By Roy Lie A Tjam.Buren Law firm hosted a Law Seminar for Diplomats at Hotel Crowne Plaza The Hague on 8 June 2017. Some head of mission and representatives of embassies attended the session.
The objective of the seminar was for embassies to get acquainted with the services that Buren Legal, Notary and Tax provides to embassies and their relations. Founded in 1898, Buren is a well established, internationally operating Law firm with offices in The Hague, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Beijing, and Shanghai.
One of the speakers was Ms.Susan van der Kam, she elaborated on the following labor law points:
Phase I – Recruitment / Employment Agreement
Phase II – Probationary Period
Phase III – Sickness
Phase IV – dismissal
Phase V – pension
Buren also offers real estate services, Mr. Jonathan Gal held a presentation.
It has been a successful afternoon
The situation in Qatar right after the blockage is developing rapidly and new avenues on everyday issues are hurting the economy of the entire region including Saudi Arabia, the biggest supplier of goods and services to Qatar. Case in point, on the very first morning after the restricted measure, milk was nowhere to be found in Doha. Generally, about 80% of dairy products come from Saudi Arabia; same day Qataris imported fresh milk and 4,000 cows arriving by air freight from Turkey and the Netherlands to fill it up the demand. Another 32, 000 cows came by sea in an unprecedented cow operation that greatly benefited the Dutch, and Australian producers among a couple of others suppliers in an effort from Qatar Government to ensure normal life in the country. To prevent an escalade of incertitude in the general population, imported milk from Turkey is subsidised and cost now ¼ of the price.
Some banks are retaining funds to owners going to withdraw large quantities to change it in US dollars. Travelling to Egypt usually a 3hours 45 minutes direct flight is becoming a long journey of 21 hours or more while people forced to travel via Turkey, Lebanon, Kuwait or Jordan.
Diplomats had 48 hours to leave from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain, also Qataris nationals from every field, notably many working in the oil and gas industry, business, students named. In no time families have been separated from each other, mix marriages, and visiting relatives are now in third countries waiting for news while the crisis is giving the blockage to a major human rights connotation.
The situation remains quite dangerous despite the efforts from Turkey and Kuwait to mediate a diplomatic solution helping to reduce tension in the Gulf. In the meantime, neighbours are translating the etiquettes from turkey for others to know what they are buying on the market.
Jan Dop and Reinier Russell.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy desk of Russell Advocaten hosted a seminar on Employment Law and Real Estate at their Amsterdam office on 12 June 2017.The goal was to present the Diplomatic community with valuable information in an easily accessible manner.
During the seminar, practical legal questions and developments have been discussed in two parallel sessions.
Workshop 1: Employment Law
This workshop focused mainly on the effect of a personnel handbook in preventing employment-related legal issues.
Topics discussed included:
Content and drafting of a personnel handbook
Which rules on, for example, employee absenteeism, sick leave, and reimbursement of (travel) expenses should be included?
Rules for the use of e-mail, the Internet and social media?
Misconduct and sanctions
How can the personnel handbook be amended?
Speakers: Jan Dop and Roos InklaarWorkshop 2: Real Estate
Speakers: Reinier Russell and Ynze Kliphuis,
This workshop provided an introduction to Dutch Real Estate Law, with a focus on government permits and building restrictions for Embassies.
Russell Advocaten’s Embassy Desk regularly organizes seminars and workshops for Embassies and facilitates legal lectures for incoming trade missions.
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Information:
www.russell.nl
OPCW Director-General Urges Continued Support for Norm against Chemical Weapons during Visit to United States
The Hague, the Netherlands — 21 June 2017 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, delivered a keynote address at an event hosted by the US Department of State marking the 20th anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and met with senior officials during his visit to the United States from 19 to 20 June.
The Director-General met US National Security Advisor, Mr Herbert Raymond McMaster; US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr John Sullivan; and US Acting Assistant Secretary of State, Ms Anita E. Friedt. During these meetings, the Director-General shared information about the Organisation’s priority activities, including the investigation into the 4 April 2017 chemical weapons incident in Syria, and efforts to clarify elements of Syria’s chemical weapons declaration. They also discussed OPCW’s global role in preventing the use of chemical weapons by non-State actors. US officials reaffirmed their country’s resolute support of the goals of the CWC and the work of the OPCW.
