By Anton Lutter.
During a sunny Monday the 15th of August, the end of the second world war in the Netherlands-Indies (nowadays: Indonesia) was remembered, 71 years to the day the Japanese forces capitulated before the Allied forces.
The government was formally represented by the Prime Minister Mr Mark Rutte and the undersecretary Mr Martin van Rijn, who has “WWII” in his portfolio. Also in attendance were the Minister of Defense Mrs Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister Jet Bussemaker of Education, Culture and Science as well as the Commander of the Dutch Defence Force, with the Operational Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marechaussee.
After the laying of the reefs by the Government, defence and city of The Hague authorities, also the representatives of the Embassies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States paid their respect by laying a reef.
The ceremony started when the standard of the Regiment Van Heutsz was presented by the military in traditional uniforms of the former Royal Netherlands Indies Army. The solemn musical setting was performed by the chapel of the Royal Dutch Airforce.
During the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands-Indies 100.000 Dutch citizens were interned of whom 13.000 didn’t see their freedom.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Bangladesh mission in the Netherlands observed National Mourning Day in a solemn ceremony at the Chancellery on Monday 15 August 2016. As of 1996, 15 August the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared National Day of Mourning. It is marked with solemn official ceremonies.
On 15 August in 1975, Bangladesh’s architect Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman and most of his family were assassinated at his home by soldiers in one of the bloodiest political assassinations ever.
The Bangladesh mission in The Hague in a statement said the observance of the day included the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast, the observance of one-minute silence.
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal.
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and state Minister for Foreign Affairs, were read out, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador to the Netherlands also addressed the audience. In his address Ambassador Belal highlighted various aspects of the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contribution for the nation.
Ambassador Belal narrated on how Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy and elevated himself to the towering personalities of a globalized world during his only 44 months long statesmanship.
Accordingly, Ambassador Belal, likewise previous year, urged the Bangladeshi community in the Netherlands to contribute in this regard for establishing Bangabandhu Chair in any university in the Netherlands.
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Highlighting the ongoing development spree in the country, under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Belal shared with the audience updates on the follow up works following Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in November 2015.
His Excellency informed the audience that the embassy is working, for organising a single country trade fair tilted “Dutch Bangla Trade Fair 2016” in the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on September 28-29, 2016 as well as a “Travel Fair” in The Hague in October 2016.
Ambassador Belal also shared with the audience a list of upcoming events primarily as a follow up to Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands.
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Roy Lie A Tjam, from Diplomat Magazine.
The mission also screened a documentary on “Life and Work of Bangbandhu”. The mission’s officials, expatriate Bangladeshis and friends took part in the commemoration.
At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed by Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, wife of Ambassador Belal, before her rendering vote of thanks. Lunch was served to the attendees.
Syria: UNHCR gravely concerned by situation in Aleppo city and attacks on IDP settlements in Idleb
11 August 2016
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urges all parties to the conflict to ensure, first and foremost, the safety and dignity of civilians, including families and vulnerable groups trapped in Aleppo city, who are facing constant bombardment, violence, and displacement.
Furthermore, UNHCR is gravely concerned by the spate of attacks on internally displaced person (IDP) settlements in Idleb Governorate over the last 10 days, as well as other attacks on other IDP settlements and civilians elsewhere in the country, which have resulted in civilian casualties and further displacement. The attacks indicate a shocking disregard for civilian life. UNHCR reiterates the importance of allowing access to safety, and respect for the civilian and humanitarian character of IDP settlements.
UNHCR reiterates its call for ensuring the protection of civilians based on international humanitarian law, international refugee law, and human rights law. UNHCR calls for a durable and sustainable solution to this conflict.
Access Policy for the Records held by the Mechanism is issuedArusha, The Hague, 15 August – The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) on Friday issued an Access Policy for Records held by the MICT (Access Policy), which constitutes the foundation of the organisation’s information security and access regime. The Access Policy applies to all records managed by the MICT, including inactive records and archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) which have been transferred to the custody of the MICT, as well as to records and archives created or maintained by the MICT itself. Records that continue to be managed by the ICTY, including those still in active use by the ICTY and the Prosecutor’s evidence collection, are not governed by the Access Policy. The Access Policy reflects the MICT’s commitment to respecting its obligation that its work shall be open and transparent, and it affirms its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Archives. It emphasizes the public’s right to access the MICT’s records and archives and outlines the criteria guiding access requests. In addition, the Access Policy complies with established UN Rules and standards, including ST/SGB/2012/3, while taking into consideration the unique nature of the judicial records. In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1966 (2010) and Article 27 of its Statute, the Mechanism is responsible for the management, including preservation and access, of the ICTR, ICTY, and MICT archives.
