Pictured President Theodor Meron. By Roy Lie A Tjam. On the bright day of 24 May 2016, the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) hosted a well attended briefing for the Diplomatic Community in The Hague. After the briefing the panel took a few questions. A press release issued by the MICT, is hereto attached. The Hague, 24 May 2016 – The Principals of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) today held a briefing attended by approximately 100 members of The Hague and Brussels diplomatic community. President Theodor Meron, Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and Registrar John Hocking outlined the Mechanism’s role and functions and briefed representatives on recent activities.

The Principals underlined the fact that the Mechanism is currently in a period of intense judicial activity, handling a number of cases stemming from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), including one case currently at pre-trial (Stanišić and Simatović) and two cases on appeal following their respective ICTY trial judgements (Karadžić and Šešelj). The Principals also discussed the future of the Mechanism’s operations, especially in light of the approaching closure of the ICTY, and expressed their gratitude to States for their continuing support. President Meron first welcomed the diplomatic corps, highlighting the importance of State cooperation and support for the Mechanism. Discussing the institutional character of the Mechanism, President Meron emphasized its innovative nature, adding that “the Mechanism will be able to stand as a new model of international court: one that is leaner and more efficient, while continuing to meet the highest international standards of due process.” 

Prosecutor Serge Brammertz outlined the key priorities for his Office in the upcoming period, namely expeditiously litigating trials and appeals, tracking remaining fugitives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), assisting national courts prosecuting war crimes, and managing the Office’s work in a cost-efficient manner. Registrar Hocking offered a status update of the activities and achievements of the Registry. Explaining how the Mechanism has remained true to the Security Council’s vision for a small and efficient institution, he emphasized how “efficiency has not just meant savings. Savings have gone side by side with the fulfillment of our goals.” 

Pictured H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal and spouse Dr Dilruba Nasrin. By Roy Lie A Tjam. The auditorium of the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague served as the venue for a solo art exhibition from 19 to 23 May 2016. Mr. Istiaque Ahmed, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Bangladesh, welcomed the Ambassadors and other guests to the inauguration of an exhibition by Bangladeshi artist Khurshid Saleem, who has been residing in the USA for many years. For additional Jan van der Loos’ picturs, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668470606792

Subsequently, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, officially opened the exhibition. In his inaugural speech Ambassador Belal recounted the time he met Mr. Khurshid Saleem during his stint in Washington D.C. The Ambassador was delighted to see his long-held desire to organize an exhibition featuring Mr. Saleem finally materializing in The Hague. In his address to guests, the Ambassador introduced the rich heritage and culture of Bangladesh to the audience. Describing Bangladesh as a melting pot of races, Ambassador Belal shared his perspective on how the deep rooted heritage of Bangladesh was reflected in the country’s architecture, literature, dance, drama, music and painting. “Like a colourful montage, the cultural tradition of Bangladesh is a happy blend of many variants, unique in diversity but in essence greatly symmetrical,” the Ambassador observed.

Mr. Khurshid Saleem in his remarks thanked the audience and expressed his gratitude for having his works on display in the Netherlands – a country of many artistic masters. Mr. Saleem also thanked the Embassy for the initiative. He briefly walked through the evolution of Bangladeshi art in the modern era. “Art for me – like nature itself – is a source of hope and inspiration. By bringing this internalized experience out on the canvas, I invite my viewers to imbue themselves with the same exhilaration and promise,” he explained. Saleem, mainly deals with majestic nature in an abstract way. He finds inspiration in the tiniest details of nature: a drop of rain water, a falling autumn leaf or an stoke of white in a blue sky. He consciously depicts nature in high-pitched colours to bring a new tune, sing a new song or tell a new story. His art primarily depicts humanism in all its shades and colours. Khurshid Alam Saleem, affectionately referred to as the bimurto shilpi, is not only a recognized freelance painter based in USA, but his creative works also took him in the land of Forbidden City in 2008. Mr. Saleem represented both Bangladesh and the USA in the Beijing Olympic Art Exhibition 2008, which nominated 300 artists from 80 countries across the world as “Excellent Artists of the World.” Each artist was given an Olympic gold medal, a representation of an Olympic torch and a certificate. Mr. Saleem’s painting, “Forbidden City Colour and Olympics” made it to the final selection. The Ambassadors of Croatia, India and Palestine to the Netherlands, EU representative to the OPCW, IOM representatives, art lovers from the diplomatic corps, local dignitaries, members of the press and media and the members of the Bangladesh community were all in attendance at the reception that followed the official opening.