The day-long forum on 20 June focused on the Chemical Weapons Convention 1997-2017: Progress, Challenges, and Reinforcing the Global Norm against Chemical Weapons. The Director-General took stock of achievements and lessons learned from the last 20 years of OPCW’s work, and highlighted challenges still facing the CWC. While referring to investigations of alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria by the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission and the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism, Ambassador Üzümcü concluded: “This is work of historic importance in our collective quest to uphold fundamental norms and values as an enlightened and humane civilisation and to bring to book those who choose to violate them. I am confident that the United States will continue with its tradition of strong support for the Organisation.”
Mr Herbert Raymond McMaster provided a keynote address and the forum featured discussions about strategies to meet on-going and future challenges by a number of senior officials and experts including Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.
H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, during his first speech in The Hague.
Largest ever Yoga event in the Netherlands organised in The Hague to mark Third International Day of Yoga
The largest ever International Day of Yoga event in the Netherlands was organised in The Hague on Sunday June 18, 2017, with participation of nearly 1000 people.
The event was organised by the Embassy of India with the support of The Hague City Council in the Atrium of the City Hall, an iconic building, often referred to as the ‘Ice Palace’. HE Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Netherlands welcomed the gathering and described Yoga as the ” India’s gift to mankind.”
He announced that Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, the man behind the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Yoga three years back, would be visiting the Netherlands in few days. He send a special message to the audience ‘ in the present century we are observing that yoga has connected the entire world. Yoga is a medium to experience and realise how holistic life can be lived in a balance way’ Prime Minister said.
Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
The guest of honour at the event, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague spoke of the vibrant connection between India and the Netherlands and promised the gathering and the Indian community of the continued support of the City Council in their activities. Participants in the group yoga session included Indian cricketer Mr Suresh Raina, Mr Joris Geeven from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Preety Dhillon, Miss India Holland 2017, Dutch nationals and members of the Suriname-Hindustani as well as the Indian communities.
The event was organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, India Tourism Amsterdam, Art of Living Foundation, ISHA Foundation, and Jet Airways.Dr Amit Khanna,Yoga expert at The Gandhi Centre in The Hague and Ms Madeleine Gaastra from the Art of Living.
The yoga event was led by Dr Amit Khanna, Yoga expert at The Gandhi Centre in The Hague, which is the cultural wing of the Indian Embassy, Ms Shikha Khanna, a yoga expert from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, Ms Madeleine Gaastra from the Art of Living, and Mr Farooq Abdul Khader, a local yoga teacher.
Volunteering during the third International Yoga Day in The Hague.
By Dr. Eugenio Matos G.
As founder of Diplomat Magazine, together with other four ambassadors that were accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, allow me to congratulate its team of outstanding writers and incredible photographers. They are the heart of this unique project. This is absolutely the very first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands ‘history, founded by and for diplomats.
Diplomat Magazine was officially launched during a diplomatic reception held at Carlton Ambassador Hotel back in 19 of June 2015, in the presence of more than 60 Heads of Diplomatic Missions, the Major of The Hague, representatives from the media, and special guests.
We are celebrating our five-year anniversary. Diplomats accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and contributors from all over the world are the ones who made this endeavor possible. One can mention many other volunteers, such as academics, students (mainly from the University of Leiden, the University of Ottawa in Canada, University of Vienna, Asser Institute, Clingendael) and so forth. They are the people working behind the scenes to make Diplomat Magazine a truly international publication. The team is composed of ten reporters and six photographers, most of them are based in The Hague.
Diplomat Magazine is the fastest growing diplomatic magazine worldwide, in content and readership, thanks to our partnership with Down Jones and universities. Since 2015, we have printed six special editions for foreign governments, following the exact specifications of quality and design of Diplomat Magazine´s printed edition. Diplomat Magazine holds a record of diplomatic events in the European Union and probably around the globe, with sixty-six (66) major activities since 2015.
We have started the 1st Diplomatic Food Festival, the 1st Diplomatic Automobile Show, special farewells, welcome events to new arriving diplomats, the 1st Annual Diplomats Fun Run & Walk, 1st Diplomats Meet & Greet, special classical concerts, 1st Diplomatic Biking Tour, 1st Diplomatic Excursion, Diplomatic Soccer World Cup screening, and the like. We make the difference by giving opportunities not only to diplomats, heads of states and ministers to write for us, but also to local individuals willing to be introduced to the diplomatic corps. The people behind Diplomat Magazine have many different nationalities and all kinds of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds.
About the author:
Dr. Eugenio Matos G. is Associate Publisher, founder of Diplomat Magazine
Former Minister-Counselor (2009-2014) for the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague.The author is a career Dominican diplomat, a specialist in international Public Diplomacy.
