Conference: “The Peace Agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC”Speaker: Prof. dr. Héctor Olasolo, Chairman, Ibero-American Institute of the Hague for Peace, Human Rights and International Justice (IIH). Chair in International Law, El Rosario University (Colombia), Professor, The Hague University for Applied Sciences.Date and Venue: 8th December 2016, from 10h00 to 11h30, at the Speaker´s corner of The Hague University for Applied Sciences, Johanna Westerndijkplein 75. The Hague (The Netherlands)Conference Summary: While the international legal regime of ius cogens crimes is normatively prevalent over the legal recognition of the main elements of transitional justice, it would be a mistake to reject the concerns expressed by transitional justice theorists and practitioners in light of the experience gained in the last twenty-five years. Similarly, hoping to force a change in its content through a policy of fait acompli, as in the situations in Colombia, Northern Ireland and Spain, is certainly the wrong strategy. In addition to not having the necessary normative legitimacy, they are bound to place the actors involved in permanent legal uncertainty, because no one can guarantee them that the national courts of the States involved, the courts of third countries acting in accordance with the principle of universal jurisdiction, and international judicial bodies such as the International Criminal Court will permanently give up the application of the current normative framework for ius cogens crimes. What is, thus, needed is to reach some degree of consensus on the nature, goals, reach and content of the different elements of transitional justice, and, on this basis, to make an effort to end this “dialogue of the deaf” that, for more than two decades, has characterized the relationship between those interacting on overlapping fields of application.
On the picture the arrival of HE Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa at the Royal Palace in Stockholm – Picture by Kungahuset.se.
His Majesty The King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, received the letters of credence last October 20th, of HE Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa as non-resident ambassador with seat in London.
Sheikh Fawaz Al Khalifa is the head of mission to St James’s Court with concurrent accreditations to Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain.
For further information: http://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen/aktuellahandelser/aktuellt/hogtidligaaudienserpakungligaslottet.5.61f27f5a1560768c258f0b.htmlhttp://www.bahrainembassy.co.uk
By Henri Estramant.Dominion of Canada to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Olivier Nicoloff presented his credentials to HM The King of the Belgians on Thursday, 16 November 2016 at the Royal Palace in Brussels. Previous to his ambassadorship in Brussels, he was Director of the Division for the European Union and Europe, Bilateral and Institutional Relations from 2012 to 2016.http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/offices-bureaux/ambassador-designate_biography-biographie_ambassadeur-designe.aspx?lang=engKingdom of Sweden to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund was accredited to Belgium on 16 November 2016. Ambassador Hahn-Englund’s chancery is based in Stockholm yet she often visits Belgium and Luxembourg. Before taking up this ambassadorial assignment, she was ambassador for Nordic Cooperation at the Swedish Foreign Ministry’s Division for the European Union. http://www.swedenabroad.com/sv-SE/Ambassader/Bryssel/Om-oss/Ambassaden-sys/State of Kuwait to the EU, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Jasem bin Mohamed Al Budaiwi, who was previously head of mission to the Republic of Korea (South Korea), was accredited before HM King Philippus of the Belgians on the morning of 16 November 2016. Republic of Yemen to the EU, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Mohamed bin Taha Mustafa. Before his ambassadorship in Brussels, he was Advisor (with rank of Ambassador) at the Mission of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations, New York. Ambassador Taha Mustafa and staff.HE Ambassador Baso Sangqu presenting credentials to The King of the Belgians.Union of South Africa to the EU, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Baso Sangqu was Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN in New York before his ambassadorship with seat in Brussels. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baso_Sangqu—————–For further information:https://www.monarchie.be/fr/agenda/lettres-de-creance-68All photography by the Belgian Monarchy/Royal Palace, Brussels
On the picture, Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands – Picture by Royal Dutch Embassy to Belgium.18 October 2016, Brussels, Royal Dutch Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium: HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, Founder and Honorary President of the Reading and Writing Foundation (Stichting Lezen & Schrijven), paid a visit to Brussels in order to open the event “Generation Code”, co-organised by the latter foundation in the premises of the European Parliament. Libraries around Europe were focusing during the “Code Week” on developing fundamental coding skills. A known Dutch initiative in this respect is Frysklab, which aims at enthusing children for technology. Cultural Attaché Hanna Oosterbaan at the EP – Picture by Royal Dutch Embassy to Belgium.Before the evening function held at the European Parliament, Princess Laurentien was received by her homeland’s ambassador to Belgium at the embassy’s chancery located in Brussels-Schuman. Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel and the princess discussed the work of the foundation in The Netherlands and at EU level through their representative office in Brussels as well as the programmes helping people with low literacy rates. For further information:Foundation Reading and Writing (Stichting Lezen en Schrijven): http://www.lezenenschrijven.nl/cookie?url=/
The Organisation for the Prohibition for Chemical Weapons (OPCW) recently received an offer from Russian authorities to provide some samples and other material in relation to an incident of alleged use of chemicals as weapons in Aleppo. These samples and other material may be of use in the ongoing work of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission.In view of the security situation in and around Aleppo, the OPCW proposed in a communication to the Russian Foreign Ministry to receive such material in Damascus or The Hague. At present, the OPCW is awaiting a response.
