Confirmation of charges hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi
On 1 March 2016 at 09:30 (The Hague local time) the confirmation of charges hearing in the Republic of Mali case of The Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi will be held before Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mr Al Faqi is suspected, according to an ICC arrest warrant issued on 18 September 2015, of war crimes allegedly committed in Timbuktu, Mali, between about 30 June 2012 and 10 July 2012, through intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to religion and/or historical monuments, including nine mausoleums and a mosque.
If charges are confirmed, the Pre-Trial Chamber commits the case for trial before a Trial Chamber, which conducts the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
For more information on this case, please click here.
Mme. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director International Monetary Fund.
ByBaron Henri Estramant.
Friday, 19 February 2016, Washington D.C.: The Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended the powers of its Managing Director, Christine Lagarde (60) for another five years as she was the only candidate up for consideration, and was backed by the UK, Germany, the PRC, and her home country, France, to stay on for another five years. The organisation’s executive board stated that her second term, which will start on 5 July, was the result of a “consensual” decision.
During her first term, Lagarde won praise from developing countries for providing greater practical support for their efforts to recover from the financial crash and backing their demands for greater representation on the IMF board.
Lagarde herself issued a statement: “The global economy is undergoing a number of important transitions and we are focused on helping our membership navigate these successfully. The Fund remains committed to its fundamental goal of helping to ensure global economic and financial stability through international cooperation.”
Queen Rania of Jordan, HH The Crown Prince of Dubai and Christine Lagarde – Picture by Office of Queen Rania of Jordan.
A few days after her re-appointment on 23 February 2016, Lagarde was honoured in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE, alongside HM The Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Rania al-Abdullah by HH The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum at the Global Women’s Forum with the “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Medal” named after the incumbent Amir of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE. For more information:
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and His Excellency Minister (ret.), Ambassador Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.By Baron Henri Estramant.
Hotel des Indes, Salon van Brienen, The Hague, Wednesday, 17 February 2015: The Kingdom of H.E. Mr. Taher Ahmed Hanafi Farahat is once more represented to the highest level in The Netherlands; His Excellency Minister (ret.), Ambassador Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, presented his credentials as non-resident head of mission to The Netherlands with seat in London (St. James’s Court) to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at Noordeinde Palace.
According to Bahraini protocol the ambassador and member of Al Khalifa Ruling House of Bahrain, conveyed the greetings to the Dutch monarch from his counterpart, HM King Hamad II bin Isa Al Khalifa, the head of government, HRH Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and finally of The Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The subsequent vin d’honneur after the presentation of credentials was attended by all Gulf Cooperation Council’s ambassadors but likewise by the Grand Master of the Royal Household, drs. Jan Versteeg.
The Kuwaiti ambassador, Hafeez Al Ajmi, introduced Sheikh Fawaz Al Khalifa to the guests from the diplomatic and business life in The Netherlands including representatives of Holland Invest or The Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion.
The accrediation to The Netherlands came only a couple of days after large celebrations in Bahrain to fête 15 years of the adoption of the “National Action Charter” drawn up by the incumbent King Hamad II and Premier, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
This charter was approved by popular vote on 15 February 2001 giving more powers to parliament and extending fundamental rights, freedoms and obligations for all Bahrainis. Equally it changed the states of the country from a “state” to a kingdom.
Thomas Friis-Konst, Baron Henri Estramant, H.E. Sayyid Mohammed Harub Al Said, Ambassador of Oman, H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abohaimed, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and H.E. Taher Ahmed Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt. Picture by Husam Bako.
On the picture Foreign Minister Gilles Tonelli, Sovereign Prince Albert II and Commissioner Pierre Moscovici – Picture by Princely Palace of Monaco.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
European Commissioner Pierre Moscovici for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs paid a working visit to the Principality of Monaco, and was welcomed in audience by HSH The Sovereign Prince,European Commissioner Pierre Moscovicias well as the Governmental Counsellor for External Relations and Cooperation, HE MGilles Tonelli, who before his appointment on 23 February 2015 was Head of Mission of Monaco to the Benelux countries and the EU.