On the picture H.E. Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, Ambassador of Portugal, Mr Domingos Melo e Alvim, Counsellor and Mr. Miguel F. Porfirio, Commercial Attaché. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Portugal National Day, Dia de Portugal or de Camões. This day was chosen to honor Luís de Camões, one of the country’s celebrated historic figures. Portuguese communities across the world take this day to remember their history and celebrate their culture.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157685157687295The Ambassador of Kosovo, H.E Vjosa Dobruna, the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Per Holmström and the Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Adia Sakiqi.
It has become a tradition for the Portuguese president to choose cities across the world to hold official national day celebrations. This year’s festivities took place in the Portuguese city of Porto, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Petar Vico and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E Bruce Koloane.
Here in The Hague, the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, celebrate Portugal’s National Day with a reception at her residence.
Hundreds of invitees turn out to congratulate Ambassador Batoréu. Everybody was in a good mood and enjoyed the Portuguese wines and snacks, including the excellent bolinhos de bacalhau.
Group picture at the Portuguese residence.Guests celebrating Portugal National Day.
On the picture, H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In celebration of La Festa della Repubblica, The Italian Republic Day, the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Andrea Perugini and spouse, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, organised a memorable reception at the distinctive Nieuwe Kerk, in The Hague, on Wednesday, 31 May. La Festa della Repubblica, commemorates the historic June 2, 1946 date, when Italians voted to abolish the Monarchy and a Republic was born.
Ambassador Perugini and Mariska Perugini-Visser, together with Italian diplomats from their Embassy, formed a reception line to welcome over two hundred and fifty special guests. The Ambassador’s invitees included representatives from the Dutch government, the private sector, heads of mission and many other members of the diplomatic corps who are serving with numerous embassies in the city.
Distinguished guests from the International Organisations, as well as guests from the economic, cultural and academic communities, judges, business people, politicians, a representative of the Roman Catholic Church and other friends of Italy were also invited to celebrate Festa della Repubblica with the Ambassador and his staff.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684983312996On the picture H.E. Andrea Perugini and spouse, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, Counsellor Tarek Chazli and his wife, Mrs Gülşah Chazli-Gökdemir, Mr Brigadier Danilo Morando, Defence Attaché, Naval and Air Force Attaché and his wife, Mrs Alessandra Morando and Ms Carmela Natalina Callea, Attaché, Cultural Affairs.
Guests were warmly welcomed with traditional Italian hospitality. Accompanying fare was offered at once, making the evening event an immediate success. Upon entry, guests were invited to sample an array of Italian dishes in the reception area of the historic venue. The wide selection featured many Italian dishes that are known and enjoyed by connaisseurs the world over.
Familiar preparations such as Italian risotto and frittata were featured, together with Italian wines and liqueurs. Both food and beverage selections were enjoyed by all who were present. At once, guests began mingling with one another and light conversations ensued.
More than two hundred attended the concert; in the picture among the public, Venezuela Alternate Ambassador to the OPCW – ICC, Mr. Jose Angel Bucarello, the Ambassador of Spain H.E. Fernando Arias and spouse Patricia van Oordt de Arias.
Following the reception, guests were invited into the central hall of the magnificent Nieuwe Kerk , which now serves as venue for concerts and other cultural events throughout the year. The Nieuwe Kerk, located just across from the modern City Hall of the Hague, was constructed in 1649 and is one of the oldest landmark buildings in the city’s historic Haagse Binnenstad (city center).
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy, acknowledged, with pleasure, the historic and recent rapid developments of Italian-Dutch relations; emphasizing his dedication to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Italian Pianist Daklen Difato.
He said, “This year, in addition to celebrating the excellent bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Italy and the fruitful contribution that Italy brings to the Courts, Tribunals and Organizations in the City of Peace and Justice, the Italian National Day in The Netherlands is especially dedicated to the upcoming State visit to Italy by their Majesties the King and Queen of The Netherlands from June 20 to June 23.An extensive visit, with a rich schedule of events which includes in addition to Rome, visits to Palermo and Milano. In Milano, together with over 100 Dutch business representatives in 4 key sectors ( water management, Agrofood, preservation of Cultural Heritage and fashion and design). ”Mr. Difato, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, H.E. Andrea Perugini and Italian pianist virtuoso Daklen Difato.
Ambassador Perugini thanked the sponsors: Bellavista Franciacorta and Leone de Castris for the excellent wines they provided and Ferrero for the refined chocolates.
