Pictured Saša Miličević, student of the Law Faculty of Banja Luka University and Hamza Ajanić, student at the 2nd Grammar School in Sarajevo.
This and last week, the Tribunal’s Outreach Programme awarded prizes to the winners of essay-writing competitions for high school and university students from the former Yugoslavia. Following the first two successful essay writing competitions held in 2013 and 2014 for high school students in BiH, the Outreach Programme launched a regional competition this year, extending it to university students, in order to engage with a wider audience of young people in the former Yugoslavia.
High school students in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia were asked to share their thoughts on the topic: “How important are war crimes trials for moving forward after times of conflict?”. University students were invited to submit their essays on the topic: “ICTY: War crimes trials as an important element in dealing with the past. A total of 133 young people from across the region sent their entries to the competitions this fall. The jury, composed of representatives from all relevant sections of the Tribunal, was impressed by the exceptional quality and diversity of the essays.”
At the award ceremony for the high school competition, the winner, Hamza Ajanić, student at the 2nd Grammar School in Sarajevo, noted that “We can show our maturity only if we make the first step in facing the past and, for that reason, I took part in the ICTY essay writing contest. It is my way of taking action and I hope that our essays will encourage other people to ask themselves what they can do to help normalise relations among people in the former Yugoslavia.”
The second place was awarded to Ajla Memić from the Medical School in Tuzla, BiH, and the third place went to Vivian Bister from the School of Economics and Trade in Čakovec, Croatia.
At the award ceremony for the university competition, the winner, Saša Miličević, student of the Law Faculty of Banja Luka University, said that “Writing this essay was an opportunity for me to further build my attitude towards the ICTY and its contribution to the proper articulation of the traumatic experiences of war… I wish there were more such programmes implemented in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, in particular in BiH, enabling law students to think and write about and discuss ICTY legacy.”
The second place was awarded to Stefan Jeremić from the Law Faculty of Belgrade University, and the third place went to his fellow student Petar Brudar.
The competition is part of the Tribunal’s youth outreach programme, which connects young people from the region with the Tribunal’s work.
As the ICTY nears its closure, the Outreach Programme is strengthening efforts to ensure that young people across the region have access to information and materials about the Tribunal’s work. These initiatives aim to increase understanding of the Tribunal’s legacy among young people and contribute to their long-term interest in transitional justice and post-conflict development.
The Outreach Programme benefits from the continuous support of the European Union and its work with young people is generously supported by the Finnish government.
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Photography by ICTY
Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands shall pay working visits from 7 to 10 February 2017 to the German Bundesländer of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thüringen.
Yearly the Royal Couple pays an economic visit to one or more German federal states. In the East they intend to bring particular attention to the historical, cultural and social ties with The Netherlands. Saxe-Anhalt will commemorate 500 years since the Reformation in 2017.
In Thüringen stopovers are planned in Erfurt as well as Eisenach, including a stay overnight at Wartburg Castle, formerly a seat of the Grand Ducal House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, a dynasty closely related to the Oranje-Nassau.
The royals are accompanied by a trade mission in the sectors of high tech systems and materials, chemicals, and water.
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Picture by Wikipedia.
US American Consulate General Amsterdam Museumplein – Picture by Persian Dutch Network.8 November 2016, Amsterdam: US American Consul General David McCawley appeared on At5 Amsterdam, namely on a special series documenting Amsterdam’s famous streets and landmarks. On the run-up to the US presidential election, Consul General McCawley was interviewed on the history of the edifice, his work as general consul as well as the preparations that the general consulate undertakes in order to insure that US citizens can vote from Amsterdam for the election. The US Consulate General in Amsterdam is located on the city’s Museumplein no. 19. It supports the US American Embassy headquartered in The Hague in heeding for the needs of US citizens in Amsterdam, and its vicinities. Likewise it provides visa for tourists intending to visit the USA. The edifice on Museumplein 19 is US American property since 19 March 1948, albeit the US government had taken over the usage of the building since 1945 after the German Consulate General had been vacated.For more information:At5, streets of Amsterdam: https://www.at5.nl/gemist/tv/272/24993/-/4USA Consulate General in Amsterdam (Consul General David McCawley): http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov
EU-wide fuel oil and precious metals VAT fraud and money laundering network dismantled
On 14 December 2016 judicial authorities and law enforcement from Spain dismantled a criminal organization whose modus operandi involved defrauding states on the VAT from oil and precious metals via a sophisticated carousel fraud scheme, and the money laundering of these gains through, various corporate structures, resulting in the loss of more than EUR 25 million in the hydrocarbon sector since 2015.
