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
Summer outdoor jazz concert at The Hague Marriott on Sunday August 14th. The Henrique Gomide Quartet will perform in the Garden Terrace. This quartet plays a sophisticated samba jazz style referring to the 50’s and ‘60’s. Both Brazilian and own compositions will be performed. The concert will be presented by jazz aficionado and co-initiator Ronald Blom.
After the first and highly successful concert with Deborah J. Carter and her trio, there is now a Latin style performance by the Henrique Gomide Quartet. The summer garden concert is an initiative by The Hague Marriott and jazz lovers Ronald Blom and Robbert Coops en financially co-powered by GoodSense (www.goodsense.nl).
This second concert forms the prelude to the festive and official Grand Opening on September 15th of the fully renovated The Hague Marriott. From an artistic point of view the choice for the Henrique Gomide is a surprising one: an international band in which saxophonist Caspar van Wijk (with The Hague roots!) flourishes.
Henrique Gomide is band leader, composer and pianist. He originates from Sao Paulo, Brazil and has performed with both Brazilian jazz as well as contemporary, classical musicians. He has recorded four albums with his trio Caixa Cubo.
He has played on important jazz events such as Hot Club (Portugal), Silkeborg Jazz Festival (Denmark) and CCFM (Mozambique). The quartet is completed by Caspar van Wijk (Dutch), André de Cayres (Brazilian) and Antoine Duijkers (Dutch).
Caspar van Wijk plays saxophone in a variety of formations, like the VanWijk/Derudder Kwartet. He studied under Simon Rigter(Rotterdam Conservatory), Ferdinand Povel and Jasper Blom (Amsterdam Conservatory). In 2008 he won the Princess Christina Jazz Concours. André de Cayres plays bass and double bass and operates from Germany. Antoine Duijkers provides the drums. He is specialised in African percussion (from Ghana and Senegal) and performs in different combos, with Jen Brown, Torque Trio and Filippa Gojo amongst others.
The concert of the Henrique Gomide Quartet takes place on Sunday August 14th 2016 (16.30 – 18.30 hrs) in the Garden Terrace of The Hague Marriott (outdoors). The ticket price (including welcome drink and snacks) is 15.00 Euro. After the event a tasty barbecue is being held at also 15.00 Euro. In case of bad weather the event will be moved indoors, but the weather forecast is looking good.
On the picture H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and spouse Mrs Najat Bellouki.By Roy Lie A Tjam
On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the throne, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and spouse Mrs Najat Bellouki invited collegues, friends and others to a reception.
H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Najat Bellouki and the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Sayyid Muhammed Harub Al Said.
The venue Hotel Hilton The Hague on 1 August 2016. Every year Morocco celebrates the monarch’s enthronement with a day of celebrations. His Majesty Mohammed VI became King of Morocco in 1999 following the demise of his father King Hassan II.For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671113956020Reem Al Mufleh, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Najat Bellouki and H.E. Ahmad Al Mufleh, Ambassador of Jordan.
Many accepted the invitation and came to the Hilton Hotel to congratulate the Ambassador and his spouse on this special day. 2016 has seen another successful Throne Day celebration
Natalia Shulgina, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Najat Bellouki and H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia.
Pictured H.E. Ambassador Jose De Bouza Serrano, Minister Counselor Domingos Alvim and spouse D.Luisa and the Commercial Counselor Miguel Porfirio.
For many months, people from the international community in The Hague have had Friday 10 June marked in their calendars as an important date. Diplomat Magazine can confirm that many diplomats rearranged trips, meetings or events because of the importance of this specific day.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157672131698166Carnegie Foundation Chairman, Dr Bernard Bot, Ambassador De Bouza Serrano. Also in the picture H.E. Mr. Peep Jahilo, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia and Portuguese Minister Counselor Domingos Alvim.
The occasion: Portuguese National Day and a farewell for Ambassador José De Bouza Serrano, leaving the Netherlands at the end of a remarkable career. On the day, the queue of people stretched out of the garden and onto the pavement, crossing two streets and ending close to the Peace Palace.
H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia and Ambassador Jose De Bouza Serrano.
Hundreds came to say goodbye to a man who gained the love and respect of everyone fortunate enough to meet him. A legendary former Chief of Protocol who contributed significantly to his country’s diplomatic reputation and savoir-faire vis-à-vis foreign states, particularly for his expertise in handling high-level visits which included HRH The Prince of Wales and Benedictus XVI, Bishop of Rome.
Ambassador De Bouza Serrano contributed to the process of European integration by his steadfast promotion of Portuguese culture and heritage vis-à-vis the European Union in his time as Portugal’s Permanent Representative to the European Union.
H.E. Petar Vico, Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Saywan Mustafa Barzani, Ambassador the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Taher Hanafi Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt and H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco.