Monaco and the other European micro-states such as Andorra and San Marino are in the process of negotiation a new status vis-à-vis the EU. Hence the ordre du jour was focused on the modification of the “Agreement between the European Community and the Principality of Monaco” envisaging equivalent measures to the directive 2003/48/CE. Moreover the issues surrounding bank transparency as well as the tax evasion, and the principality’s commitment to the international standards as developped by the EU and the OCDE.
By Baron Henri Estramant.Kuwait’s National Day celebrates the end of British protectorate over the then sheikhdom of Kuwait in 1961 making it a fully-fledged independent country. Effectively the country’s hakim (ruler), Sheikh Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, took the title of “Amir”. It was likewise under his auspices that Kuwait became the very first country in the region to draft and proclaim a constitution in 1962, followed by a parliament in 1963. For a full Robert Huiberts’ photo album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664797431172H.E. Haifa Issami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi during the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.More properly the reception marks the success in expelling Iraqi armed forces from Kuwait after that country had invaded the former in August 1990, and annexed it briefly as a province. That is, 25 February 1991, is a fête for the end of the Gulf War, albeit the emirate had to wait until March 1991 for the return to Kuwaiti soil of Amir Jaber III Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and of the Government. The two dates were celebrated with a reception on Monday, 22 February 2016, hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Head of Mission to the OPCW, HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, and with the sponsorship support of Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum). H. E. Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi, Ambassador of the United Arab States and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi. 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait in The Hague.A couple of large flat screens showed impressions of towns, dances and traditions typical of Kuwait. Guests included numerous Heads of Mission as well as officials from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs they were treated to a copious buffet of Arab specialities but also a large selection of juices and soft drinks.Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Alexander Shulgin and the Ambassador of Kuwait.H.E. Dr. Obaidullah Obaid, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Ambassador of Kuwait during the celebration of the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait in The Hague.H.E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi, Ambassador of Kuwait. During the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.H. E. Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harib bin Abdullah Al Said, Ambassador of Oman and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi, 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Pujapresented his credentials to H.M. King Willem Alexander on Wednesday 17 February 2016. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is the new envoy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The presentation of the credentials was followed by a Vin d’honneur at Wisma Duta, the official residence of Indonesian Ambassadors in Wassenaar.Ambassador Puja hails from the island of Bali. He is married to Rusdijana Puja and the couple has two children. He graduated in 1985 from Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He also holds a Master Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA), and The Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies in 1991.H.M. King Willem Alexander and Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.The Netherlands is Ambassador Puja’s second posting. He previously served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Austria, Republic of Slovenia and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna.From April 2012 to February 2016, he was Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2006 and 2009, Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja was the Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the UN, WTO and Other International Organizations, Geneva.The Netherlands and Indonesia have a longstanding and deeply intertwined historical relationship, and Ambassador Puja appreciates the fact that The Hague is at the heart of many multilateral relationships too. H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is looking forward to closely cooperate with his fellow ambassadors and others during his tenure in the Netherlands. H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja and guests.Photography by the Koninklijk Huis and the Embassy of Indonesia. Information:
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague http://www.indonesia.nl/
H.E. Ambassador Piragibe Tarrago.10th Brazil Network Day, a Brazilian way of doing business
The Brazilian Embassy in The Hague together with State of Minas Gerais in close cooperation with the Province of Noord-Brabant is organizing the upcoming BND with the support of Rabobank, Ernest Young, Baker McKenzie, Neogrid Netherlands and Air Europa.
As in previous editions, BND will be a two parts program-event: Plenary-Panels (14h00 – 18h00) and a Business Networking Cocktail (18h00 – 21h00). Participation as normally is free of charge.
By bringing Brazilian and Dutch speakers together, fostering discussions on current issues and creating networking opportunity among companies, BND Noord-Brabant aims to promote a dialogue about investments and business opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Among other topics, this BND edition will give special emphasizes to the sustainability and synergy among agribusiness, biofuels and renewable energies sectors of both regions/countries.
The next BND is scheduled for Tuesday 29th March 2016, at the Chassé Theater, in Breda.
