth parliamentary scrutiny which reflects the increased interest of citizens in trade policy. The intense exchanges on CETA throughout this process are testimony to the democratic nature of European decision making.This progressive agreement is an opportunity to shape globalisation together and influence the setting of global trade rules. The best example of this is the work that we are already doing with our Canadian friends to establish multilateral rules to deal with investment issues.I now call on all Member States to conduct an inclusive and thorough discussion at national level with the relevant stakeholders in the context of the national ratification process of the agreement”.
Trade Commissioner CeciliaMalmström said: “This vote is the start of a new era in EU-Canada relations – together we are sending a strong signal today. By building bridges rather than walls, we can face the challenges that confront our societies together. In these uncertain times, with rising protectionism around the world, CETA underlines our strong commitment to sustainable trade.Canada is a close ally of Europe. We share values and ideals, and a commitment to open markets and fair social policies. Canada is an important economic partner, with yearly trade between us worth nearly a 100 billion euros*. Once the Canadian parliament has ratified this agreement, the next step is to put it provisionally in place, which I hope can be done swiftly and effectively. Citizens and companies on both sides of the Atlantic should start reaping these benefits very soon.”What will CETA do?
CETA creates new opportunities for EU companies. It will save EU businesses over âŹ500 million a year currently paid in tariffs on goods that are exported to Canada. Almost 99% of these savings start from day one. It will give EU companies the best access they’ve ever had to Canadian public procurement contracts, including at provincial level (as well as federal and municipal).
The agreement will overwhelmingly benefit smaller companies who can least afford the cost of red tape. Small businesses will save time and money, for example by avoiding duplicative testing requirements, lengthy customs procedures and costly legal fees.
CETA will create new opportunities for farmers and food producers, while fully protecting the sensitivities of the EU. The EU’s openings on certain products are limited and calibrated and are balanced out by Canadian openings that satisfy important European exporting interests, such as cheese, wine and spirits, fruit and vegetables, processed products and the protection of 143 high quality European products (so-called “geographical indications”) on the Canadian market.
The EU’s 500 million consumers will also benefit from CETA. The agreement offers greater choice while upholding European standards, as only products and services that fully respect all EU regulations will be able to enter the EU market. This means that CETA will not change the way the EU regulates food safety, including GMO products or the ban on hormone-treated beef.
The agreement will give better legal certainty in the service economy, better mobility for company employees, and a framework to enable recognition of professional qualifications, from architects to crane operators.
The current form of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) that exists in many bilateral trade agreements negotiated by EU governments has been replaced with a new and improved Investment Court System. The new mechanism will be transparent and not based on ad hoc tribunals.
Member States will continue to be able to organise public services as they wish. This and other issues have been further clarified in a Joint Interpretative Instrument that will have legal force and that clearly and unambiguously outlines what Canada and the European Union have agreed in a number of CETA articles.
Background and next steps
On 30 October, the EU and Canada signed the trade agreement and today the European Parliament gave its consent. This paves the way for CETA to enter into force provisionally, once it has also been ratified on the Canadian side. CETA will be fully implemented once the parliaments in all Member States ratify the deal according to their respective domestic constitutional requirements.
There is clear proof that free trade agreements spur European growth and jobs. As an example, EU exports to South Korea have increased by more than 55% since the EU-Korea trade deal entered into force in 2011. Exports of certain agricultural products increased by 70%, and EU car sales in South Korea tripled over this five-year period. The Korea agreement was also provisionally applied during its ratification process. On average, each additional âŹ1 billion of exports supports 15.000 jobs in the EU. 31 million jobs in Europe depend on exports.
More information:Factsheet: CETA â a trade deal that sets a new standard for global trade
CETA in your town – interactive map with country info, as well as infographics by country
CETA: Background, Q&A, contentsBenefits of CETA & exporters’ storiesThe text of the agreement
Pictured H.E. Sidiki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court .ASP President welcomes Gambiaâs decision not to withdraw from the Rome Statute The President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) H.E. Sidiki Kaba welcomes the decision of the newly-elected Government of the Gambia not to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. âThis important decision signals the renewed commitment of the new authorities of The Gambia to the ICC, and to the shared values of all States Parties, of prosecuting the most serious crimes that shock the conscience of humanity,â said President Kaba.President Kaba invited all States Parties to continue their support of the Rome Statute system and to encourage other States to ratify the treaty in order to achieve universality as soon as possible. âI am convinced that the continued support of the international community and the cooperation of States remain necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the ICC,â the President stated. On 10 November 2016 the Islamic Republic of the Gambia notified its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as depositary of the Treaty. Following the election of a new President, on 10 February 2017, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of the Gambia to the United Nations notified the annulment of its former decision with immediate effect.Â
On the picture H.E. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands.