Ambassador José De Bouza Serrano has been awarded innumerable orders from many countries; too many to list here. He distinguished himself as a person to whom people would turn for consultation and advice on all manner of issues. Ambassador De Bouza Serrano authored several books and contributed to many others, mostly in the field of protocol and diplomacy.
During his four years as Ambassador of Portugal to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he helped solidify Portugal’s position in the European Union and supported the Netherlands to their election in the UN Security Council. The Netherlands also supported Portugal in its election to the same body. Bilateral commerce and Dutch investment in Portugal increased during his tenure, with a notable increase the number of visitors to Portugal from the Netherlands.
At the event, the Ambassador said:
“Two very old countries with a large common history, sometimes enemies but united by the sea.
“It was a privilege to serve Portugal in this position, present my credentials to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and to be able to assist later on in the coronation of King Willem Alexander. And what a pleasure to have the opportunity to say goodbye to so many Dutch and foreign friends who helped me to accomplish my tasks – at the OPCW, in the tribunals, and all the work we accomplished together to consolidate the image of The Hague as city of peace and a centre for international justice.
“Visiting the beautiful, historical Dutch cities, always in a hurry between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, visiting Maastricht, TEFAF, the great museums of this country, going every year to Utrecht to the admission of new knights and ladies to the Order of Malta, the dinners with His Majesty the King or the Princesses of Bourbon de Parma at the Haagse Club, buying curious pieces and old books at Langevoorhout, taking tea at Des Indes or attending a concert honouring SAR the Princess Amalia at the gothic salon on her birthday.
So many dear souvenirs will stay in my memories from this, my last position as diplomat, that I can said with no doubt that I served here with the same enthusiasm as I served my first posting.”
Pictured Ambassador Mir-Hamza Efenndiyev and spouse Mrs Sevil Amirova-Efendiyeva during Azerbaijan National Day 2016.H.E. Mr Mir-Hamza Efendiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands since September 2012, and Sevil Amirova- Efendiyeva hosted a major reception honouring the country’s National Day on May 28 at the magnificent venue of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in The Hague.Ambassadors from all continents attended. Among the guests present were Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations, Government officials, representatives of the business community, the arts and academia, and friends and members of the Azerbaijan community. Every room of the official residency including the garden was filled by an animated crowd. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671100844810Linda Divon, H.E. Héctor Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina and the Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Haim Divon,The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have signed several bilateral agreements in fields ranging from mutual administrative assistance in customs legislation, air transportation, justice and economy to international road transportation, double taxation and water management, among others. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev, came to The Hague on an official visit to participate in the Third Nuclear Security Summit in March 2014. Several Ministers have been meeting their Dutch counterparts consistently since then, and last May the Minister of Economy of the Netherlands Henk Kamp visited Baku. H.E. Mr. Roman Kirn Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Ambassador Efendiyev, Sevil Amirova- Efendiyeva and Slovenia Ambassadors’ spouse.In recent years, bilateral economic missions, business forums and other activities organised with the support of the Embassy have commenced a new phase in practical cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. Around 110 Dutch companies perform successfully in Azerbaijan in the fields of trade, services, banking, insurance, construction, transportation and communications.In the academic field, the embassy has supported several programmes including an MBA in energy management with Maastricht School of Management, an annual training on Eastern partnership with Clingendael and seminars in international law together with The Hague Academy of International Law.H.E. Mr. Carlos José Argüello Gómez, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop HE Aldo Cavalli, H.E. José De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal and the Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Piragibe Dos Santos TarragôIn order to discuss the diaspora’s key issues and coordinate activities, the Embassy regularly organises meetings, debates, exchanges of views and round tables together with the heads of leading Azerbaijani organisations including the Benelux Azerbaijanis Congress, the Azerbaijani-Turkish Cultural Association, the “Motherland” Union of Azerbaijani Women of the Netherlands and others, as well as with representatives of the Dutch community and the Netherlands-Azerbaijani Communication Platform.Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shiite Muslim country, is also home to several other ethnic and religious groups, including ancient Zoroastrian, Christian and Jewish communities.The Embassy has also promoted the Azerbaijani language and literature since 2013, when it supported the opening of the school Nizami Ganjavi. The school continue its activities today with the coordination of the embassy and the “Motherland” Union of Azerbaijani Women of the Netherlands. H.E. Mr Mir-Hamza Efendiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Breik A.B. Swessi Ambassador of Libya, spouse of Azerbaijan Ambassador and Naima Shennib Swessi spouse of Libyan’s Ambassador.The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan opened in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in May 2007 after the two countries established diplomatic relations on April 1, 1992.At the National Day event, guests were offered an exquisitely prepared Azerbaijani dinner buffet during the reception.
Pictured H.E. Anniken Krutnes and Ms Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust.