Please note that, due to space constrains, there are a limited number of places available. Registration at: www.BrazilNetworkDay.nl.
Four new exhibitions in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities from AprilOn 1 April the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden) will open no less than four exhibitions. The extraordinary rituals associated with death and entombment in the world of ancient Egypt will be the subject of ‘Egypt. Land of immortality’; ‘Cutting-edge history will focus exclusively on the fascinating history and symbolism of swords, while ’Roman Coast’ will tell the story of the Dutch coast during the Roman period. In the museum’s entrance hall artist Teun van Staveren will exhibit a series of paintings entitled ‘Admiring Baalbek’. See also www.rmo.nl.
‘Egypt. Land of immortality’ is a fascinating exhibition on the remarkable rituals surrounding death and burial in ancient Egypt, and the Egyptians’ firm belief in eternal life in the hereafter. Visitors will be introduced to Egyptian gods, temples and rituals, and the secrets pertaining to mummification.
On display will be 2000-year-old Egyptian mummies, painted mummy cases, figures of deities and grave goods such as magical scarabs, papyri inscribed with ritual spells and jewellery. All these items ensured that the deceased would enjoy a pleasant, eternal life in the hereafter. For children (8-12) there is a special fun trail with Dummie the Mummie, from the books by Tosca Menten (in Dutch).
In the exhibition ‘Cutting-edge History’ more than 150 exceptional swords will play starring roles in a narrative that encompasses the history of swords and their ritual and symbolic significance, from prehistoric times through the twentieth century.
On display will be ceremonial swords, cutting swords and thrusting swords from all parts of the world, from the museum’s own holdings and loaned by other collections at home and abroad. Among the highlights are the Dutch sword of state, which, together with the rest of the Dutch regalia, forms a visible symbol of royal authority, ‘magical’ bronze swords from prehistoric times and Viking swords from the environs of Dorestad, bearing the name of their smith.
‘Roman Coast’ is a walk along the Dutch coast during the Roman period, around 200 AD, and an encounter with the Romans and native people who lived there.
Archaeological finds such as weapons, ceramic utensils, jewellery, figurines of deities and altars from three coastal provinces, plus reconstructions of Roman ships and forts, illustrate the themes of trade and shipping, religion and domestic life, and the military defence of the coast and the frontier of the Roman Empire.
After Leiden the exhibition will travel on to a number of venues, including Huis van Hilde in Castricum and Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague.
Artist Teun van Staveren drew inspiration from the monumental Roman ruins of the city of Baalbek in the interior of Lebanon. Van Staveren’s training as an architect is evident in his paintings’ focus on the ancient buildings’ unprecedented dimensions and his eye for sophisticated architectural details. In the exhibition ‘Admiring Baalbek’ he presents twenty of his most impressive Baalbek works.
Three of the four spring exhibitions are housed in the exhibition area on the first floor which has been entirely remodelled. This now provides space for temporary exhibitions that would have been too large for the old galleries to accommodate.
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is implementing a phased plan to update all its displays. This is scheduled for completion in time for the museum’s 200th anniversary in 2018. In 2013-2015 the ancient Near East and Classical World galleries were renovated.
The Egyptian department is currently undergoing a thorough refurbishment and will reopen in November 2016. The last display to be remodelled, in 2017, will be the presentation on the Netherlands in the Roman period.
The galleries’ new configuration has been partly financed by the museum’s annual grant from the BankGiro Loterij.
