On the picture H.E. Bert Koenders Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands presenting the Kingdom’s canditature for a UN Security Council seat, Minister Ploumen in the background. The reception was held at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. Photography by Henry Arvidsson. See Diplomat Magazine most recent printed version: https://issuu.com/diploflying/docs/dm.summer.2016
On the first day of Ramadan, Ambassadors credited to the Netherlands came to The Hague to join the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a special meeting. H.E. Minister Bert Koenders set forth in a memorable speech his government’s approach to diplomacy, partnership and the intention of the Netherlands to be part of the UN Security Council.
Ambassadors not only from The Hague but from Brussels and London too listened attentively to Minister Koenders’ brilliant and enthusiastic dissertation about the Netherlands’ Security Council candidature for the period 2017 – 2018. He emphasised in particular the Dutch nation’s effectiveness, flexibility and pragmatism in the service of the international community, considering the interests of all countries, big and small.
H.E. Minister Bert Koenders listening to H.E. Ms. Rahma Salih Elobied Salih Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan. Also on the picture the Ambassadors of Benin, Spain, Uruguay and India.
“Today I hope to tell you about our candidature, but also I want to hear from you about your own expectations. This is a sincere personal position and also an official decision – to represent not only ourselves but to represent you,” explained Minister Koenders. The Kingdom of the Netherlands, a UN member with roots in both Europe and the Caribbean, has extensive, proven experience in diversity and dialogue.
“We are living in a particularly significant time,” continued Minister Koenders. “We have an enormous amount of issues that we need to solve together. More than ever, diplomacy is at the forefront of the action and more than ever we have to find solutions as a whole. Today’s greatest challenges do not stop at our national borders; in our day they can only be addressed successfully with a commitment to global governance and the existing multilateral system.”“The major challenges facing the world, regarding the protection of civilians, women and children, migration, water, security and peace, can be only addressed from a global perspective, and the UN is the only system equipped to do it. The UN is not perfect; more work needs to be done to reach a further balance, to make the UN more representative and inclusive. We need to work on reforms, but the United Nations is the only global organisation for achieving peace and stability. It has the power and legitimacy to bring all parties to the table and the Netherlands will successfully contribute to that.”
Making reference to Dutch culture and customs, the Minister went on: “We are not mysterious people, we are often very direct, we can be frank and a little blunt at times. But we mean well and we stick to our promises.” The Minister described the Dutch as defenders of democracy and reliable partners, able to address international issues, ready to listen to the proposals of others and able to build solid partnerships with other countries. The country is focused on bringing back to the UN agenda the fundamental problems of the world with the pragmatic solutions everybody needs.
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Minister Bert Koenders presenting to the Head of Missions the Kingdom of the Netherlands canditature for a UN Security Council seat. The reception was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, the Netherlands.H.E. Bert Koenders Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands presenting the Kingdom’s canditature for a UN Security Council seat. The reception was held at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.“We need new and smart coalitions and networks committed to taking the lead and finding creative solutions, without losing sight of the legitimacy broad participation brings. New and smart alliances are what the Kingdom of The Netherlands can offer, and I believe that’s where our candidacy distinguishes itself. We are serious about partnerships and about putting people first,” said the Minister.
The Kingdom’s ability to work in a multicultural arena is a natural competence, due in part to the Kingdom extending from Europe to the Caribbean to incorporate Curaçao, Aruba and St Maarten.
The Dutch and Caribbean people of the Kingdom are also intimately related to water. As Minister Koenders put it: “Water has helped shape our identity. Water connects people. Water is the basis, the source of all growth. But water doesn’t stop at borders, and when there’s too little or too much of it, water can be a great challenge.” The Minister noted that as with all global issues, managing water cannot be done by states unilaterally. It takes cooperation and long term vision, along with innovation, research, strength and perseverance.
“Through our history with water, we have learned to form bonds, to look beyond borders and build partnerships. Water is both our Kingdom’s strongest asset and its biggest challenge. Our Kingdom is surrounded by water on almost all sides,” the Minister added. “Water connects all countries in our Kingdom. Since the new constitutional order of 10 October 2010, the Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four autonomous countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten. Together, we are one UN Member State.”
The Dutch campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council is based on partnership, transparency and inclusiveness. As Minister Koenders noted, the values of peace, justice and development are integral to how the Dutch see the world.
