President Htin Kyaw.By Jurej Kralj.15 March 2016, Naypyidaw: In a historic parliamentary election, bringing an end to decades military rule, the Hluttaw (Parliament) elected Htin Kyaw as the new (and most importantly first civilian since 1962) President of Myanmar. The election was the first consultation of the will of the voters since a poll organised in 1990, which was subsequently annulled and its presumed winners placed under arrest by the military junta.Amongst the people arrested at the time was the National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, barred from being a candidate for the position of president due to a constitutional provision many believe was put in place specifically to prevent her accession to office. The new president is expected to act as her proxy, since The Lady, as she’s referred to in Myanmar, has clearly affirmed that she will be above the president. U Htin Kyaw is deemed as a confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi. For more information:President of Myanmar: www.president-office.gov.mmHtin Kyaw: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Htin_KyawMission of Myanmar to the Benelux countries and the EU (HE Ambassador Paw Lwin Sein): http://www.embassyofmyanmar.bePicture by Reuters.
Foodstuff and beverages are among the main categories of products seized by EU customs, reaching over 2 million of articles seized according to the latest EU customs report released in October 2015. Products for daily use and products that would be potentially dangerous to the health and safety of people, such as fake food and beverages, accounted for a total of 28,6% of the total amount of detained articles in 2014.
Fighting intellectual property (IP) crime and ensuring effective enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) are key challenges in safeguarding European population against dangerous and substandard products, while tackling the low risk/high revenue illegal activities of criminal organizations.
In that perspective, Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), through the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, Europol and Eurojust, gathered investigators from customs and police, public prosecutors, private sector – and policy makers, to exchange experiences and best practices in relation to intellectual property crime in the sector of foodstuff, beverages and agricultural products.
An interdisciplinary event among those institutions, part of a series of similar actions organised since 2013, is being co-hosted by these three EU bodies in Alicante, from 16 to 18 March, providing an opportunity to reinforce operational ties between enforcement authorities and businesses and identify new challenges in the fight against counterfeiting in these sectors.
These discussions built upon the expertise of the EU network of IP prosecutors, composed now of some 60 prosecutors from 20 Member States and 7 non EU Member States who met on 14 and 15 March to discuss the challenges to prosecute those facilitating or financing IPR offences online. The objective of this network is to share knowledge and leverage expertise in order to better fight cross-border violations of IPR.
Customs merchandiseAntónio Campinos, President of OHIM, commented: ‘thanks to the Observatory’s unique platform, OHIM can support operational efforts from police forces, prosecutors, customs authorities and raise awareness of the damages of IPR infringements for both consumers and businesses. Integrated cooperation with Eurojust and Europol offers an added value to deliver objective data, raise awareness of the damage caused by counterfeiting and piracy as well as develop best practice and cross-border cooperation, in line with our mandate’.
The Hungarian national member and Contact Point of Eurojust, László Venczl said: ‘I express Eurojust’s appreciation for the continued efforts by OHIM to sustain the collaboration between our respective organizations, fostering partnership and synergies. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed in the fight against infringements of intellectual property rights, especially in the ever-changing digital environment.’Wil van Gemert, Deputy Director of Operations at Europol, said: “Sophisticated counterfeiters are increasingly able to produce products that are hard to distinguish from the genuine ones, and the best way to tackle those criminals is via an effective exchange of intelligence with our partners. Close cooperation between business and law enforcement is needed to challenge the criminal organisations that are exploiting the intellectual property of others, and this coalition of three parties combining efforts is a great example of the type of strategic alliance required.”
Oath-taking ceremony of Hungary’s new honorary consuls in The Hague.
The solemn oath-taking of Hungary’s newly appointed honorary consuls in the Netherlands, Mr Dirk Beljaarts, Mr Alfred Evers and Mr Seerp Leistra took place on 10 March 2016, in the framework of the National Day reception organised by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.
The consular commissions of the three honorary consuls residing in Amsterdam, Sittard and Groningen respectively were handed over by Mr Zoltán Lékó, chargé d’affaires in the presence of numerous guests, among them prominent representatives of the Hungarian community in the Netherlands. The appointments were signed by Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.