‘Egypte. Land of immortality 1 April to 2 October 2016
‘Cutting-edge history’ 1 April to 2 October 2016
‘Roman Coast’ 1 April to 25 September 2016
‘Admiring Baalbek’ 1 April to 25 September 2016
Information:
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Rapenburg 28, Leiden, www.rmo.nl, facebook.com/Oudheden
Ambassador of Cuba Fermín Quiñones during his speech.Embassy of Cuba to the Netherlands Pays Tribute to José Martí.The Embassy of Cuba in the Netherlands and the Hispanic Society of The Hague organised a cultural evening in Koningkerk, The Hague in order to celebrate the 163th anniversary of the birth of Cuba’s National Hero José Martí. The event was attended by a large number of Ambassadors of Latin America accredited in the Netherlands, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials and workers of the Cuban mission, and members of the Cuba-Netherlands Foundation that groups Cuban citizens living in the Netherlands, as well as a large group of members of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya. The evening was dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the Simple Verses, the essay “Our America,” the speeches “With all and for the good of all” and “The New Pines,” and the 145th anniversary of “The Political Prison in Cuba,” all written by Marti.For additional pictures on the Tribute to José Marti, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157662646356774Huber Walter, Mariana Huchinson, H.E. Fermín Quiñones, Manuel Freyre and Edith Bergansius.The Chair of the Hispanic Society of The Hague, Mrs. Edith Bergansius spoke heartfelt words about the Simple Verses, a poetry book published in 1891 and how the verses contained in this book has been part of the legacy of the Cuban culture and are known in every corner of the world. Nearly everybody knows the song ‘Guantanamera’ but many fail to acknowledge the autor of ‘yo soy un hombre sincero de donde crece la palma’. The Ambassador of Cuba to the Netherlands His Excellency Fermín Quiñones, in evoking the figure of the National Hero of Cuba, said “Marti was the mastermind of the definite struggle; he was the one that saw the importance of unity to attain victory.” Mr. Quiñones also underlined the patriotic, pro-independence and Latin America-focused character of Marti’s work. He also spoke about one of the regional organizations inspired in the thoughts of Marti and other independent fighters of Latin America, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), whose fifth Summit was taking place in Quito, Ecuador.Agustin Vasquez Gomez, Minister Counsellor of El Salvador, Ambassador of Guatemala Gabriel Aguilera Peralta and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of Costa Rica.Three generations of Cubans living in the Netherlands paid tribute to Jose Marti: Huber Walter recited the poems “The girl from Guatemala” and ´´I am an honest man,´´ young Manuel Freyre performed a musicalized version of the poem “My gentleman” and young violinist Mariana Huchinson made the delight of attendees with her rendition of “The Beautiful Cuban”.Latin American Ambassadors attending the event:
The Hague Political Academy, new Tailor-MadeCourses on Location.
Starting in April The Hague Political Academy arranges tailor-made sessions in your Embassy or at the Academy. Topics: Dutch society, and/or domestic politics and media and/or Dutch foreign and Europeanpolitics. Program and fee can be established in mutual agreement.
Regular courses:Courses 1How to deal with the Dutch & International Protocol
The first session will concentrate on Dutch customs and habits in order to get the participants acquainted with all the “do’s and don’ts” in Dutch society. The second session deals with international protocol. An expert will elaborate on all the main protocol topics and will provide you with concrete recommendations.
Dates: Monday April 4th and Wednesday April 6 th from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 2Dutch Domestic Politics & The Role of the Media
The first session will familiarize foreign diplomats in The Hague with political life in the Netherlands. It will provide the participants with an inside understanding of the democratic system and the way politics work publicly and behind the scenes. After an introduction to the historical dimensions the policies of the present VVD/PvdA cabinet will be explained and discussed.
The second session will explain the complicated media landscape in the Netherlands. After a short historical overview the main focus will be put on the way public and social media operate in practice. Special attention will be paid to the influence of the media on the political process and the public opinion. The participants will also be provided with practical advice on dealing with the Dutch media.
Dates: Monday April 11th and Wednesday April 13th, from 5.30 pm until 7:30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 3Dutch foreign and European Policy
This course deals with the Dutch Foreign and European Policy. The main characteristics of the Dutch external policy will be explained in a historical perspective. The most recent developments in European politics will be discussed.
Dates: Monday April 18th and Wednesday April 20th, from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Dr. Bob van den Bos
Course supervisor is Dr. Bob van den Bos, political scientist and former member of the Dutch Parliament (Upper and Lower Chambers) and the European Parliament.
On special request it is also possible to participate in only one session of a course. Participants will receive an Official Certificate at the end of the course.
