On Thursday afternoon 16 March, the Embassy of Hungary presented the short documentary ‘The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 – 60 years later, The 1956 Commemoration Season in the Netherlands’ to dozens of special invitees in The Hague. The documentary was made by the Netherlands based Hungarian filmmaker Csaba Bogádi and reflects upon eleven events that were organized throughout the Netherlands from August to November 2016 and attended by over 7000 visitors.
Like the short documentary, the aim of the extensive program organized by the Embassy of Hungary in collaboration with various partners, was to commemorate the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and transfer the knowledge and experiences of this historic event to younger generations. In the documentary, four key figures of the 1956 Commemoration Season reflect upon the four concerts, three conferences, two exhibitions and the national commemoration ceremony that took place in the fall of 2016.
The presentation on 16 March 2017 was attended by partners who made the 1956 Commemoration Season possible. The Embassy of Hungary also invited the Dutch athletes who could not participate in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. It was boycotted by the Netherlands in solidarity with the Hungarian people. The Dutch athletes previously took part in a program specially organized for them in Budapest, together with the Swiss and Spanish athletes who did not go to Melbourne in 1956.
In the autumn of 2016, it was exactly 60 years ago that the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight was brutally crushed down by the Soviet Union. With the theme “new heroes are born where they are not forgotten”, the Hungarian government established a memorial board that funded the worldwide commemoration of the Revolution in 2016.
The programs in which the Embassy of Hungary in the Netherlands was involved, were made possible by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight 60th Anniversary Memorial Board.
Judge Theodor Meron, President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals.Arusha, The Hague, 16 March 2017- The President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism or MICT), Judge TheodorMeron, on Thursday, 9 March 2017 notified the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of the failure of the Republic of Turkey to comply with its obligations to cooperate with the Mechanism and to comply without undue delay with a judicial order issued by the Mechanism.
On 31 January 2017, Judge Meron, acting as Pre-Review Judge in the case of The Prosecutor v. Augustin Ngirabatware, ordered Turkey to cease all legal proceedings against Judge Aydin Sefa Akay and to take all necessary measures to ensure Judge Akay’s release from detention, no later than 14 February 2017, so that he could resume his judicial functions in the Ngirabatware case. That order was binding on Turkey under UNSC resolution 1966 (2010), which requires that all States comply with orders issued by the Mechanism.
In a Decision issued on 6 March 2017, Judge Meron, observed that there was no information before him that the domestic legal proceedings in Turkey against Judge Akay had ceased, that he had been released from detention since the issuance of the Mechanism’s Order of 31 January 2017, or that such actions might otherwise be imminent.
Judge Meron concluded that Turkey’s non-compliance with the Order of 31 January 2017 materially impeded the Appeals Chamber’s consideration of the merits of the Ngirabatware case and threatened the independence of the Mechanism’s judiciary. Judge Meron further determined that, pursuant to the Mechanism’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the matter should be reported to the UN Security Council.
Judge Akay, a member of the Appeals Chamber Bench in the Ngirabatware case, was detained in Turkey, on or around 21 September 2016, in relation to allegations connected with the events of July 2016 directed against the constitutional order of Turkey. He has remained in detention since that time. In accordance with the Mechanism’s Statute the judges of the Mechanism enjoy privileges and immunities accorded to diplomatic envoys under international law when engaged on the business of the Mechanism, even while exercising their functions in their home country. The UN Secretary-General has formally asserted the diplomatic immunity of Judge Akay to the Turkish authorities and requested Judge Akay’s immediate release and the cessation of all legal proceedings against him.
Augustin Ngirabatware, the former Rwandan Minister of Planning, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for committing direct and public incitement to commit genocide and instigating and aiding and abetting genocide. On 8 July 2016, Ngirabatware filed a request for review of his convictions on the basis of new facts that he claims exonerate him. With Judge Akay’s continued detention, the proceedings on the merits of the case remain at a standstill.
One of NABC’s meetings.
For the first time a Dutch trade mission traveled to Niger. Four Dutch companies will visit the country this week, led by the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC).
The French Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries. Yet there from the Netherlands begins to emerge a commercial interest, which results in this trade mission. The mission is led by Marina Diboma, NABC’s head of international cooperation. Diboma declared: “Someone asked me what to look for Dutch businesses in Niger. My answer was simple: Development can only take place through cooperation and exchanges. Because this development is lagging behind we see many possibilities. Netherlands can stand here.” Diboma stresses the importance of creating jobs for young people in Niger, which is the main transit country for African migrants coming to Europe.