“Why those three, together? For a simple reason: Development without peace is impossible. Peace without justice is untenable. And justice without development is no use to anyone.“Building lasting peace requires robust and long-term mandates. Since 1947, we have contributed over 125,000 personnel to more than 60 UN and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations around the world. We will continue our work to make peace operations more effective. First and foremost, we need more cooperation, and we need better cooperation, on the ground and between headquarters, between countries, regional organisations and local actors. Partnerships are crucial for us.“We can only achieve lasting and sustainable peace by promoting cohesion between diplomacy, defence and development. We support a strong focus on prevention, early warning and addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Particular attention is needed for the position of women and children in conflict.”
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world focused on building and promoting an international legal order. An increase in UN interaction with the International Court of Justice and other international organisations in The Hague will be a key priority of the Netherlands’ tenure on the Security Council.
“We will not lose sight of the fact that only 15 countries are members of the Security Council, while 178 are not. I pledge we will continue to be an approachable partner, now, after the election date, throughout a possible membership and after.” UN elections will be held on June 28.
H.E. Mr Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Jonghyun Choe Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and H.E. Mr. Taher Hanafi Farahat Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.Photography by Henry Arvidsson.
Rapport sur la stratégie d’achèvement des travaux du TPIY : Allocution du Procureur, Serge Brammertz, devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONULe Procureur, Serge Brammertz, a présenté aujourd’hui devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU le 25e rapport de son bureau sur la stratégie d’achèvement des travaux, couvrant la période allant du 16 novembre 2015 au 15 mai 2016. Dans son allocution, il a fait le point sur les derniers procès en première instance et en appel ouverts devant le Tribunal, la coopération des États avec le Tribunal, et la coopération régionale en matière de poursuites pour crimes de guerre dans les pays de l’ex Yougoslavie.
Le Procureur a commencé son allocution en exposant l’état d’avancement des derniers procès en première instance et en appel menés devant le Tribunal, signalant que dans l’affaire Mladić, la présentation du réquisitoire et de la plaidoirie était prévue pour l’automne prochain et que dans l’affaire Hadžić, le Bureau du Procureur avait demandé qu’il soit mis fin à la procédure engagée contre l’accusé.
À propos de la coopération des États avec le Tribunal, le Procureur a regretté que « la Serbie se soit écartée de la voie de la pleine coopération avec le Tribunal ».
De même que le Président du Tribunal, le Procureur a rendu compte au Conseil de sécurité que la Serbie manquait depuis un an et demi à son obligation d’exécuter les mandats d’arrêt délivrés à l’encontre de trois personnes accusées d’outrage au Tribunal. Il a fait observer que, pendant l’actuelle phase finale des travaux du Tribunal, la coopération des États demeurait essentielle pour que celui ci puisse mener son mandat à bonne fin.
Le Procureur a également fait savoir au Conseil de sécurité que la tendance positive observée précédemment dans la coopération régionale était « apparemment en train de s’inverser ». « Un trop grand nombre de responsables politiques et d’autres personnalités publiques nient des vérités bien établies, ravivent les tensions ethniques et recourent aux slogans nationalistes du passé », a t il ajouté. Selon lui, si les dernières années ont connu de nombreuses évolutions positives dans le domaine de la justice pour les crimes de guerre tant sur le plan national que sur celui de la coopération régionale, la situation politique dans toute la région évolue actuellement dans la direction contraire.
En conclusion, le Procureur a confirmé que le transfert des responsabilités du TPIY vers le MTPI se poursuivait comme prévu par le Conseil de sécurité dans ses résolutions, et affirmé que son Bureau continuerait à suivre et à soutenir l’activité des tribunaux nationaux chargés de juger les crimes commis en ex Yougoslavie. Enfin, le Procureur s’est dit convaincu qu’afin de soutenir les efforts déployés sur le plan national en vue d’obtenir justice pour les crimes de guerre, il était important que son bureau partage l’expérience qu’il avait acquise et les enseignements qu’il avait tirés en la matière.
On the picture, H. E. Ambassador Aida Luz Santos de Escobar.Welcoming Ceremony for El Salvador as ICC new State PartyBy Viviana Knorr.