Information and subscription:Dr. Bob van den BosTelephone: +31 (0)620978171e-mail: bravandenbos@planet.nl | info@politicalacademy.nlwww.thehaguepoliticalacademy.nl
![Credentials-Dubes-RI-dengan-Raja-Willem-Alexander-300x189[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/Credentials-Dubes-RI-dengan-Raja-Willem-Alexander-300x1891.jpg?fit=300%2C189&ssl=1)
The Netherlands and Indonesia have a longstanding and deeply intertwined historical relationship, and Ambassador Puja appreciates the fact that The Hague is at the heart of many multilateral relationships too.
H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is looking forward to closely cooperate with his fellow ambassadors and others during his tenure in the Netherlands.
By bringing Brazilian and Dutch speakers together, fostering discussions on current issues and creating networking opportunity among companies, BND Noord-Brabant aims to promote a dialogue about investments and business opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Among other topics, this BND edition will give special emphasizes to the sustainability and synergy among agribusiness, biofuels and renewable energies sectors of both regions/countries.
The next BND is scheduled for Tuesday 29th March 2016, at the Chassé Theater, in Breda.
Please note that, due to space constrains, there are a limited number of places available. Registration at: www.BrazilNetworkDay.nl. 
‘Roman Coast’ is a walk along the Dutch coast during the Roman period, around 200 AD, and an encounter with the Romans and native people who lived there.
Archaeological finds such as weapons, ceramic utensils, jewellery, figurines of deities and altars from three coastal provinces, plus reconstructions of Roman ships and forts, illustrate the themes of trade and shipping, religion and domestic life, and the military defence of the coast and the frontier of the Roman Empire.
After Leiden the exhibition will travel on to a number of venues, including Huis van Hilde in Castricum and Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague.
Artist Teun van Staveren drew inspiration from the monumental Roman ruins of the city of Baalbek in the interior of Lebanon. Van Staveren’s training as an architect is evident in his paintings’ focus on the ancient buildings’ unprecedented dimensions and his eye for sophisticated architectural details. In the exhibition ‘Admiring Baalbek’ he presents twenty of his most impressive Baalbek works.
Three of the four spring exhibitions are housed in the exhibition area on the first floor which has been entirely remodelled. This now provides space for temporary exhibitions that would have been too large for the old galleries to accommodate.
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is implementing a phased plan to update all its displays. This is scheduled for completion in time for the museum’s 200th anniversary in 2018. In 2013-2015 the ancient Near East and Classical World galleries were renovated.
The Egyptian department is currently undergoing a thorough refurbishment and will reopen in November 2016. The last display to be remodelled, in 2017, will be the presentation on the Netherlands in the Roman period.
The galleries’ new configuration has been partly financed by the museum’s annual grant from the BankGiro Loterij.
Regular courses:
Courses 1
How to deal with the Dutch & International Protocol
The first session will concentrate on Dutch customs and habits in order to get the participants acquainted with all the “do’s and don’ts” in Dutch society. The second session deals with international protocol. An expert will elaborate on all the main protocol topics and will provide you with concrete recommendations.
Dates: Monday April 4th and Wednesday April 6 th from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 2
Dutch Domestic Politics & The Role of the Media
The first session will familiarize foreign diplomats in The Hague with political life in the Netherlands. It will provide the participants with an inside understanding of the democratic system and the way politics work publicly and behind the scenes. After an introduction to the historical dimensions the policies of the present VVD/PvdA cabinet will be explained and discussed.
The second session will explain the complicated media landscape in the Netherlands. After a short historical overview the main focus will be put on the way public and social media operate in practice. Special attention will be paid to the influence of the media on the political process and the public opinion. The participants will also be provided with practical advice on dealing with the Dutch media.
Dates: Monday April 11th and Wednesday April 13th, from 5.30 pm until 7:30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 3
Dutch foreign and European Policy
This course deals with the Dutch Foreign and European Policy. The main characteristics of the Dutch external policy will be explained in a historical perspective. The most recent developments in European politics will be discussed.
Dates: Monday April 18th and Wednesday April 20th, from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