The predecessors of the new honorary consuls retired last year, receiving a high-level state decoration from the President of the Republic of Hungary. Being well established members of the Dutch society and having excellent reputation in their consular districts, the honorary consuls will work to strengthen Dutch-Hungarian economic and cultural relations and to further bilateral cooperation.
Mr Dirk Beljaarts, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland has built a successful career in the tourism and hotel industry. Mr Beljaarts is the general manager of the renowned Novotel Amsterdam City.
With his decades long diplomatic experience, Mr Alfred Evers, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland is leading an independent consultancy, having set up a wide professional network in Hungary.
Mr Seerp Leistra, honorary consul of Hungary with jurisdiction over the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe has not only received appreciation in the field of financial and business consultancy, as a talented musician he has also fervently supported the cause of Hungarian music and culture.
Photography by George Pathó.
Argentina, Salud!
On the occasion of the Malbec World Day 2016 H. E. Horacio Salvador Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in the Netherlands is organising its 6th edition of Malbec World Day in the Netherlands, focused on high quality wines from Argentina epitomized by the Malbec grape, Argentina’s flagship variety.
In the year of the Bicentennial of Argentina’s Independence, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic expects to bring more than 100 different types of high quality Malbec labels made available by over 15 Dutch and Argentinean importers.
‘’For this year’s celebration, we would like to emphasize how Malbec has become a classic, the paradigm of Argentine wine, our flagship variety’’, said H.E. Horacio Salvador.
‘’A classic varietal is one that is enjoyed again and again, through which new expressions of terroir and new layers of aromas and flavours are discovered. A classic wine is one that is appreciated by those who try it for the first time and those who drink it regularly. A classic gives so much pleasure that it invites us to explore deeper. A classic becomes a model and an influence’’.
The adventure begins on April 17th, 1853, the famous statesman and writer, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento officially accomplished his mission of transforming Argentina’s wine industry. He gave Michel Aimé Pouget, a French soil expert, the task of bringing over new vines and creating the first Quinta Agronómica (School of Agronomy), a space for education and research. Amongst his selection was Malbec, a grape of untold promise.
Sarmiento eventually became President of the Argentine Republic. In the late XIXth century with the help of Italian and French immigrants, the wine industry grew exponentially and with it, Malbec, which quickly adapted to the various different terroirs, and developed with far better results than in its region of origin. Thus, over time and with a lot of hard work, it emerged as the flagship grape of Argentina.
The pioneering work of Pouget and Sarmiento at the “Quinta Normal de Mendoza” was a crucial part of this process. The date of 17th of April represents not only a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry, but also the starting point for the development of this strain, an emblem of Argentina worldwide.
Malbec has since become Argentina´s undefeated champion, climbing the rankings and winning the hearts and minds of wine connoisseurs everywhere.
The rise to the top the Malbec grape was uprooted from its native French soil, mainly from the south of France, and transplanted to the very different dry and mountainous landscape of western Argentina nearly 160 years ago. Since then, it has come of age. After decades of hard work, determination and agricultural and viticultural know-how, Malbec has achieved worldwide recognition.
Grapes are being grown in the country, regularly experimenting with new techniques and a variety of different climates. Today you can find thriving, hardy Malbecs all over Argentina, each with its own distinct personality and charm.
A great glass of Malbec
The wine’s core traits are unmistakable. It is juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body. Sweet tannins tone down its power and the velvety texture makes for a smooth, satisfying finish. Although Malbecs are characterized by a well rounded body, Argentina’s varied climatic conditions allow for subtle but marked variations.
In the North of Argentina, you’ll find grapes with a balanced structure and good aging potential, creating well-expressed, full bodied wines that emanate spices and dark berries.
In the central region of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine powerhouse, Malbecs are more spirited; they are energized by lighter tannins and strawberry and yoghurt notes.
Finally, in the South, where the 40 degree centigrade daytime temperature can plunge to a chilly 8 degrees at night, the grapes develop differently, typically featuring strong structures, thanks in part to greater rainfall and water soils. This creates complex, fruity Malbecs with mineral textures that complement with delicate floral notes.
The event will take place on Thursday April 14th 2016, at the Gauchos Grill Restaurant at Weissenbruchlaan 149, 3054 LM in Rotterdam, a traditional restaurant and bar located in a wonderful setting.