The dismantled group responsible was based in Spain and Portugal and used a complex corporate architecture including shell companies, missing traders, and companies functioning as alternative payment platforms for the laundering of the ill-gotten gains.
The investigation into the criminal activities started in Spain a year ago, targeting a criminal network operating in the sector of fuel oils. The criminal organization, by undercutting market prices with their untaxed oils, harmed commercial activities in the sector with such unfair competition that other operators not involved in the VAT fraud were compelled to get out of the business.
The operation in Spain was led by the Central Investigative Court n. 5 and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National High Court in Madrid. During the action day the specialized Unit of the Spanish Guardia Civil against Organized Crime (UCO) under the supervision of the judicial authorities, operated on the whole national territory. Additionally several officers of the Guardia Civil travelled to Italy and Portugal to be present during the execution of the requested measures in those Member States.
In total 20 persons were arrested in Spain and 25 searches were carried out simultaneously in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Two persons were arrested in Portugal and 13 bank accounts were frozen in Portugal and Slovenia. Funds already frozen in Slovenia amounted to almost EUR 91 000.The simultaneous actions were coordinated on the international level by Eurojust.
Mr Jimenez-Villarejo, National Member for Spain at Eurojust and Chair of the Coordination Centre, said;
“Organized VAT fraud represents a significant risk to the economy of the EU, and, as such, Eurojust will continue to do all it can to aid in the transnational coordination of the precautionary and investigative measures adopted by our national judicial authorities in order to defeat cross-border financial crime. With this Coordination Centre Eurojust supported our home authorities in overcoming the absence of an international consensus on VAT fraud, which has been identified as the most relevant bottleneck obstruction in these types of investigations.”
Figures at a glance
20 arrests and 21 house searches in Spain
2 arrests in Portugal
4 house searches abroad (3 in Italy and 1 in Portugal)
16 bank accounts frozen (14 in Portugal and 2 in Slovenia)
Minister Eva Descarrega is sworn into office. To her left the Andorran PM Antoni Martí – Picture by Govern d’Andorra.
Thursday, 22 December 2016, Principality of Andorra: Former Brussels-based Andorran ambassador to the Benelux countries, the EU, Germany and Slovenia, Eva Descarrega García, has been sworn-in as “Minister of State Relations and Administrative Reforms” (in Catalan Ministra de Funció Pública i Reforma de l’Administració). Her former position was an Undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice, Social and Internal Affairs.
Head of Government, Antoni Martí lauded Eva Descarrega for having a well-rounded experience as well as the necessary skills to continue to simplify and streamline the system of state administration and administrative reform, including e-government. Minister Descarrega joined the Andorran civil service more than 20 years.
For further information:http://www.govern.ad/cap-de-govern/item/7666-descarrega-jura-el-carrec-de-ministra-de-funcio-publica-i-reforma-de-l-administracio-i-molne-ho-fa-com-a-secretaria-d-estat-de-justicia-i-interior
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled plans for the devolved government in Edinburgh to set up a new board of trade, a new trade envoy scheme as well as a new Scottish enterprise agency. Likewise she announced the establishment of a new representative office in Berlin to promote trade links with Scotland. Germany being the EU’s largest economy. In addition Scotland is represented in Brussels, London and Dublin within Europe
In fact, the international trading network for Scottish businesses will see a doubling of its European staffing capacity as confirmed by The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish Development International (SDI) already operates over 40 offices in 20 countries across the world and recently expanded to Dublin.
Albeit Scotland cannot expand representation on an independent basis, there are a number of devolved areas where Scotland can develop policies for trade, international development and diplomacy. For instance, the previous Scottish Executive launched a development project with Malawi in Africa, which has continued under the Scottish Government control.
The Scottish Executive has also taken positions on a number of diplomatic issues including supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state and engaging in Syrian peace training fora at the United Nations.
Scotland is also represented on the British and Irish Parliamentary Authority and the British and Irish councils. Scotland takes part at deliberations in Brussels surrounding European legislation yet remains excluded from direct participation in formal discussions at the European Union and United Nations.
For further information:
Scottish Development International: https://www.sdi.co.uk
Scotland in Europe (Brussels): https://www.scotlandeuropa.com
Scottish Executive Government: http://www.gov.scot/#slide/1
On the picture Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Asi Mamanee.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On 29 November 2016, many converged at the Royal Thai Embassy for the ‘King’s Inspiration’ Art Exhibition which was organized to celebrate the life of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The music performances and piano plays lent a great deal of colour to this unforgettable event.