On Thursday 2 June at the International Criminal Court in The Hague the delegation of El Salvador headed by H. E. Ambassador Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, solemnly welcomed the audience to the remarkable event where the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi congratulated El Salvador for its decision to join the Rome Statue.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Sidiki Kaba, ASP Vice-President H.E. Álvaro Moerzinger, many ICC Judges and representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor and Registry. The ceremony was also attended by Ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean countries accredited to the Netherlands.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157666689137464
H. E. Ambassador Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ambassador of El Salvador, Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court and the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Sidiki Kaba.“There is a lesson to learn from these experiences. It is thanks to the active support of the 124 parties that our system has succeeded although we still need further support to achieve its global mandate”, stressed Judge Fernández de Gurmendi after adding that “A new chapter begins for El Salvador today” in reference to its participation in the assemblies and “where the nation would be playing an imperative role.”
H. E. Minister Sidki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties, remarked further that “in bringing the number of States Parties to 124, El Salvador’s accession takes us closer to universality but also reminds us that we must step up our efforts to ensure that the Rome Statute family continues to grow.”The Ambassador of Senegal, H.E. Maymona Diop Sy and H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile.
A special edition of the Rome Statue was then presented by Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi to H. E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar preceded by a video message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, H. E. Hugo Martinez where he expressed his fond wishes of peace and justice to continue promoting democracy in the Human Rights to avoid above all further barbaric acts that have shadowed our history.
In the closing speech, El Salvador’s Ambassador H. E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar highlighted that the privilege her country has is even greater “for being the first one to be welcome in the International Criminal Court new installations in The Hague.”Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gemez, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of El Salvador, H.E. Juan Jose Quintana Aranguren, Ambassador of Colombia and the Ambassador of Panama Willys Delvalle Velasco.“To count on a place in the city of justice and peace has been a goal leading to strengthen the effectiveness and the governing procedures of the instance”, H. E. Mrs. Santos de Escobar added to her closing words not without expressing her Mission’s permanent commitment to the ICC’s work as the newest Statue Party as well as their intention to continue efforts to achieve full universality of the Rome Statute.
A celebratory reception immediately followed.
H.E. Piragibe Dossantos Tarrago. Ambassador de Brazil, H.E Haifa issami Madah, Ambassador 0f Venezuela and Gabriel Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of Guatemala.
On the picture Dr. Olga Galiardo Azzarello, H.E. Francesco Azzarello and H.E. Ankie Broekers-Knol, president of the Senate. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On Wednesday, June 1st, 2016, H.E. Francesco Azzarello Ambassador of Italy in the Netherlands invited fellow Ambassadors, friends, the Italian diaspora and many others to celebrate Italy’s Republic Day (Festa Della Republica) with him.
This day marks the founding of the Italian Republic 70 years ago.
For additional Hester Dijsktra’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157666889216414H.E. Francesco Azzarello Ambassador of Italy welcome H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The actual date is June 2nd.The response to the invitation has been outstanding as diplomats and guests packaged the residence until late. It was Ambassador Azzarello’s last Republic Day celebration as Head of Mission in The Hague.
He will be leaving the Netherlands very soon. Interesting to note the Italian Embassy participates in a European Police cooperation, aimed at working closer in tackling issues as international human trafficking, illegal migration, drug trafficking. Etc.
Ambassador Azzarello and H.E. José De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal.
Upon leaving the reception, guests could select from a number of interesting Italian publications including a cookbook “Pure Italian Cuisine” by Roberto’s –Terra, 1001 Italiani Storiae Storie di Italian nei Paesi Basi by Daniela Tasca, realized by the Embassy of Italy in cooperation with the Italian MFA and International cooperation.
Festa della Republica, The Hague
ICTY President Carmel Agius today spoke before the United Nations Security Council on the achievements of the Tribunal over the past six months and the challenges faced in the completion of its mandate. President Agius reported that all cases scheduled for completion in the current reporting period have been delivered on time, including the trial judgements for Radovan Karadžić and Vojislav Šešelj and the appeal judgements in both the Stanišić & Simatović case and the ICTR case of Nyiramasuhuko et al. As a result, only two trials and two appeals remain pending before the Tribunal. Judgement in the Stanišić & Župljanin appeal has been scheduled for delivery on 30 June 2016, and the ongoing Mladić trial and Prlić et al. appeal remain on target. In the Hadžić trial, stayed for an indefinite period due to the poor health of the accused, the Trial Chamber is soon to rule on a motion filed by the Prosecutor to formally terminate the proceedings.