This mission works closely with the Dutch Embassy in Mali, which is also responsible for Niger. Ambassador Jolke Oppewal is taking part in the trade mission, also this week he will present credentials to the Nigerien Government in Niamey.
One of the participants, Peter Fishermen ‘Partners for Innovation’, a consulting firm that has been working in Niger said “When I came here two years ago, I saw opportunities everywhere”. “ What has struck me that there is a great need for good products, services and consultants who can help the country in setting up projects and managing them. From the Netherlands, we can deliver this”. Explained another participant, Big Dredging interested in the dredging of the River Niger.
The trade mission to Niger is part of a four-year program that performs NABC commissioned by the Dutch Embassy in Mali. It is aimed at promoting trade relations between the Netherlands and Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Participating companies are: Partners for Innovation, Boode Blue Pump, BIG Machinery / BIG Dredging and Greenshields & Partners.
The President of Kyrgyzstan and The King of the Belgians.
Brussels, 16 February 2017: IV President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev, arrived to Brussels. During his working visit, the Kyrgyz President held bilateral meetings with HM King Philippus of the Belgians as well as multilateral talks with the chairmen of the European Council Donald Tusk, the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.
During the visit, two documents were signed to enhance cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and European Union on key fields. Under the rule of law programme, €30 million will be provided for the modernisation of the Kyrgyz legislative process. This is one more tranche. Earlier, the European Union has already allocated €9.5 million to strengthen the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan and another €30 million — in the framework of macro-financial assistance.
About €72 million are planned for agriculture programmes. The monies will be spent on the development of seven regions of the country within 7 years. The first tranche is aimed for Jalal-Abad region.
President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.
Concerning relations to Belgium, trade turnover between the countries is growing. According to the Ministry of Economy, for the first 9 months of 2016 it amounted to $ 16,342 million. Exports amounted to $ 8,489 million, import — $ 7,853 million. Kyrgyzstan exports to Belgium gold, antimony and its compounds, automobile parts, non-ferrous metals, radiators, products from ferrous metals. Belgium supplies to Kyrgyzstan industrial equipment, mechanical devices, equipment and components, vehicles, pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetic products, food products, lubricants, paper, cardboard and products made of it.
The sides also do not forget about cultural development. In 2016, cinemas in Belgium screened a documentary ‘A man and a horse’ about a journey to Kyrgyzstan by a French film director Robinot. As a further display of cultural exchanges President Atambayev and Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev donated the archives of Kyrgyz artist and first ambassador to Belgium and the then European Communities, Chyngyz Aitmatov, to Belgium. Archival materials were handed over to the country by the honorary professor of the Free University of Brussels, a member of the Royal Academy of Archeology of Belgium Jean Blancoff. Chyngyz Aitmatov was a prolific writer in Kyrgyz and Russian languages.
For further information:
President of the Kyrgyz Republic, HE President Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev: http://eng.president.kg
Missions of Kyrgyzstan to the EU, the OPCW and the Benelux countries, HE Ambassador Asein Isaev: https://www.facebook.com/KyrgyzEmbassyInBrussels/?fref=ts
Chinghiz Aitmatov: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinghiz_Aitmatov
European Union High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini. Pictured by EU.Strasbourg, 14 March 2017- The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission have adopted a Joint Communication proposing a EU strategy for Syria.
As called for by President Jean-Claude Juncker in his State of the Union speech in September 2016, the Communication defines how the European Union can play a stronger role in contributing to a lasting political solution in Syria under the existing UN-agreed framework. It also looks at how the EU can continue its assistance to over 13 million people in need in Syria, help build resilience and stability in the country, and support post-agreement reconstruction and the voluntary, dignified and safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons once a credible political transition is underway.
The High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: “The Joint Communication adopted today strengthens not only our current engagement and support for a political solution to the war as the only way we can bring peace back to Syria, but also what the European Union could do in a post-agreement context in which reconstruction can start. And there is much the European Union is ready to do, together with the United Nations and the rest of the international community. The Syrians want peace, they deserve it, as they want and deserve to finally have the possibility to shape the future of their country. We are at their side to support the future of Syria.”