In his welcome remarks for this event that ran up to 4 December 2016, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Asi Mamanee thanked all for attending the opening reception of the art exhibition. He made it known that the exhibition was a result of a collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague and HOF Art. The latter is a premier contemporary art gallery in Bangkok.
For additional Rober Huiberts’ pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157676549936211Ms Wathsala Amarasinghe, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Ms Rose J. Sumbeiywo, Counsellor Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Kenya.
Mamanee continued, “The whole of Thailand has been bereaved since October the 13th this year when His Majesty King Bhumibol, who is revered as the ‘father of the nation’ and ‘Thailand’s guiding light’, passed on.”
At his coronation on 5 May 1950, King Bhumibol made a promise to the nation that he would rule with righteousness, carrying the best interests of the Thai people at heart – always. Since that day, the king kept his promise and proved through his tireless efforts that he truly believed that it was the duty of the crown to serve its subjects.
Thai people are grateful for the selfless efforts dedicated to them throughout His Majesty’s reign. This is why they take his philosophies and values as great inspirations for their lives.
The Ambassador of Malaysia, His Excellency Ahmad Nazri Bin Yusof and the Ambassador of Indonesia, His Excellency I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.
The paintings that were exhibited were works of leading Thai artists who expressed their love and loyalty for the late king through their works of art. Mr. Asi Mamanee further verbalized, “I wish to take this opportunity to introduce the participating artists who were flown in from Thailand to be here with us today. All of them are very talented and renowned Thai artists.
They are:
Mr. Krirkbura Yomnage
Mr. Dinhin Rakpong-Asoke
Mr. Jitsing Somboon
Mr. Jarut Wongkumjantra
Mr. Sakwut Wisesmanee
Mr. Rearngsak Boonyavanishkul
Mr. Hongjorn Sa-Neh-Ngamjaroen, and
Mr. Thaweechai Jaowattana.
Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Asi Mamanee with the Thai artists.“I also wish to express my thanks to Ms. Jeera Jeenwan, the general manager of HOF Art Bangkok for her kind cooperation in organizing this event. My deepest gratitude goes to my good friend, Mr. Vititnand Rojanapanich, the project director who brought the idea of this Art Exhibition up to me.” “As you may know, His Majesty King Bhumibol was also a great musician and composer who has composed 48 songs in total. This evening you will have a chance to listen to some of his compositions.”Her Excellency Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo, Tatiana Delvalle and the Ambassador of Panama, His Excellency Willys Delvalle.“We have with us a beautiful and talented pianist, Ms. Christy Louis Namwang, who is also a famous actress and model. Alongside her we have Mr. Paradorn Pengsiri, an impeccable singer. Together, they will perform the following songs composed by His Majesty King Bhumibol: ‘Magic Beams’ and ‘Love in Spring’. “Thank you all, once again, for joining us today. Your presence here is very much appreciated and is indeed a great support for us during this difficult time.”
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal , Ambassador of Bangladesh, hosted a dinner party to welcome Lt. General Md. Mahfuzur Rahman on Tuesday 22 November 2016 at Bangladesh House. This well-seen public figure was in The Hague to attend the OPCW Conference which took place from 21 – 25 November 2016.
Lt. General Md. Mahfuzur Rahman.
Lt. General Md. Mahfuzur Rahman (rcds, ndc, afwc, psc, PhD) is Bangladesh’s second highest military person in rank.
Adding to his prominence is the fact that he is also the chairman of the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention – an organization that hosted a successful three-day regional seminar on chemical safety and security in the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka, in October 2016.
This well-seen public figure is also the advisor on military defence matters in the Office of the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H. E. Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, visited Bangladesh to participate at Regional Seminar on Chemical Safety and Security Management last 18 to 19 October.
Pianist Lenka Meurders and vocalist Zdeňka Procházková.By Sheila Turabaz.
On the evening of 13 December, the H.H. Jacobus- en Augustinuskerk in The Hague — an impressive old-catholic clandestine church — served as the venue for the annual Christmas concert organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in The Hague and the Czech Centre in Rotterdam.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157678181033205H.E. Ms. Jana Reinišová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Netherlands.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Jana Reinišová, opened the evening with a word of welcome to guests, along with expressing well wishes for the new year and in particular more stability in certain regions of the world currently facing difficulties.