Pictured Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Minister Counsellor of El Salvador, H. E. Aida Luz Santos, Ambassador of El Salvador, Painter Rodolfo Oviedo Vega and Carlos Rodriguez Etcheverry Minister Counsellor of Cuba.  By Viviana Knorr. On 22 May from 15:00 to 18:00 hrs under a unified warm breeze from the South American skies, at Gallery Patries van Dorst in Wassenaar, Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. Ms. Aida Luz Santos, Minister Counsellor from El Salvador Embassy Agustin Vázquez Gomez, and Minister Counsellor from Cuba, Carlos Rodríguez Etcheverry, inaugurated Rodolfo Oviedo Vega (Salvador) and Alejandro Rodriguez Sardiñas (Cuba) vernissage.

Artist Oviedo also a traveler with a pair of suitcases packed of wonderful stories giving soul to his paintings, confessed to have toured from his native El Salvador to the heart of Chile to capture the earthy colours of nature before settling his atelier in Paris. Oviedo’s abstract images —as that of his artwork number 507 currently on display at Gallery Patries van Dorst—, portray messages of fond memories from his journeys throughout Europe and the world. Oviedo’s paintings are mixed-media collages with materials that include sand, fabrics, coconut bark, banana leaves, and red wine. His artwork focuses heavily on the shape and design.

Artist Rodriguez Sardiñas artwork offers audiences a vivid, colourful interpretation of illusive landscapes from above the sky as that from a hot air balloon, or an airplane, long before today’s technology. Such effect can be palpable is his artwork as that titled Holland, which was inspired by Amsterdam’s canals. Holland is part of current Patries van Dorst’s display. Rodriguez Sardiñas landscapes are full of life thanks to his personal technique that underlines the results of today’s encroachment on nature that gradually reclaims its rights. Both artist’s exhibition will be on display until July 15 daily at Gallery Patries van Dorst on Landgoed de Wittenburg 3, 2244 BV in Wassenaar. For additional information Please call: 06 5029 2150 or 06 5050 4809 prior to your visit.    

H. E. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania to The Netherlands avec designer Belinda Maci. By Viviana Knorr. Albanian Embassy Art Gallery presents on 17 May designer Belinda Maci or BelaBelinda accessories collection: Legacy on the Run Fashion Exhibition. Designer Belinda Maci is a fashion designer artist based in Tirana, Albania. BelaBelinda creations combine traditional influences and her love for the transformation of ordinary materials into pieces of exceptional art. Electric blues with abundant coral and sandstone tones mixed with film noir influences reigned at the embassy’s gallery while H. E. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania to The Netherlands, inaugurated Maci’s fashion exhibition. For the most part, the accessories collection was defined by fabric combining elegantly pearls with dark and silver spikes, and tulles as unique headdresses and necklaces. An abstract sequined necklace in blue and red swooping from across a shoulder on a summer top is just an example of what the collection offers to its visitors. Fabric shapes resembling musical notes to wear as necklaces inspired by the Lahuta, Albania’s folk instrument. Everything about the exhibition has a girly femininity touch. From the embroidered chest piece applications to poetic ruffled and geometric frayed effects. Maci accomplished her creations in a way that looked beautiful and powerful, thanks to the inclusion of fabric, pearls and a few metal harnesses. In the end, the embassy’s exhibition is a mix of a film noir and huge traditional family values show, to also show the audience the designer’s respect for the country’s first craftspeople, in contrast with the small in size nation. Legacy on the Run Fashion Exhibition will run at: Albanian Embassy Art Gallery from 17 May – 30 September 2016 at Hoge Niewstraat 22, 2514 EL in The Hague. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 14.00 – 17.00 by appointment 070 4272 101.