Ambassador Anniken Krutnes of Norway said goodbye to more than a hundred friends at an informal beach party at Scheveningen Beach. Among those in attendance were heads of diplomatic missions, heads of international organisations, judges from international courts, and friends from the academic, business and arts communities.
Ambassador Krutnes spent five years in The Hague, during which time she conducted important work for her country on both a bilateral and multilateral basis. In addition to political relations, Ambassador Krutnes focused on cultural relations and business links between Norway and The Netherlands. She was also accredited to Luxembourg and was responsible for bilateral relations with the Grand Duchy.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157672184220185ICC First Vice-President Judge Joyce Aluoch.
She worked as Facilitator for Cooperation in The Hague Working Group from 2012-2015 which primarily involved leading negotiations on strengthening the cooperation between member states and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
As Facilitator, Ambassador Krutnes also initiated seminars in Dakar, Arusha, Accra, Buenos Aires and Cotonou with representatives from over 40 countries. Her proactive work was praised by the ICC, member states and other actors involved and has led to significant results in areas like witness protection, cooperation and improving capacity.
Just weeks before leaving The Hague on July 7th, she signed an agreement on the enforcement of sentences between the Kingdom of Norway and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Under the agreement, persons convicted by the ICC may serve their sentences of imprisonment in Norway if so decided by the Court and accepted by Norway.
H.E. Ms Anniken Ramberg Krutnes presented her credentials to the Director-General of the OPCW on 10 October, 2011. There she played an important role in the UN/OPCW-led maritime operation to transport chemical weapons out of Syria.
H.E. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Karim Ben Becher, Ambassador of Tunisia, Thomas John, Principal Legal Officer at The Hague Conference on Private International Law, H.E. Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo and H. E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile.
Five wonderful and productive years flew by quickly for the Ambassador. Her farewell party took place at the beach pavilion were she used to stop after running over 10 km with her dog. The party was a delight, with wine, sangria and beers, diplomats in shorts and sandals, a great variety of Spanish tapas and many joyous anecdotes from the Ambassador’s tenure in The Hague.
A leading ambassador in many areas, a mother and consume sportswoman, Ambassador Krutnes has been appointed Norwegian Polar Ambassador with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo and Norway’s Permanent Observer to the Arctic Council. Diplomat Magazine wishes her and her family all the best.
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Ambassador Anniken Krutnes wrote an article for Diplomat Magazine. Please open the following link to see the publication: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2014/11/02/norway-arctic/
On the picture H.E. Mr J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Netherlands.
The Embassy of India and the Gandhi Centre, Cultural Wing of the Embassy, organised a massive event commemorating the International Day of Yoga 2016 (IDY 2016).
H.E. Mr J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, and his spouse Mita Mukul led more than six hundred people on a Saturday morning to practice a healthy yoga session at The Hague City Hall Atrium.
Yoga has become immensely popular and is now practised by more 200 million people worldwide, including more than 100 million in India and 37.7 million in the U.S.
On arrival, guests were greeted with the almost futuristic sight of hundreds of yoga mats, all in the same colors and symmetrically positioned, filling up the huge atrium of the City Hall.
Each guest was given a healthy goody bag from the counter by the Embassy staff with two fruits, a bottle of water, a brochure on the Gandhi Centre and a t-shirt promoting International Yoga Day 2016.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157669023268663
Dutch civil servants, business people, representatives from the Indian diaspora, yoga lovers and novices alike all got at the same rhythm into the yoga mat to breath, and stretch under the direction of Mr. Amit Khanna, the Yoga Teacher at the Gandhi Centre.
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, aims to transform body and mind. The word ‘yoga’ which derives from Sanskrit means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
H.E. Ambassador Mukul and Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh.
The United Nations recognized the universal appeal of yoga through the Adoption of its Resolution 69/131 on the International Day of Yoga.
The declaration came after the call for the adoption of the same by Indian Prime Minister during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014 in which he stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.”
Ambassador Mukul addressed the gathering on the significance of Yoga Day for India and the value of practising yoga for health and wellbeing.
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, spoke by video conference to every nation in the world celebrating Yoga Day on 18 June. Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh was also present and gave encouraging words to the hundreds of attendees before the session began.
Professor Amit Khanna, Yoga Teacher at the Gandhi Centre.
The Secretary General to the United Nations stated that through the Adoption of the UN Resolution on the International Day of Yoga, “the General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations”.Miss India Holland distributing healthy goody bags.
He further stated: “Yoga offers a simple, accessible and inclusive means to promote physical and spiritual health and well-being. It promotes respect for one’s fellow human beings and for the planet we share. And yoga does not discriminate; to varying degrees, all people can practice, regardless of their relative strength, age or ability.”
After two hours of training, professor Khanna thanked the audience and invited all to practise Yoga regularly.