Referring to a pending contempt of court case against Jojić et al., President Agius informed the Security Council that the arrest warrants issued against the three accused over 16 months ago are yet to be executed. He expressed disappointment at the recent rulings of the High Court in Belgrade, which held that the conditions for surrendering and arresting the accused had not been met and that Serbia has no duty to cooperate with the Tribunal on matters of contempt. President Agius described this as “a grave step backwards in matters of cooperation with the Tribunal and an unacceptable disregard of the primacy of Tribunal law over the domestic law of Serbia as intended by the Security Council”.
President Agius also addressed the challenges facing the Tribunal during its final biennium. In particular, he called upon the Security Council to assist the Tribunal in implementing strategies to retain staff until the completion of its mandate. The President paid tribute to the tireless efforts of Judges and staff to ensure that cases are finished on time, adding, “Given the Tribunal’s results in the last reporting period, any concerns about the Tribunal’s commitment to concluding proceedings by the end of 2017 should be put to rest.”
The President thanked the members of the Security Council and the UN Secretariat for their continued support. Underscoring the joint efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the most atrocious crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia, he said, “Even if more than two decades have passed, and even if it has been a time-consuming and laborious process, we must and we will continue to fight against the culture of impunity and for accountability and justice.”
Pictured H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Lawyer Caroline Buisman trivializes the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis commemorations.
Monday 06 June 2016, will be recorded in history as another sad and bitter date for Rwandan survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis, in particular those living in the Netherlands. On this date, at The Hague District Court, in the extradition case “Dutch State Prosecution vs Jean Claude Iyamuremye and Jean Baptiste Mugimba, indicted suspects on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity”, Lawyer Caroline Buisman, mocked the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda calling it a ‘political manipulation’.
The Dutch Prosecution filed a case against the accused, requesting the Netherlands to extradite both suspects to Rwanda for their alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
It must be recalled that during the Genocide, the accused, Jean Baptiste Mugimba was the Secretary General of CDR, the extremist political party, which was at the forefront of the assassinations, killings and extermination of Tutsis in Rwanda. According to the indictment, Mr. Mugimba is alleged to have distributed arms in Nyakabanda Cell and he incited militias to exterminate Tutsis.
On the other hand Jean Claude Iyamuremye a.k.a. Nzinga is accused of having taken part with the infamous genocidaire militias Interahwamwe, in the mass killings of more than 3,000 Tutsis who had sought refuge at Ecole Technique Officielle (E.T.O. Kicukiro) during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis .
In her statement, willfully, Ms. Caroline Buisman, legal counsel of the 2 accused genocide fugitives, while at The Hague District Court during the hearing of the case, stated that “Government of Rwanda uses 1994 Genocide against Tutsis commemorations for its political agenda and is a manipulation”.
The Government and People of Rwanda are dismayed to hear a lawyer calling commemorations and remembrance events of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi a manipulation by Government.
Ms. Caroline Buisman’s statement doesn’t only anger and offend survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis living in the Netherlands but is also an insult to the people of Netherlands who have stood firmly with the Government and People of Rwanda, genocide survivors, the UN and with the international community during past commemorations events worldwide.
In particular Ms. Caroline Buisman’s statement is an insult to the people of The Netherlands who have vowed never to make the Netherlands a safe haven for suspects or perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis and other crimes against humanity.
Ms. Caroline Buisman as a lawyer is well aware of the fact that the ICTR Trial Chamber concluded, on 2nd September 1998, that “genocide was, indeed, committed in Rwanda against the Tutsi as a group” and that the Appeal Chamber confirmed, on 16th June 2006, that it is a “fact of common knowledge” that “there was a genocide in Rwanda against the Tutsi ethnic group”. This should at least serve as a basis for all of us to desist any attempt to deny or trivialize facts of genocide, as well as to minimize its scale.
Furthermore, Ms. Caroline as a lawyer is well aware that on 23rd December 2003, UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/58/234 designating the 7th April every year as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda. In addition, the United Nations Security Council in April 2014, unanimously Adopted Resolution 2150 (2014), in which, The Security Council resolution confirmed that, the 1994 genocide in Rwanda will be referred to globally as the Genocide against the Tutsi (http://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11356.doc.htm) and the Security Council Called for Recommitment to Fight against Genocide.