As part of the Second World Nomad Games 2016, on September 4th, 288 yurts will open as part of the “Kyrgyz Village” ethno-village in Kyrchyn Gorge. Nomad camps, as part of “Kyrgyz Village”, will stretch grandly across the picturesque gorge from southeast to northwest.
The ethno-village will consist of nine nomad villages, each of which will consist of 25 yurts. These will represent the seven oblasts of Kyrgyz Republic and the cities of Osh and Bishkek.
Entrance to the village will be through the central gate (darbaza), decorated in ethno-style flags. On both sides will stand small traditional stone sculptures, called balbaly. Young men and women in traditional clothing will stand next to this charming gate to greet guests.
From their first steps, guests will be able to feel the unique atmosphere of the beginnings of the celebrations, personally seeing nomadic culture and acquainting themselves with the traditions and customs of the Kyrgyz people.
In the central square, on the podium, the biggest yurt, Khan Ordo, will be constructed, as well as two smaller yurts for special guests, as well as two watchtowers on either side of Khan Ordo, flagpoles, and a decorated tower.
Separate yurts will serve as the headquarters for emergency services, law enforcement agencies, healthcare services, and a press-center for local and foreign media outlets.
https://youtu.be/JfKQhD3mE9Q
Special areas will be reserved for foreign delegations, where representatives can construct their traditional modes of housing. Another area with 60 yurts will be for visitors who are involved in the food court and other similar services.
The Second World Nomad Games will take place from September 3rd through 8th, 2016, at Lake Issyk-Kul. The program includes spectacular sporting competitions in 23 different kinds of traditional sports, “Nomad’s Universe” folklore festival, as well as other cultural and sporting events, which will take place in the Hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata, as well as in the picturesque Kyrchyn Gorge and in the Health and Wellness Center.
Royal Bridges, an artistic movement created by Bahrain’s most prominent artist, Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Diplomat Magazine’s Baron Henri Estramant is due to host its first global functions at the end of November 2016. More precisely the opening of an exhibition entitled “Convergence” to be held for VIPs on 29 November 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Center. Convergence brings together for the first time in history of art, an exceptional mix of royal, princely and noble artists from around the world celebrating and displaying contemporary art in the Emirate of Dubai. Itself featuring a plethora of paintings, sculptures, jewerelly designs and musical performances listed as UNESCO world heritage. Convergence considers global interchange in modern and contemporary art by providing firsthand view at the work of twenty-first century royal, princely and noble artists across disciplines who have proven professional record and international recognition. Currently artists hailing from every continent are represented for Convergence. HE Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Co-Founder of Royal Bridges.Fostering a culture of giving and philanthropy, the movement will host a gala dinner whose proceeds shall be donated to the United Nations Food Programme. The auction thereto is to be managed by Christie’s Dubai. First Slovenian winner of one of World Press Photo awards, Matjaž Krivic, will serve as the star photographer. Royal Bridges also convenes a global movement aiming at saving royal heritages from falling into abeyance or rather oblivion. Convergence will for instance feature the “Royal Drummers of Burundi” who played a ritualistic, religious as well as a liaison between the Royal Court and ordinary Burundians during the erstwhile kingdom. As the latter does not longer exist, the performing arts of the drummers have become obsolete in the republic, and hence are threatened with extinction in spite of its status as UNESCO intangible world heritage. Even in kingdoms such as Cambodia the “Royal Cambodian Court Ballet” (likewise listed as UNESCO world heritage) suffers from visibility due to a lack of funding from a court lacking political power. Both performing arts will be featured during Convergence. The participating artists and patrons include:
HM Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck of Bhutan – Textiles
HRH The Duchess of Württemberg, Diane of Württemberg and d’Orléans – Painter
HRH Princess Sophie of Romania – Photography
HRH Princess Sibylle of Prussia – Painter
HSH Princess Ede Sapieha -Różańska– Painter
HRH Princess Lelli de Orleans e Bragança of Brazil – Painter
HE The XII Marchioness of Castelldosríus, Grandee of Spain, Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada – Fashion design
HRH The Dowager Princess of Tarnovo, Miriam of Bulgaria – Jewerelly design
HRH Princess Reem bint Mohammed Al Faisal Al Saud – Photography
HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso of Cambodia – Royal Cambodian Ballet
HRH Prince Norodom Sirivudh of Cambodia – Singer and pianist
HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani – Painter
HH Prince Rostislav Romanov of Russia – Painter
HIIH Count Bertram zu Castell-Rüdenhausen – Painter
HE Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa – Painter
Maharajkumari Vidita Singh of Barwani (India) – Painter
HRH Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi – Royal Drummers of Burundi
HE Mevrouw Martine van Loon-Labouchere – Investiture dress at the Court of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
HRH Princess Tessy of Luxembourg and Nassau – Court dress from the Grand Duke of Luxembourg’s Official Birthday 2016. Haute couture gown by designer Marcin Lobacz,
HRH Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark – Greek artisanship
H.E. András Kocsis appointed Ambassador of Hungary to the NetherlandsH.E. Mr András Kocsis has been appointed Ambassador of Hungary to the Netherlands. On 6 July 2016, he presented his credentials to H.M.King Willem-Alexander, at the Royal Palace Noordeinde in The Hague. Ambassador Kocsis joined the foreign service of Hungary in 2003. Previously, he held various positions in the Foreign Ministry and overseas. More recently, Ambassador Kocsis was Head of Cabinet of the Deputy State Secretariat for European and American Affairs. Between 2012 and 2015, Mr András Kocsis was Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague. Ambassador Kocsis completed his Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest (2003). He is married and has one child. Mr Kocsis speaks English, Dutch and French.