The Hague, â February 15, 2017 âThe South African Film Festival, hosted by the South African Embassy in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry will run from 24-25 February 2017 with a closed screening and premiere of the feature length feature, âNoem my Skollieâ or âCall me Thiefâ on 24 February 2017.
Written by John Fredericks and directed by David Max Brown, âSkollieâ is a crime/drama set in the 1960âs based on the true story of a young man who ends up in jail and uses his gift for storytelling to barter his status with the prison gangs. On his release from prison he is roped into a murder trial and faces the hangmanâs noose alongside his childhood friends.
Four young boys on the cusp of manhood form a gang. The leader Abraham, raises his status in jail by captivating the hardened gangsters with his gift for storytelling and becomes the “prison cinema” whilst his childhood friend becomes the concubine of a gang boss. On their release ‘ABâ unites with his childhood sweetheart and aims to give up on his gang friends but they rope him into a crime for which they all face the hangman’s noose. Based on the life of the scriptwriter and set on the Cape Flats in the 1960âs.
The film was South Africaâs official entrant for the 89th edition of the Oscars in the Best Foreign language category and grossed substantial; earnings on the local cinematic scene in South Africa.
On 25 February, âAyandaâ, a movie by Sara Blecher which received generally positive reviews upon release and won a Special Jury citation at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival would be open for public viewing, free of charge.
In addition, two full length documentaries, Letters to Zohra as well as Leaving Mandela Park would also be aired.
âLetters to Zohraâ, by Henna Renfurm, directed by Saskia Vredeveld, tells the story of an unlikely revolutionary. Born into a middle class Indian family in South Africa, young Ahmed Kathrada sides with the oppressed black majority in the 1950’s. Arrested and convicted for high treason, he is sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, together with Nelson Mandela. On the island, ‘Kathy’ and ‘Madiba’ become more than just friends: They become family. Ahmed Kathrada spent 26 years in prison. Following his release in 1990, he was elected to serve as a member of parliament, and becameformer President Mandela’s political advisor.
âLeaving Mandela Parkâ is an interesting documentary that focuses on the dreams of children who reside in Cape Townâs informal settlements. It tells the story of children with a unique drive to escape their socio-economic circumstances and in this regard music and dance becomes a focal point. The documentary was directed by Saskia Vredeveld.
The Mission has identified the South African film industry as one of the key industries that could be promoted in the Netherlands. It is thus proposed that a South African Embassy Film Showcase be held in January 2017.
The South African film industry contributes about R3; 5 billion annually to South Africaâs Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide employment for more than 25 000 people.
In recent years, both South African feature and documentary films have won worldwide acclaim and the country has become a popular attraction for foreign audio visual production companies.
In addition to this, the film industry has been singled out in the National Development Plan (NDP) as a key sector for development as it could possibly generate even more income that could create jobs.
The Dutch film industry has been growing in recent years, in part to generous government support that has enabled it to develop a sophisticated film production industry and a keen interest in South Africa.
There remain room for a significant presence of South African films in Dutch cinema theatres and to this end it provides a unique opportunity for growth in the Netherlands.
Should you be interested in attending one or all three of the public screenings on 25 February 2016, please R.S.V.P to Mr Lindsay Louis/Ms Roxanne Martinho at;
info.thehague@dirco.gov.za/ martinhor@dirco.gov.za/ louisl@dirco.gov.za
Venue: Korzo Theatre, Prinsestraat 42, Prinsestraat, 2513 CE Den Haag, Netherlands
Time: 12- 7 pm
Timetable
24 February 2017
Closed screening for industry experts and VIP guests of âNoem my Skollieâ
25 February 2017
Ayanda                                   : 12:00-13:45 (Maximum 80 attendees)
Letters to Zohra                      : 14:15-15:15 (Maximum 80 attendees)
Leaving Mandela Park : 15:30-16:40 (Maximum 80 attendees)
On the picture H.E . Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran to the Netherlands.