For years an intenational group of volunteers cooks a free meal for 100 homeless for the Straatpastoraat Den Haag (Ministry to the Homeless The Hague). These unique healthy and international meals are to be published in a cookbook, which raises money for the homeless.
Support this initiative and win a cookbook in the crowdfunding:
www.geloofinjeproject.nl/campaigns/cookingforcrowds
Eurojust announced on November 9th the election of Mr Klaus Meyer-Cabri, the Eurojust National Member for Germany, as Vice-President of Eurojust for a three-year term. The election took place during a plenary session of the College of Eurojust. Mr Meyer-Cabri joins Ms Michèle Coninsx as President, and Mr Ladislav Hamran as Vice-President.According to Article 28(2) of the Eurojust Council Decision, and Article 3(1) of the Rules of Procedure of Eurojust, the result of the election will be submitted to the Council, for its approval, acting by qualified majority.Mr Meyer-Cabri began his legal career at the Office of Public Prosecution of Berlin, dealing primarily with the prosecution of drug-related crimes. He also worked in the International Section of the German Patent and Trademark Office on IP protection and the fight against counterfeited goods.Prior to joining Eurojust as National Member for Germany on 1 September 2014, Mr Meyer-Cabri served as Head of the EU and International Department of the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection. He worked previously as a Legal Councillor at the German Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels from 2000-2007 and was heavily involved in the preparatory work for the establishment of EurojustCommenting on his election, Mr Meyer-Cabri said: ‘I am very honoured, humbled and delighted to have been chosen by my peers at this very important time in the development of Eurojust. The rise in terrorist attacks, the migrant crisis and the growth in cybercrime demonstrate that Eurojust has a vital role to play in fighting serious organized cross-border crime by supporting the national offices of public prosecution and the courts. I reserve my special thanks for my predecessor, the National Member for Spain, Francisco Jiménez-Villarejo, whose services will inspire me to work hard for the benefit of Eurojust.”
Andorra’s PM Antoni Marti and President Tusk – Picture by EU.
Brussels, Thursday, 6 October 2016: President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Council Donald Tusk met with the Head of Government of the Principality of Andorra Antoni Martí Petit.
They discussed EU-Andorra relations, particularly the ongoing negotiations on an association agreement with Andorra.
Left to right side, President Tusk, PM Antoni Marti and Ambassador Maria Ubach Font – Picture by EU.
For the record, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on one or several association agreement(s) between the EU and the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino in December 2014. The agreement(s) will provide for the participation of the three countries in the EU single market. The negotiations of one or several association agreement(s) started on May 2015.
For further information:
Andorra’s PM: https://www.govern.ad/el-cap-de-govern
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Photography by European Union
The Hague, 14 November 2016 – ICTY and MICT Prosecutor Serge Brammertz will be in Sarajevo on 14 and 15 November 2016, as part of preparations for his regular biannual reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The Prosecutor will meet with members of the BiH Presidency, President of the BiH Court Meddžida Kreso and Acting Chief Prosecutor Gordana Tadić.