The Malbec World Day 2016 will be celebrated in more than 70 cities across 54 countries Please confirm your attendance at : rsvp_epbaj@mrecic.gov.ar
Judgment in Bemba case to be delivered on 21 March 2016On Monday, 21 March 2016, at 14:00 (The Hague local time), Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver the judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo. The Chamber is composed of Judges Sylvia Steiner (Brazil), presiding, Joyce Aluoch (Kenya) and Kuniko Ozaki (Japan).A summary of the judgment will be read during a public Court hearing by the Presiding Judge, in the presence of the accused and his Defence team led by Peter Haynes QC, the Office of ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, and Legal Representative of Victims Marie-Edith Douzima-Lawson. Jean-Pïerre Bemba Gombo is allegedly criminally responsible for two counts of crimes against humanity (murder and rape) and three counts of war crimes (murder, rape and pillaging) allegedly committed in the context of the situation in Central African Republic in 2002-2003.The trial in the Bemba case started on 22 November 2010 and the submission of evidence in the case was closed on 7 April 2014. On 2 October 2014, upon the Defence’s request, the Chamber reopened the evidentiary hearing, for purposes of hearing further testimony. This further testimony concluded on 24 October 2014. The Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of Victims made their closing oral statements on 12 and 13 November 2014.For additional information:
ICC https://www.icc-cpi.int/EN
Federica Mogherini and President Castro in Cuba.By Baron Henri Estramant.The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Neven Mimica in charge of International Cooperation and Development, paid a two-days official visit to Cuba on 10 and 11 March 2016. They were joined by staff of the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “Environmental Foundations for Local Food Sustainability” (BASAL), co-funded by the EU and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. H. R. Mogherini co-chaired the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla during which they discussed a whole range of areas of common interest.The High Representative & Vice-President likewise held multilateral meetings with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parilla well as Vice-president of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Economy and Planning, Marino Murillo. A deal was then inked guaranteeing further 50 million Euros from the EU for the islands’ development (period 2014-2020), thereby ending about 20 years of icy relations Cuba-EU. This announcement came also before the programmed visit of US President Barack Obama to the Republic of Cuba on 20/21 March 2016. This visit took place one year after HR/VP Mogherini first visited to the country, and follows up on the political dialogue which took place in April 2015 at Brussels.For more information:EU relations with Cuba: http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2016/110316_hrvp-in-cuba_en.htmMission of Cuba to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, H. E. Ambassador Norma Goicochea Estenoz: www.embacuba.beEmbassy of Cuba to The Netherlands, Mission to the OPCW, H. E. Ambassador Fermín Quiñones Sánchez: www.cubadiplomatica.cu/holanda/EN/Mission/Embassy.aspxPhotography by EEAS.
Actions against an organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked hashish from Spain came to a successful end with the arrest of the leaders of the OCG and the seizure of 1 200 kilos of hashish. The drugs have a street value ranging from EUR 12 and EUR 24 million.The OCG leaders were located in Spain, and members were also present in Estonia. Drugs were stashed in specially constructed hiding places in cars, which then travelled long distances to locations in Estonia and the Russian Federation.Eurojust played a crucial role in this case. The Estonian and Spanish National Desks were available 24/7 during the six-month surveillance procedure. In addition, in 2015, Eurojust held three coordination meetings and a video conference. Eurojust’s assistance was also required to resolve language issues, provide support in the execution of four European Arrest Warrants, respond to legal questions, and assist in the agreement of next steps.One OCG member was arrested in Poland on the basis of information supplied by the Estonian and Spanish authorities, and 100 kilos of hashish were seized. Seven people were detained in Estonia, and four were charged. Five suspects were arrested in Spain and surrendered to Estonia. Twenty-seven searches of houses and cars took place in Estonia, seven took place in Spain, and two took place in Poland. EUR 18 000 cash and six cars were seized in Spain.Sentences in Estonia for leadership of an OCG range from six to twenty years, with life sentences in certain cases. OCG members can receive sentences from three to 12 years. Convicted drug traffickers can receive sentences from three to 15 years.Related links:Implementation Report of the Action Plan on Drug Trafficking, January 2015http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/doclibrary/eurojust-framework/caseworkdrugtraffickingactionplan2015/implementation%20report%20of%20the%20action%20plan%20on%20drug%20trafficking%20(january%202015)/drug-trafficking-report_2015-01-16_en.pdfEurojust strategic meeting on drug trafficking 2014http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/press/pressreleases/pages/2014/2014-09-30.aspxEurojust News issue #3 on drug traffickinghttp://www.eurojust.europa.eu/doclibrary/corporate/newsletter/Eurojust%20News%20Issue%203%20(December%202010)%20on%20the%20fight%20against%20drug%20trafficking/EurojustNews_Issue3_2010-12-EN.pdf
H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia.The European Commission presented a proposal to the European Parliament and the EU Council to lift visa requirements for Georgian citizens
On 9 March 2016, the European Commission presented a legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 to the European Parliament and the EU Council to allow short-term visawaiver for Georgian citizens within the Schengen area.