On the occasion of the 38th Anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri delivered a statement on 10 February 2017 during a commemorative event organised by his embassy.
Statement by H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
‘It is indeed my honor to welcome all distinguished guests who are present here today, on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the victory of the glorious Islamic Revolution of Iran, which is our national day.
At the outset, for the sad demise of Ayatullah Hashemi Rafsanjani, the late former president and head of the expediency council of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the recent mishap of a building collapsing in Tehran which resulted in the death of a group of my compatriots, specially, several brave firefighters, may I announce one minute silence?
Following the shocking 2016 elections and referendums, the year 2017 is the year of landmark elections here and there. In May 2017, we have presidential election in Iran. Dr. Rouhani’s government has tried over the last three and half years to improve sustained cooperation with international community, in order to eliminate past misunderstandings. Signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and 5+1 and the will to implement it fully, is a good evidence for this approach which resulted in abolishment of the six UN Security Council sanction resolutions.
H.E. Mr Saywan Sabir Mustafa Barzani, Ambassador of Irak and Ambassador Jahangiri.
JCPOA as the miracle of interaction dialogue and diplomacy has resulted in removing the attempts for securitization of Iran in international community, as well as enhancing the comprehensive and balanced relations between Iran and other countries around the globe and engaging Iran, as the trusted and influential major player in the region, in international negotiations for solving the regional and international crisis..
Having recognized the flourishing capacity of Iranâs trade and economic prosperity the international community has been instrumental in taking a comprehensive approach to strengthening economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri and spouse Maray Jahangiri and the spouse of ambassador of Malaysia, Syarizan Adzlinda Mohd Zin
In this trend, I would like to point out that the historical relations between Iran and The Netherlands has entered into a new phase during last three years. Several high ranking delegations have been exchanged between two countries in 2016, including the visit of Foreign Minister Zarif, Vice-President and head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization and Minister of Agriculture to the Nehterlands, and the visit of Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Infrastructure and Environment to Tehran, who were accompanied by hundreds companies which have had good results for both countries.
Launching online appointment scheduling and e-visas at our consulate have been a resounding success for ease-of-travel to Iran and are being further liberalized. New direct flight connections by KLM, in addition to Iran Air, have enhanced connectivity, and thus, tourism is booming.
The Netherlands was Iranâs fourth largest trading partner in the European Union in 2016. However, we should do more in 2017 in order to enhance our existing good relations even further and to cooperate in combating global challenges which threaten all of us including extremism, terrorism and, Takfiri mentality.
Islamic Republic of Iran, as the most affected country from terrorist activities, and as a pioneer for combatting terrorism is ready to cooperate with international community in this regard.
During the year 2016, we have tried to play our significant role in international organizations that their headquarters are here in The Hague, especially the OPCW. I hereby thank the presence of all members of International Organizations, including Ambassador Ahmet Uzumju, the Director General of the OPCW.’
After delivering his remarkable speech, Ambassador Jahangiri thanked his guests and invited all to enjoy a great selection of Persian dishes.
Ambassador Jahangiri spoke about Iran, its relations with the Netherland, the latest in the region and international developments. This was followed by a Q&A session.
The Netherlands was Iranâs fourth largest trading partner in the European Union in 2016. However, we should do more in 2017 in order to enhance our existing good relations even further and to cooperate in combating global challenges which threaten all of us including extremism, terrorism and, Takfiri mentality.
Islamic Republic of Iran, as the most affected country from terrorist activities, and as a pioneer for combatting terrorism is ready to cooperate with international community in this regard.
During the year 2016, we have tried to play our significant role in international organizations that their headquarters are here in The Hague, especially the OPCW. I hereby thank the presence of all members of International Organizations, including Ambassador Ahmet Uzumju, the Director General of the OPCW.’
After delivering his remarkable speech, Ambassador Jahangiri thanked his guests and invited all to enjoy a great selection of Persian dishes.