Following his speech, he introduced Daklen Difato, a 17 year old musical prodigy, who had travelled from Italy to The Hague, with his father, for the special occasion. Upon taking the stage, the talented young man surprised everyone with his “rock star look.” Upon commencing to play a complete classical piano recital from memory, the room fell silent. Difato, demonstrated his complete mastery of the instrument to all who were present and he played with a suppleness and interpretive force that few professional pianists are ever able to attain. For his performance, the gifted Italian pianist, played Chopin and others masters, in an extraordinary concert that the Ambassador’s guests will always favorably remember.
Congratulations to the Italian embassy team for one of the best ever Festa della Repubblica in the Netherlands.
On the picture Ambassador Elena Basile and EP Parliament Antonio Tajani.
Wednesday, 31 May 2017, Residence of the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium: HE Ambassador Elena Basile hosted a very well-attended reception to celebrate Italy’s Republic Day, which commemorates the institutional referendum held on 2 June 1946 which resulted in the establishment of today’s Italian Republic.
Ambassador Basile, who presented her credentials to the VII King of the Belgians on 16 May 2017, is the first woman Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. Italy and Belgium hold excellent bilateral relations, also due to the common historical ties between the Belgian Royal House and the House of Savoy (Savoia). King Philippus’ mother is the Italian-born mother, Queen Paola (née Princess Ruffo di Calabria). Italy’s last Queen, Marie José, was a sister of then King Leopold III of the Belgians.
Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund.
Many representatives of the political, diplomatic and entrepreneurial world attended the Festa della Reppublica in Brussels, among which the President of the Belgian Constitutional Court, Étienne De Groot as well as the Secretary General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dirk Achten. Guest of honour was President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, who addressed the audience. During her opening remarks Ambassador Basile also highlighted the merits of Milan to become the next seat for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) after it leaves London, and thanked the various Italian enterprises working in Belgium who sponsored the reception.
To conclude the most formal part of the National Day, the Italian anthem was sung by lyrical singer Chiara Giamboi.
H.E. Gladys Marithza Ruíz de Vielman is a Guatemalan lawyer, politician and career diplomat. After spending most of her life working for a contentious case between Guatemala and Belize, first as a Member of the Belize Council and Belize Commission and then as Coordinator of the National Litigation, H.E. Ruiz de Vielman currently serves as Co-agent representing the State of Guatemala before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
H.E Ruiz de Vielman was born and raised in Guatemala, afterwards she moved several times to study abroad; first to The United States of America and subsequently to Brazil and France, developing a good command of the English, French and Portuguese language, in addition to her Spanish mother tongue.
After completed her university studies in Law, she built her own law firm to provide legal services to the Guatemalan government and the private sector and, some years later, she decided to come back to her Alma mater as a law lecturer. During this time, she also imparted various seminars in Guatemala and abroad. Furthermore, H.E. Ruiz de Vielman also carried out several socio-economic development projects in Guatemala in cooperation with distinguished organizations such as the World Bank among others.
Her diplomatic career started in 1986 with ministerial and presidential level meetings. Later on, she was designated as the Guatemala Permanent Representative to the International Coffee Organization, International Sugar Organization and International Maritime Organization. In addition, she negotiated a number of trade disputes before the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GAAT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), mainly focused on Guatemalan bananas’ access to the European Union market. Her Excellency Ambassador Ruiz de Vieltman, also represented Guatemala in several regional and multilateral organizations, including well known Organizations based in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other related to the United Nations.
Ambassador Ruíz de Vielman has held various relevant positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. Among others, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994-1995. She was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (2000-2003), to the United States of America (2016-2017) and finally was deployed to serve as Ambassador of Guatemala to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
Workshop 2: Real Estate
Speakers: Reinier Russell and Ynze Kliphuis,
This workshop provided an introduction to Dutch Real Estate Law, with a focus on government permits and building restrictions for Embassies.
Russell Advocaten’s Embassy Desk regularly organizes seminars and workshops for Embassies and facilitates legal lectures for incoming trade missions.
—–
Information:
www.russell.nl
The event was organised by the Embassy of India with the support of The Hague City Council in the Atrium of the City Hall, an iconic building, often referred to as the ‘Ice Palace’. HE Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Netherlands welcomed the gathering and described Yoga as the ” India’s gift to mankind.”
He announced that Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, the man behind the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Yoga three years back, would be visiting the Netherlands in few days. He send a special message to the audience ‘ in the present century we are observing that yoga has connected the entire world. Yoga is a medium to experience and realise how holistic life can be lived in a balance way’ Prime Minister said.
The event was organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, India Tourism Amsterdam, Art of Living Foundation, ISHA Foundation, and Jet Airways.