As outlined in the Joint Communication, the European Union’s engagement in Syria goes beyond the current state of play. It is defined by a longer term perspective in support of the EU’s strategic goals on Syria. A stable, strong and secure Syria will be rebuilt provided that a political settlement in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué is reached.
The Joint Communication comes at a crucial moment for Syria, as we mark the 6th year of the conflict and with the resumption of the UN-led talks in Geneva, supported by a ceasefire mechanism established as a result of the Astana talks. The Communication reiterates the European Union’s direct support for the UN process, notably through ongoing political dialogue with regional actors under the EU regional initiative on the future of Syria and ongoing work to strengthen both the Syrian political opposition and civil society organisations.
The European Union will continue to be the first and leading donor in the international response to one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the EU has mobilised over €9.4 billion, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and resilience support to the Syrian people and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The Joint Communication presents the current political, security and humanitarian context in Syria and the state of play of the EU’s assistance in response to the Syria crisis. It contains an assessment of the risks and threats posed by the continuation of the war to the EU’s core interests, regional and global stability, as well as the definition of a set of clear objectives for the EU’s policy for Syria, which include:
Ending the war through a political transition process negotiated by the parties to the conflict with the support of the UN Special Envoy for Syria and key international and regional actors;
Promoting a meaningful and inclusive transition in Syria through support for the strengthening of the political opposition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué;
Promoting democracy, human rights and the freedom of speech by strengthening Syrian civil society organisations;
Promoting a national reconciliation process based on peace-building efforts and countering violent extremism and sectarianism, including an approach to transitional justice that should include accountability for war crimes;
Saving lives by addressing the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable Syrians in a timely, effective, efficient and principled manner;
Supporting the resilience of the Syrian population, as well as of the institutions and Syrian society.
As a next step, the Communication proposes clear lines of action to implement these objectives, in close coordination with regional partners and international organisations, and to continue the diplomatic work and post-agreement planning in order to ensure that international support is ready, coordinated and can be delivered effectively when the appropriate moment comes.
High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini will present the Joint Communication to EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 3 April; it will also be presented to the European Parliament. The Communication will also serve as an important input for the Brussels Conference “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” on 5 April 2017 that the EU will co-chair with the UN, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar and the United Kingdom.
Ambassador Alison Rose (UK to Belgium) – Picture by British Embassy to Belgium
Monday, 13 Monday 2017: 52 countries around the world marked the 40th Commonwealth Day fêted every second Monday in March. HM Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth comprising around 2,4 billion citizens around the globe, as well as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Office, The Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal issued statements marking the day.
In Belgium, Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador Alison Rose issued a message in both Dutch and French reading: “We zijn bewust van het werk van het Agentschap van het Gemenebest voor het onderhoud van oorlogsgraven. De Commonwealth War Graves Commission zorgt voor de graven waar soldaten uit het Gemenebest werden begraven, en helpt ons herinneren wat de tol voor onze vrede was.”“En Belgique on est reconnaissant du travail de la Commission Commonwealth War Graves, qui s’occupe des tombes des soldats qui avaient perdu leurs vies pendant 2 guerres mondiales et nous aide à rappeler le coût de la paix”.For further information:
The Commonwealth: http://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealthday
British Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium (HE Ambassador Alison Rose):
https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-Brussels
The Hague, 13 March 2017- ICTY and MICT Prosecutor Serge Brammertz will visit Zagreb on 13 and 14 March 2017, as part of preparations for his regular biyearly report to the UN Security Council (UNSC). The Prosecutor will meet with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Davor Ivo Stier, Minister of Justice Ante Šprlje and State Attorney General Dinko Cvitan to discuss cooperation with the ICTY and MICT, prosecutions of war crimes by the Croatian judiciary including Category II cases, and regional cooperation in war crimes justice in the Western Balkans.
Pursuant to UNSC Resolutions 1503 (from 2003) and 1534 (from 2004) the Prosecutor has a duty to report to the UNSC every six months about the current progress towards the implementation of the Tribunal’s Completion Strategy. The reports have been provided on a regular basis since May 2004. Pursuant to UNSC Resolution 1966 (from 2010) the Prosecutor of the Mechanism is required to submit a progress report to the UNSC every six months.
It is expected that Prosecutor Brammertz will present his next report to the UNSC in June.