On the picture Akua Naru. Photography by Daniel Ziegert.
American hip hop sensation Akua Naru, Namibian-Belgian-Dutch singer-songwriter Shishani and rising star from the Baroque scene; French soprano Elodie Fonnard are added to the line-up.
On Saturday September 3rd 2016, the freely accessible Embassy Festival will take place at Lange Voorhout in The Hague. The Embassy Festival offers visitors a cultural, culinary and musical journey. Over thirty embassies have confirmed their participation. Added to the line-up are Akua Naru, Shishani and Sindicato Sonico, performing alongside the previously announced Lachy Doley and Hudson Taylor on the contemporary stage. On the classical stage, the French soprano Elodie Fonnard and the award-winning Polish soprano Aldona Bartnik will enchant alongside the German Viola da Gamba virtuoso Susanne Herre.
Akua Naru
Tony Allen once referenced Akua Naru as ‘The keeper of the cool flow’. The African-American Naru grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, a racially divided city where rising unemployment and crime were a day-to-day reality. The experiences Naru had growing up would initiate a path of critical inquiry regarding the urban social conditions and the vulnerability of black women, eventually shaping her music and writings. Akua Naru mixes classical hip hop with sharp lyrics. Critics compared her to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. Her new album is called ‘The Miner’s Canary’ and addresses the political situation of the United States over the past few years. On her latest album she collaborated with, amongst others, Chris Scott, Cody Chesnutt and Ben L’Oncle Soul.Shishani.ShishaniShishani & The Afro Namibian Tales are an acoustic quartet. Their music merges traditional African music traditions with Cuban, African-American and European sounds. Shishani’s powerful voice and songs, inspired by the Namibian culture, are being complemented by unique arrangements on the cello, kora, mbira (thumb piano) and percussion. After her move to Belgium and the Netherlands, leaving her home country Namibia, the singer songwriter Shishani received several awards for her songs. In 2014, she was a finalist in the prestigious Radio France International Discovery contest.
Elodie Fonnard.
Classical Stage
Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it’s all there. This year, the French soprano Elodie Fonnard will enchant the audiences. Discovered by William Christie’s ‘Jardin des Voix’, Fonnard is one of the most prominent sopranos of the new Baroque scene. She has recently performed at some of the world’s renowned stages, such as the Opéra Comique in Paris, the Royal Opera of Versailles, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, the Lincoln Center in New York and the Bolshoi in Moscow. German-born Viola da Gamba virtuoso Susanne Heere will bring international repertoire to the festival, based on the compositions of the legendary 17th-century French composer and Viola da Gamba player Marin Marais. Award-winning Polish soprano Aldona Bartnik performs a colorful, hand-selected pallet of Polish compositions, including compositions by Szymanowski, Chopin, Paderewski and Lutoslawski. In addition, the Hungarian pianist Éva Szalai and Spanish Flamenco singer Maria Marin have also been added to the line-up on the classical stage.
Creative Arena, Kids Compound & Country Pavillions
In addition to its musical programme, the Embassy Festival aims to broaden our knowledge of different cultures and their traditions with the activities programmed in the Creative Arena. There will also be a special programme for children at the Kids Compound. The country pavilions will offer visitors the opportunity to taste and experience lots of different flavours and smells from all around the world, showing them an array of cultures. All this can be experienced along the picturesque and stately decor of the Festival’s location; the Lange Voorhout.
Haags UIT Festival
This year the Embassy Festival coincides with the Haags UIT Festival, starting on Saturday evening the 3rd of September until Sunday, September 4th. So, after your visit to the Embassy festival, you can experience even more culture! Visit some of the performances and activities, of which there are more than 150. They showcase what theatres and venues have lined up for the upcoming cultural season. And it’s free of charge! More information can be found at www.haagsuitfestival.nl.
Sindicato Sonico.