The Prosecutor will also meet with representatives of victims’ organizations and members of the diplomatic community. It is expected that Prosecutor Brammertz will present his next reports to the UNSC in early December.
On the picture first row: H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica, H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E Mr. Nourredine Ayadi, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Mr. Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abdulaziz Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia. Second row: H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng, German Ambassador to the OPCW, H.E. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru, Mrs Ekaterina Dugladze, Counsellor, Embassy of Georgia and Mr Boris A.Zhilko, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia.
After two years serving his country in the Netherlands, H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez and his wife Amaira are going back to La Havana. It was his second assignment in The Hague. Ambassador Quinonez was previously posted here as First Secretary in early 90s.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157675365861280H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez .
Diplomat Magazine hosted a Ceremony of Merit and farewell on Friday 21 October at Carlton Ambassador Hotel during a reception held in his honour. Ambassador Fermin Quinones personally welcomed his close friends and colleagues, flanked by his lovely wife, Amaria.
Diplomat Magazine handled to them a well deserved Certificate of Merit, our recognition to parting heads of diplomatic missions.
H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica.
H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica was the guest speaker of the evening addressing particular professional attributes of Ambassador Fermin Quinones. Ambassador Godinez recalled Ambassador Quinones’ highlights, notably: a visit of Cuban Foreign Minister to the Netherlands in April 2015 and the visit of Dutch Foreign Minister to La Havana a few months later.
As for this year, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, H.E. Lilianne Ploumen visited Cuba. Also, Cuban Minister for Foreign Trade and investment visited the Netherlands. Ambassador Fermin Quinones has been instrumental in the visit of Prime Minister Mark Rutte, alongside state visits to Cuba from prime ministers of Aruba, Curacao and St Martin.
H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola Ambassador of Mexico.
Sergio Ugalde Godinez called for a round of applause for this extraordinary diplomat, wishing Fermin Quinones, his wife Amaria and family a safe and great journey back home.
A second speech was delivered by H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola Ambassador of Mexico, expressing many other personal achievements of Ambassador Fermin Quinones during his two year tenure in The Hague.
A photo- shooting session and a reception with Cuban music, concluded the Ceremony of Merit, within a warmth and friendly ambiance. The Ceremony of Merit and farewell to parting Ambassadors are sponsored by Diplomat Magazine, Diplomatic Card and Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
Conference Summary: While the international legal regime of ius cogens crimes is normatively prevalent over the legal recognition of the main elements of transitional justice, it would be a mistake to reject the concerns expressed by transitional justice theorists and practitioners in light of the experience gained in the last twenty-five years.
Similarly, hoping to force a change in its content through a policy of fait acompli, as in the situations in Colombia, Northern Ireland and Spain, is certainly the wrong strategy. In addition to not having the necessary normative legitimacy, they are bound to place the actors involved in permanent legal uncertainty, because no one can guarantee them that the national courts of the States involved, the courts of third countries acting in accordance with the principle of universal jurisdiction, and international judicial bodies such as the International Criminal Court will permanently give up the application of the current normative framework for ius cogens crimes.
What is, thus, needed is to reach some degree of consensus on the nature, goals, reach and content of the different elements of transitional justice, and, on this basis, to make an effort to end this “dialogue of the deaf” that, for more than two decades, has characterized the relationship between those interacting on overlapping fields of application.
Kingdom of Sweden to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund was accredited to Belgium on 16 November 2016. Ambassador Hahn-Englund’s chancery is based in Stockholm yet she often visits Belgium and Luxembourg. Before taking up this ambassadorial assignment, she was ambassador for Nordic Cooperation at the Swedish Foreign Ministry’s Division for the European Union.
http://www.swedenabroad.com/sv-SE/Ambassader/Bryssel/Om-oss/Ambassaden-sys/
State of Kuwait to the EU, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Jasem bin Mohamed Al Budaiwi, who was previously head of mission to the Republic of Korea (South Korea), was accredited before HM King Philippus of the Belgians on the morning of 16 November 2016.
Republic of Yemen to the EU, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Mohamed bin Taha Mustafa. Before his ambassadorship in Brussels, he was Advisor (with rank of Ambassador) at the Mission of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations, New York.