We welcome the European Commission’s initiation of the legislative process, which is yet another step towards visa liberalisation with the European Union and the clear recognition of the reforms carried out by the Government of Georgia.
The European Commission’s proposal is based on the Progress Report published on 18 December 2015, according to which Georgia met all the benchmarks set in respect of the four blocks of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP): document security; border management, migration management and asylum; public order and security; fundamental human rights.
The legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 will be submitted for consideration to the EU Council and the European Parliament. The latter has to provide its consent to the amended regulation, upon which it will be approved by the EU Council and signed by the President of the European Parliament and the Foreign Minister of the country holding the EU Council Presidency. Based on the amendment, Georgia will be listed among the third-countries whose citizens will enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area. The Regulation envisaging short-term visa-free visits to the EU countries will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The EU Council and the European Parliament are expected to complete relevant procedures in the near future allowing Georgian citizens holding biometric passports to enter the EU/Schengen area without visa for short stays (90 days in any 180-day period).
Short-term visa-free travel applies to 30 countries, of which 22 are EU/Schengen members: Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Malta; 4 EU member states — Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria are Schengen candidate countries; and 4 countries: Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are associated with the Schengen area.
The progress Georgia has achieved in the visa liberalisation process is a clear proof that the European Union acknowledges the efforts made by the Georgian Government and that the reforms it has carried out bring concrete benefits to each citizen of Georgia.
By Gilbert Monod De Froideville and Mark Verheul.An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol, Best Practices in Diplomatic and Corporate Relations
Although modern life grows increasingly casual, in many sectors, protocol still reigns supreme. An Expert’s guide to International Protocol offers an overview of its associated practice, including those found within the context of diplomatic relations and the business world.
Focusing on a wide range of countries and cultures, the book covers topics like seating arrangements, the history and use of flags, ceremonies, invitations and dress codes, and gifts and decorations.
Throughout, influential diplomatic, business, cultural, and sports figures share their own experiences with protocols around the world.
Gilbert Monod De Froideville is the former Master of Ceremonies of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and director of the consulting company Protocol International.
Mark Verheul is head of protocol of the City of The Hague.
Information and sales:http://en.aup.nl/books/9789462981058-an-expert-s-guide-to-international-protocol.htmlhttp://en.aup.nl/books/9789462981058-an-expert-s-guide-to-international-protocol.html
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Mr. Jonghyun Choe, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Netherlands hosted a farewell reception for the Korean ICTY Judge O-Gon Kwon at the Hotel Des Indes, Lange Voorhout, The Hague. The reception was held on the 4th March 2016, to celebrate Judge O-Gon Kwon’s 14,5 year service to the court.
In his address, Ambassador Jonghyun Choe recounted how while serving in New York he joined the campaign trail, canvassing to get Judge O-Gon Kwon elected to his position within the ICTY. In order to celebrate his success they went to the Korean restaurant in Manhattan, but now about 15 years later hosting a farewell reception for Judge O-Gon Kwon, to thank him for all his hard work and dedication to the ICTY.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664849401309H.E. Jonghyun Choe Ambassador of Korea together with Judge O-Gon Kwon and his wife.