Guests were treated on wonderful performances within the sphere of Christmas by vocalist Zdeňka Procházková , pianist Lenka Meurders and violinist Ivan Illiev.
Zdeňka, who is currently studying at the vocal department of the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, also studied violin and viola at the Brno Conservatory in her native country the Czech Republic and currently performs with Collegium 1704, the Czech Ensemble Baroque and Les Vents Atlantiques.
Violinist Ivan Illiev, vocalist Zdeňka Procházková and pianist Lenka Meurders.
Czech pianist Lenka studied piano at the Music School of Prague, the Prague Conservatory and Master of Music at the Utrecht Conservatory. She is a member of many musical ensembles and forms a duo with clarinetist Harm Meurders.
Ivan is a Bulgarian violinist who studied at the National Academy of Music in Sofia and graduated from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. He is a member of the Ensemble Cordevento.
Zdenka and Lenka also performed classical music masterpieces at the Czech Presidency of the Visegrad Group piano concert in June 2016.
The audience was impressed by their excellent performances of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum K. 339 along with a selection of notable Czech composer Vítězslav Novak’s work, such as Písně Zimních Nocí (Songs of a Winter’s Night). The evening was concluded with traditional sing-along Czech Christmas carols. Following the concert, guests enjoyed glühwein and traditional Czech pastries at the reception.
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Photography by Roy Strik.
On the picture H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and his team at the new premises of the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Bangladeshi residing in the Netherlands turn out in their numbers to join H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and his team in celebrating Bangladesh 45th Victory Day. Lieu of the celebration was the new premises of the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague on 16 December 2016. Both young and old enjoyed the program.
The Embassy released the following statement: while paying tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the millions of martyrs and freedom fighters as well as biranganas on the occasion of the celebration of the 45th Victory Day in The Hague, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal recalled the contributions of the expatriate Bangladeshis at the time of our War of Liberation under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the same spirit, Ambassador Belal urged the NRBs to contribute towards the evolving knowledge economy of Bangladesh.
Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine’s editor.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague celebrated the 45th Victory Day on 16 December 2016 with due solemnity and festivity in the new Chancery premises. Programme of the day started with the hoisting of National Flag at full mast by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal in the morning at the Chancery premises. In the evening session, expatriate Bangladeshi nationals living in the Netherlands and the officials of the Embassy along with their members of family, local media as well as Dutch nationals attended the victory day celebration programmes.
One minute silence was observed in memory of the martyred freedom fighters who sacrificed their invaluable lives in the Liberation War. Messages of the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on the occasion were read out by the officials of the Embassy. A special prayer was also held seeking divine peace for the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh, and the peace and prosperity for the country.
A discussion session on the significance of the Victory Day was held, where members of the local Dutch community, expatriate Bangladesh community, including local leaders of Awami League took part. The discussants paid profound respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the millions of martyrs and freedom fighters for their sacrifices for the independence of Bangladesh. In his speech, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal highlighted the importance of instilling the spirit of liberation war among the current and future generations. He also touched upon the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands specially following the official visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in November last year.
A colourful cultural programme was organized at the Chancery premises, where the expatriate community as well as members of family of the officials of the Embassy enthusiastically took part. The artists put up patriotic songs, dance, and poems commemorating the Victory Day and the spirit of Liberation War. The celebration of the 45th Victory Day ended with a reception, where homemade food was served.
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Photography by the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.
Thai people are grateful for the selfless efforts dedicated to them throughout His Majesty’s reign. This is why they take his philosophies and values as great inspirations for their lives.
One minute silence was observed in memory of the martyred freedom fighters who sacrificed their invaluable lives in the Liberation War. Messages of the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on the occasion were read out by the officials of the Embassy. A special prayer was also held seeking divine peace for the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh, and the peace and prosperity for the country.
A discussion session on the significance of the Victory Day was held, where members of the local Dutch community, expatriate Bangladesh community, including local leaders of Awami League took part. The discussants paid profound respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the millions of martyrs and freedom fighters for their sacrifices for the independence of Bangladesh. In his speech, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal highlighted the importance of instilling the spirit of liberation war among the current and future generations. He also touched upon the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands specially following the official visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in November last year.
A colourful cultural programme was organized at the Chancery premises, where the expatriate community as well as members of family of the officials of the Embassy enthusiastically took part. The artists put up patriotic songs, dance, and poems commemorating the Victory Day and the spirit of Liberation War. The celebration of the 45th Victory Day ended with a reception, where homemade food was served.
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Photography by the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.