The Hague, an international city
The Hague is an international city in every sense of the word. With the presence of the embassies, NGO’s and multinational corporations, the city is continuously connected to the world. The fourth edition of the Embassy Festival showcases a beautiful collection of international cultures that can be seen, heard and tasted. The Embassy Festival is organised by PROOOST, the agency that is also the driving force behind the successful THE LIFE I LIVE festival. The festival is financially supported by the municipality of The Hague Economic Department and Office for International Affairs and receives the support of the official Representation of the European Commission in the Netherlands.
EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2016 | 12 – 8 PM LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ADMISSION MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM
In the presence of ambassadors and noted international relations researchers, the Netherlands’ first Public Diplomacy Award was launched on 24 June 2016 in The Hague. The award constitutes recognition of the efforts of heads of diplomatic missions and other dignitaries to promote strategic diplomatic engagement with non-state actors.
The inaugural award was bestowed upon H.E. Gabriel Edgardo Aguilera, Ambassador of Guatemala, in a ceremony at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel. The Ambassador was commended for his extraordinary engagements with Dutch civil society, and the instigation of successful foreign cultural programmes in the Netherlands.
The Public Diplomacy Award will recognise both career diplomats and other members of the international community in the Netherlands; in charge of the selection of the laureates are a group of members of the diplomatic corps and Dutch academia.
The award was presented jointly by Elizabeth Naumczyk of Diplomat Magazine; Olivier Ribbelink, Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Associate Professor at Utrecht University, School of Law and Hilde Cadenau, LL.M, Programme Director of the International and European Law Bachelor Programmeof The Hague University.
The award consists of Dutch state-of-the-art hand-made symbols with the crafted name of the recipient. Diplomat Magazine is the European press voice to promote the prize at the national and international level.
PicturedEmperor Akihito of Japan.By Baron Henri Estramant.Monday, 8 August 2016: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor of Japan, the world’s only remaining monarch bearing an imperial title, addressed his people in a 11-minutes pre-recorded allocution for national television. This occasion was but his second public speech to the Japanese since the beginning of his reigning era (Heisei) on 7 January 1989. The first address took place in 2011 after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami as well as the Fukushima I nuclear reactor subsequent crises. The Reigning Emperor hinted at his desire to step down due to the fact that he “struggles with age and poor health”. Hence he is unable to cope with his duties as ceremonial head and symbol of the state. The move was rather unorthodox for a monarch who is not permitted to intervene in politics yet in principle he pleaded to the nation for a change in the Imperial Household Law of 1947, which does not foresee abdications. Therefore the Diet must amend the latter law in order to allow The Reigning Emperor to abdicate in favour of the Crown Prince. Such an amendment could also reopen the discussion on allowing female succession as the Crown Prince sired but a daughter, HIH The Princess Toshi. According to the current constitution the Emperor is “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people”, nevertheless, he lacks in political or sovereign powers. For more information:Imperial Household Agency (message from HIM The Reigning Emperor): http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12#41
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal.
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and state Minister for Foreign Affairs, were read out, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador to the Netherlands also addressed the audience. In his address Ambassador Belal highlighted various aspects of the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his contribution for the nation.
Ambassador Belal narrated on how Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy and elevated himself to the towering personalities of a globalized world during his only 44 months long statesmanship.
Accordingly, Ambassador Belal, likewise previous year, urged the Bangladeshi community in the Netherlands to contribute in this regard for establishing Bangabandhu Chair in any university in the Netherlands.
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Highlighting the ongoing development spree in the country, under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Belal shared with the audience updates on the follow up works following Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in November 2015.
His Excellency informed the audience that the embassy is working, for organising a single country trade fair tilted “Dutch Bangla Trade Fair 2016” in the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam on September 28-29, 2016 as well as a “Travel Fair” in The Hague in October 2016.
Ambassador Belal also shared with the audience a list of upcoming events primarily as a follow up to Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands.
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Roy Lie A Tjam, from Diplomat Magazine.
The mission also screened a documentary on “Life and Work of Bangbandhu”. The mission’s officials, expatriate Bangladeshis and friends took part in the commemoration.
At the end of the programme, prizes were distributed by Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, wife of Ambassador Belal, before her rendering vote of thanks. Lunch was served to the attendees. 
The Public Diplomacy Award will recognise both career diplomats and other members of the international community in the Netherlands; in charge of the selection of the laureates are a group of members of the diplomatic corps and Dutch academia.
The award was presented jointly by Elizabeth Naumczyk of Diplomat Magazine; Olivier Ribbelink, Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Associate Professor at Utrecht University, School of Law and Hilde Cadenau, LL.M, Programme Director of the International and European Law Bachelor Programmeof The Hague University.
The award consists of Dutch state-of-the-art hand-made symbols with the crafted name of the recipient. Diplomat Magazine is the European press voice to promote the prize at the national and international level.