This resolution condemns without any reservation any denial of the Genocide against the Tutsis and calls upon states to investigate arrest, prosecute or extradite and end impunity for those individuals accused of genocide crimes who may be currently residing in their territories.
With all those precedents on commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis of Rwanda, it is absurd for Ms. Caroline to state that commemorations events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis by the Government and People of Rwanda and by the Embassy of Rwanda in The Kingdom of The Netherlands is a manipulation and that it is done for political gains.
It is our belief that Ms. Caroline Buisman used the platform as an attack on the Government, the people and Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda for her own interests.
The Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda in The Kingdom of The Netherlands strongly condemns Ms. Caroline Buisman’s statement which is trivializing the pain and suffering of our victims including the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda. Ms. Caroline Buisman’s remarks in court should not be looked at as a professional mistake, but rather it was a planned attack against the Government and the people of Rwanda.
The Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda in The Netherlands believes that such malicious behavior and statements trivializing commemorations of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis, one the darkest chapters of human history, should not only be condemned by the Government and the People of Rwanda, but also by the international community.
Embassy of the Republic of RwandaThe Hague
By Roy Lie A Tjam
The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic Brussels, hosted a concert by the Folk Ethnographic Theater Ordo Sakhna. The theatre, under the direction of Ms.Colpon Djaparova strives to enhance popularize and consevate Kyrgyz folk heritage for posterity and at the same time propagate it around the world.
The event consisted of a concert “Silk Road Nomad Music” which was subsequently follow by an Exhibition of Decorative applied Art and Fashion show of traditional outfits. The designer is Ms.Guljan Iresh.The art works on display were by Mr. Arstnbek Myrzaev, painter ornamental panels’ handmade embroidery. The other participating artists are Mr. Sheraly Sooronbai, artist leather panels. And Ms.Aidai Asangulova works with felt, Ms. Altynay Osmoeva, designer of the collection Altai.
The function was held at the Music Academy The Hague, Berlage-Huis on 2 June 2016.In his opening remarks, H.E Asein Isaev, Ambassador unequivocally stated the music and instrument are authentically Kyrgyz.
A fashion show was an integral part of the evening, featuring a fabulous authentic Kyrgyz fashion show. Prior to the concert and fashion show, guests caught a glimpse of Kyrgyz art; handicraft and delicacies. The event organizer was Ms. Aijan Azizova, attaché of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz she is responsible for Kyrgyz-Dutch cooperation and event organizer.
Indeed, it has been a very revealing exposure of present day Kyrgyzstan and its rich history.
By Viviana Knorr
In the evening of Thursday 2 June right from Brussels H. E. Mr. Asein Kuseinovich Isaev Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic and his team welcomed ambassadors, diplomats and public in general to a moving concert titled Silk Road Nomad Music by the Folk Ethnographic Theater Ordo Sakhna group at the Music Academy of The Hague installations in The Hague. H. E. Ambassador Isaev is very active in the host country where he is accredited though the mission’s base is Brussels.
After expressing some words of appreciation for the support given by the Dutch, international audience and his diplomatic colleagues, H. E. Ambassador Isaev, H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed, Ambassado of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Moazzan Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan and his spouse Mrs Leena Salim Khan, H.E Mikalai Barysevich, Ambassador of Belarus and his spouse Tatsiana Barysevich, Mr. Paul Duclos, Minister Counsellor and Mr Lucas Ottero First Secretary, Embassy of Perou, Mr Andranik Grigoryan, Attaché to the Embassy of Armenia, Mr Yury Uraksin, First Secretary, Embassy of the Russia Federation and few more, enjoyed the captivating and passionate performance full of originality, beautiful melodies and songs by the musical group and their interpreter from the small in size rich in culture Asian nation.
The group of professional musicians consisted of graduates of the conservatory and laureates of international and regional contests that the ethnographic theatre «Ordo Sakhna» created in 1999 in an effort to further develop and spread Kyrgyztan’s folk heritage around the world.
Artists have originally revived ancient dances as those of BakshyBiy and ShyrdakBiy with melodies and dastans (small epos) not only with enthusiasm but with a deep study of the spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people. The careful thought has helped them to successfully recreate beyond traditional costumes, mannerisms and symbolism of gestures to portray a realistic and honest ethnographical picture of Kyrgyz culture.