Yoga Day 2016 in The Hague.
It has been years in the making, but one of the trickiest pieces of space technology ever developed is finally ready to join its satellite for launch by the end of next year. With this milestone, we are another step closer to a better understanding of Earth’s winds. Carrying pioneering lasers, Aeolus will be the first satellite to probe the wind globally. These vertical slices through the atmosphere, along with information on aerosols and clouds, will advance our knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and contribute to climate research. Since Aeolus will deliver measurements almost in real time, it is also set to provide much-needed information to improve weather forecasts. Its state-of-the-art Aladin instrument, which was designed by Airbus Defence and Space in France, incorporates two powerful lasers, a large telescope and very sensitive receivers. The laser generates ultraviolet light that is beamed towards Earth. This light bounces off air molecules and small particles such as dust, ice and droplets of water in the atmosphere. The fraction of light that is scattered back towards the satellite is collected by Aladin’s telescope and measured. Aladin ready for Aeolus. Photography by Airbus Defence and Space.Prof. Erland Källén, Director of Research at the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, said, “The Aeolus mission will provide wind observations that are unique with respect to the current global observing system capabilities.”Aladin ready for Aeolus“The observations fill a gap in the global observing system and despite the many years of delay there is still a need for the mission and we expect it to have a big impact on weather forecasting. In the Tropics, wind information dominates atmospheric analyses and this influences the quality of weather forecasts for Europe for the week ahead. ““Wind information from Aeolus is also expected to be important over oceans in both hemispheres for determining the position and evolution of jet streams and atmospheric fronts.”Developing advanced new space technologies is never easy and the Aeolus mission has certainly faced its share of challenges. For instance, the optics have to survive exposure to high-intensity laser pulses for at least three years in the unforgiving environment of space. Developing optics that could withstand these extremes took much longer than anticipated. Aladin revealed.Aladin revealedNevertheless, recent tests have shown that such technical problems have been resolved. Frederic Fabre, Project Manager for Aladin at Airbus Defence and Space, said, “This is very good news for the meteorologists and scientists who have been waiting some time for Aladin data to improve weather forecasting.” “The completion of the instrument is a result of the day-to day-involvement of the whole Aladin team including ESA, Airbus Defence & Space and several subcontractors throughout Europe.”Denny Wernham, ESA’s Aladin Instrument Manager, remarked, “The very successful results on Aladin are testimony to the dedication, determination and expertise of the team in Toulouse, who have overcome many technical hurdles to deliver the instrument to their UK colleagues. It is a really tremendous achievement and we would like to congratulate them for all their efforts.”
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Pictures by ESA/ATG medialab.
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.
At the event, the Ambassador said:
“Two very old countries with a large common history, sometimes enemies but united by the sea.
“It was a privilege to serve Portugal in this position, present my credentials to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and to be able to assist later on in the coronation of King Willem Alexander. And what a pleasure to have the opportunity to say goodbye to so many Dutch and foreign friends who helped me to accomplish my tasks – at the OPCW, in the tribunals, and all the work we accomplished together to consolidate the image of The Hague as city of peace and a centre for international justice.
“Visiting the beautiful, historical Dutch cities, always in a hurry between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, visiting Maastricht, TEFAF, the great museums of this country, going every year to Utrecht to the admission of new knights and ladies to the Order of Malta, the dinners with His Majesty the King or the Princesses of Bourbon de Parma at the Haagse Club, buying curious pieces and old books at Langevoorhout, taking tea at Des Indes or attending a concert honouring SAR the Princess Amalia at the gothic salon on her birthday.
So many dear souvenirs will stay in my memories from this, my last position as diplomat, that I can said with no doubt that I served here with the same enthusiasm as I served my first posting.” 
Just weeks before leaving The Hague on July 7th, she signed an agreement on the enforcement of sentences between the Kingdom of Norway and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Under the agreement, persons convicted by the ICC may serve their sentences of imprisonment in Norway if so decided by the Court and accepted by Norway.
H.E. Ms Anniken Ramberg Krutnes presented her credentials to the Director-General of the OPCW on 10 October, 2011. There she played an important role in the UN/OPCW-led maritime operation to transport chemical weapons out of Syria.
Dutch civil servants, business people, representatives from the Indian diaspora, yoga lovers and novices alike all got at the same rhythm into the yoga mat to breath, and stretch under the direction of Mr. Amit Khanna, the Yoga Teacher at the Gandhi Centre.
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, aims to transform body and mind. The word ‘yoga’ which derives from Sanskrit means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Ambassador Mukul addressed the gathering on the significance of Yoga Day for India and the value of practising yoga for health and wellbeing.
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, spoke by video conference to every nation in the world celebrating Yoga Day on 18 June. Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh was also present and gave encouraging words to the hundreds of attendees before the session began.