The concert was preceded by a display of a beautiful array of original decorative applied artwork made with leather by artist Sooronbaev Sheraly, clothing and tapestry made by members of the Nomaden Tapijten organisation in the Netherlands, and a large table with some of the nation’s culinary delicacies as their aromatic cognac, honey, and pastries. Dutch Kyrgyz Business Council (DKBC) provided translation support.
Adding to the amenity of the entertainment was a traditional fashion show with models wearing outfits made with different types of fabric that still to our days inspire modern designers as those from native Altai Osmo that were part of the entertainment.
Felt is one of Kyrgyz’s traditional textiles which is said to be the oldest textile in the world and which was moulded into various shapes and used in contemporary applications in fashion and home decor. The fashion show was an eclectic mixture of Osmo’s designs combining traditional techniques with a modern twist resulting into elegant creative pieces.
Some traditional designs were from the rural regions of the country where women wear scarves and men a distinguished type of hat as that from natives of Kyrgyzstan’s capital who are known for their overdressed preference for daily fashion, wearing crisp clothing with eye catching accessories and high heels even that streets are rough.
Uzbekistan is chairing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at present. Active preparations for conducting the meeting of the SCO Council of heads of state and other events on the highest level are underway in Uzbekistan. Ambassador of Uzbekistan H.E. Vladimir Norov.By Vladimir Norov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Brussels.
It is deeply symbolic that this conscientious mission concurs with the 15th anniversary of foundation of the SCO. Mass-scale and consistent works, carried out in Uzbekistan, during the period of chairmanship serves to increase the authority of this organization, improving its activities, strengthening peace and security in the region.
It should be noted that in Uzbekistan ever-changing times the role and impact of the SCO in solving topical issues, ensuring security, stability and sustainable development has been growing. It is noteworthy that in the summit meetings of the SCO a particular attention is paid to strengthening mutual trust and good neighborliness among the member-countries of the SCO, developing close collaboration in political, trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and humanitarian spheres, in ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.
Uzbekistan, which is one of the founders of the organization, as the chairman intends to strictly abide by the principles of continuity, as well as the consistent advancement of mutually beneficial cooperation that meets the interests of all members of the structure. In particular, Uzbekistan was in favor of further strengthening the role of the SCO as an effective institution on withstanding such threats for global and regional security as terrorism, religious extremism, separatism, drug and weapons trafficking, transnational organized crime.
In strengthening practical cooperation in the fight with these challenges and threats for security, our country attaches great significance to further improve the activities of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO, established in 2004 in Tashkent to coordinate the collaboration of Member States in this direction.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting
Uzbekistan also supports the preservation of the chosen course of the SCO according to which its activities are not directed against the interests of other countries, and this is enshrined in the Charter and other founding documents of the organization. Stressing the importance of elimination of bloc thinking and prevent transformation of the SCO into a military-political alliance the President of our country Islam Karimov also said about it on the Ufa summit in 2015. President of Uzbekistan also specifically noted the need for further strengthening the commitment to the main principles and goals.
The tenth meeting of the Council of heads of state of the SCO member-states on 11 June 2010 took its place in the history of the organization in relation to wide discussion of these issues.
Alongside the heads of state of the SCO member-states, observers and states, invited by Uzbekistan, high-ranking officials from the UN, CIS and other international organizations took part at the meeting.
The agenda of 2010 SCO Tashkent summit included the issues of improving the activity of the organization and its bodies, further development of cooperation among member-states in political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, in joint fight against terrorism, religious extremism and separatism, narcotics and weapons trafficking, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in strengthening regional security and stability as well as the situation in Afghanistan.
The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in his speech underlined that deeply thought-out, consistent and targeted process of development and increasing the authority of the SCO at an international arena, strengthening the role and opportunities of the Organization in achieving key goals- strengthening peace, stability and security, ensuring sustainable economic growth, enhancing cooperation in humanitarian and social spheres has been underway.
Establishing partner relations with international organizations has been an important step in the SCO development. The joint declaration on cooperation between the secretariats of the UN and the SCO, signed during the visit of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to our country in April 2010, became an important document, laying the foundation of interactions of the SCO with this international organization.
In the epoch of globalization and intensification of various threats, no single problem could be solved by a single state.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
In this regard cooperation of the SCO and the UN has opened wide road for joint activities in solving significant problems for the whole humanity. Such UN bodies as the Economic and social commission for Asia and the Pacific, Office on drugs and crime, have fruitful interaction with the SCO.
Uzbekistan pays a special attention to multilateral trade and economic cooperation. In particular, the issues of transport communications have been acknowledged as a priority direction. In this regard the possibilities of Navoi free industrial-economic zone have been productively utilized. During the implementation of new joint projects in Central Asia, widening of construction of industrial enterprises, automobile roads, railways and air-transport communications, the significance of Navoi FIEZ will also rise.
Currently the main factor of sustainable development is not only extraction and processing of raw materials, but also organization of high-tech production, production of goods with high added value. In this regard Uzbekistan pays a particular attention to development and implementation of joint projects.
At the 2010 Tashkent summit of heads of state of SCO member-states, the issues of developing interaction and sharing of information among financial institutions, banks, exchanged. In order to widen the scales of regional cooperation, the participants shared views on the issues of eliminating barriers for developing trade-economic relations, supporting and stimulating direct contacts between entrepreneurs. Development of investment cooperation in transport and communications, agriculture, high-tech spheres have been acknowledged as priorities.
During the event, exchange of opinions on priority directions of multilateral strategy of cooperation within the frameworks of the SCO, minimizing negative impact and liquidating consequences of the financial-economic crisis, the issues of cooperation in economic and social spheres. Urgent regional and international issues were also high on the agenda. Participation of representatives of international organizations, alongside the heads of state of the SCO member-states and delegations of observer-states, demonstrate the importance and significance of these discussed issues.
During the meeting the situation in Central Asian region, the issues of security, including ensuring information security, joint combat again information threats, were discussed in detail.
The Tashkent declaration was adopted, the SCO rules of procedure and Regulations on the order of accepting new members to the Organization were approved at the summit. These documents are significant for development of the SCO and its members.
Uzbekistan’s determination of the SCO development strategy, its active position on many issues of international politics have yielded positive results. Wide-scale and consistent activity of Uzbekistan during the chairmanship period of the organization has played an important role in the success of 2010 Tashkent summit. Uzbekistan carried out a significant work on widening cooperation among the SCO member-states, increasing the international status of the organization. This was acknowledged by the SCO member-states. Last SCO summit held in Tashkent 23-24 June 2016.
In general, chairmanship of Uzbekistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has a special significance for the organization’s development and further growth of its authority at international arena. This serves to strengthen and elevate to a qualitatively new level the cooperation among the SCO member-states to ensure peace, stability and progress in the region.
Ambassador Yang Yanyi during her allocution – Picture ChinaEU
Over 200 key stakeholders of the EU gathered at the China Cultural Centre in Brussels on May 25, to raise a glass at the first anniversary of China EU.
As a young yet passionate organisation with an ambitious vision in the digital future, ChinaEU has offered several exciting activities and events to promote digital cooperation as well as to connect digital leaders between China and Europe over the last year.
Ambassador H.E. Yang Yanyi, Head of the PRC Mission to the EU quoted a Chinese proverb “cast a brick to invite jade” in her speech to open up the floor. This saying also summarised well ChinaEU’s role in intensifying digital dialogue between China and the EU: the brick being one year of relentless efforts of ChinaEU and the jade being the lucrative opportunities that will result from increased cooperation between EU and Chinese business.
Entitled “China-EU partnerships in the Digital industry: with the Chinese Ambassador and Digital Leaders”, the One-Year Anniversary event was also a networking evening, bringing together over 20 MEPs with their colleagues and assistants, 40 high-level representatives from European Commission and more than 100 representatives from industries to share and exchange views on challenges and opportunities of building China-EU digital partnerships.
Ambassador Yang Yanyi, PRC Head of Mission to the EU cutting the cake for ChinaEU – Picture by ChinaEU.
Discussed cooperation between China and the EU on digital matters includes a number of domains such as:
Infrastructure, trade but also people-to-people connectivity between Europe and China, based on an open rule-based platform;
The issue of licensing and the protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, which are crucial for innovation;
The development of common standards and joint research in areas such as 5G mobile communications and the “Internet of Things”, building on the dialogue between the European Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Four selected industry representatives provided concrete examples of such cross-inseminations between China and Europe during the event.
For more information:
ChinaEU: www.chinaeu.eu
Mission of the PRC to the EU (HE Ambassador Yang Yanyi): http://www.chinamission.be/eng/
The Dutch campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council is based on partnership, transparency and inclusiveness. As Minister Koenders noted, the values of peace, justice and development are integral to how the Dutch see the world.
“Why those three, together? For a simple reason: Development without peace is impossible. Peace without justice is untenable. And justice without development is no use to anyone.
“Building lasting peace requires robust and long-term mandates. Since 1947, we have contributed over 125,000 personnel to more than 60 UN and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations around the world. We will continue our work to make peace operations more effective. First and foremost, we need more cooperation, and we need better cooperation, on the ground and between headquarters, between countries, regional organisations and local actors. Partnerships are crucial for us.
“We can only achieve lasting and sustainable peace by promoting cohesion between diplomacy, defence and development. We support a strong focus on prevention, early warning and addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Particular attention is needed for the position of women and children in conflict.”
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world focused on building and promoting an international legal order. An increase in UN interaction with the International Court of Justice and other international organisations in The Hague will be a key priority of the Netherlands’ tenure on the Security Council.
“We will not lose sight of the fact that only 15 countries are members of the Security Council, while 178 are not. I pledge we will continue to be an approachable partner, now, after the election date, throughout a possible membership and after.” UN elections will be held on June 28.
H.E. Piragibe Dossantos Tarrago. Ambassador de Brazil, H.E Haifa issami Madah, Ambassador 0f Venezuela and Gabriel Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of Guatemala.
The function was held at the Music Academy The Hague, Berlage-Huis on 2 June 2016.In his opening remarks, H.E Asein Isaev, Ambassador unequivocally stated the music and instrument are authentically Kyrgyz.
A fashion show was an integral part of the evening, featuring a fabulous authentic Kyrgyz fashion show. Prior to the concert and fashion show, guests caught a glimpse of Kyrgyz art; handicraft and delicacies. The event organizer was Ms. Aijan Azizova, attaché of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz she is responsible for Kyrgyz-Dutch cooperation and event organizer.
Indeed, it has been a very revealing exposure of present day Kyrgyzstan and its rich history.
After expressing some words of appreciation for the support given by the Dutch, international audience and his diplomatic colleagues, H. E. Ambassador Isaev, H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed, Ambassado of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Moazzan Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan and his spouse Mrs Leena Salim Khan, H.E Mikalai Barysevich, Ambassador of Belarus and his spouse Tatsiana Barysevich, Mr. Paul Duclos, Minister Counsellor and Mr Lucas Ottero First Secretary, Embassy of Perou, Mr Andranik Grigoryan, Attaché to the Embassy of Armenia, Mr Yury Uraksin, First Secretary, Embassy of the Russia Federation and few more, enjoyed the captivating and passionate performance full of originality, beautiful melodies and songs by the musical group and their interpreter from the small in size rich in culture Asian nation.
The group of professional musicians consisted of graduates of the conservatory and laureates of international and regional contests that the ethnographic theatre «Ordo Sakhna» created in 1999 in an effort to further develop and spread Kyrgyztan’s folk heritage around the world.
Artists have originally revived ancient dances as those of BakshyBiy and ShyrdakBiy with melodies and dastans (small epos) not only with enthusiasm but with a deep study of the spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people. The careful thought has helped them to successfully recreate beyond traditional costumes, mannerisms and symbolism of gestures to portray a realistic and honest ethnographical picture of Kyrgyz culture.
The concert was preceded by a display of a beautiful array of original decorative applied artwork made with leather by artist Sooronbaev Sheraly, clothing and tapestry made by members of the Nomaden Tapijten organisation in the Netherlands, and a large table with some of the nation’s culinary delicacies as their aromatic cognac, honey, and pastries. Dutch Kyrgyz Business Council (DKBC) provided translation support.
Adding to the amenity of the entertainment was a traditional fashion show with models wearing outfits made with different types of fabric that still to our days inspire modern designers as those from native Altai Osmo that were part of the entertainment.
Felt is one of Kyrgyz’s traditional textiles which is said to be the oldest textile in the world and which was moulded into various shapes and used in contemporary applications in fashion and home decor. The fashion show was an eclectic mixture of Osmo’s designs combining traditional techniques with a modern twist resulting into elegant creative pieces.
Some traditional designs were from the rural regions of the country where women wear scarves and men a distinguished type of hat as that from natives of Kyrgyzstan’s capital who are known for their overdressed preference for daily fashion, wearing crisp clothing with eye catching accessories and high heels even that streets are rough. 