Judge O-Gon Kwon is the first Korean judge to be elected into the august office of international justice. O-Gon Kwon remarked how his time has flown by but prides himself on having served at the ICTY, the exceptional experience and the contributions he had been able to make to international criminal justice court.
Furthermore the Judge expressed his liking for The Hague and what it has to offer, it has become as a second-home.
Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court.
In Korea he noted how judges are always rotating, which implies constant relocation. However in the Netherlands, during his last assignment he stayed put for almost 15 years! Judge O-Gon Kwon thanked his staff and his family for their help and support over the years and he will continue to be an advocate of International Criminal Justice.
H.E. Dr. Brett Mason, Ambassador of Australia.
Soprano Yun Park, who holds a masters degree from the Amsterdam Conservatory, gave a rendition of My Way. She gave Goosebumps to the audience, who spontaneously joined in at the chorus.
The atmosphere was tremendous, with a mixture of attendees with backgrounds in judiciary, diplomacy as well as other attendees including locals and Koreans. All in all an exceptional evening to say Farewell Judge O-Gon Kwon.
Foodstuff and beverages are among the main categories of products seized by EU customs, reaching over 2 million of articles seized according to the latest EU customs report released in October 2015. Products for daily use and products that would be potentially dangerous to the health and safety of people, such as fake food and beverages, accounted for a total of 28,6% of the total amount of detained articles in 2014.
Fighting intellectual property (IP) crime and ensuring effective enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) are key challenges in safeguarding European population against dangerous and substandard products, while tackling the low risk/high revenue illegal activities of criminal organizations.
In that perspective, Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), through the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, Europol and Eurojust, gathered investigators from customs and police, public prosecutors, private sector – and policy makers, to exchange experiences and best practices in relation to intellectual property crime in the sector of foodstuff, beverages and agricultural products.
An interdisciplinary event among those institutions, part of a series of similar actions organised since 2013, is being co-hosted by these three EU bodies in Alicante, from 16 to 18 March, providing an opportunity to reinforce operational ties between enforcement authorities and businesses and identify new challenges in the fight against counterfeiting in these sectors.
These discussions built upon the expertise of the EU network of IP prosecutors, composed now of some 60 prosecutors from 20 Member States and 7 non EU Member States who met on 14 and 15 March to discuss the challenges to prosecute those facilitating or financing IPR offences online. The objective of this network is to share knowledge and leverage expertise in order to better fight cross-border violations of IPR.
The predecessors of the new honorary consuls retired last year, receiving a high-level state decoration from the President of the Republic of Hungary. Being well established members of the Dutch society and having excellent reputation in their consular districts, the honorary consuls will work to strengthen Dutch-Hungarian economic and cultural relations and to further bilateral cooperation.
Mr Dirk Beljaarts, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Utrecht, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland has built a successful career in the tourism and hotel industry. Mr Beljaarts is the general manager of the renowned Novotel Amsterdam City.
With his decades long diplomatic experience, Mr Alfred Evers, honorary consul of Hungary in the provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland is leading an independent consultancy, having set up a wide professional network in Hungary.
Mr Seerp Leistra, honorary consul of Hungary with jurisdiction over the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe has not only received appreciation in the field of financial and business consultancy, as a talented musician he has also fervently supported the cause of Hungarian music and culture.
Photography by George Pathó. 
The pioneering work of Pouget and Sarmiento at the “Quinta Normal de Mendoza” was a crucial part of this process. The date of 17th of April represents not only a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry, but also the starting point for the development of this strain, an emblem of Argentina worldwide.
Malbec has since become Argentina´s undefeated champion, climbing the rankings and winning the hearts and minds of wine connoisseurs everywhere.
The rise to the top the Malbec grape was uprooted from its native French soil, mainly from the south of France, and transplanted to the very different dry and mountainous landscape of western Argentina nearly 160 years ago. Since then, it has come of age. After decades of hard work, determination and agricultural and viticultural know-how, Malbec has achieved worldwide recognition.
Grapes are being grown in the country, regularly experimenting with new techniques and a variety of different climates. Today you can find thriving, hardy Malbecs all over Argentina, each with its own distinct personality and charm.
A great glass of Malbec
The wine’s core traits are unmistakable. It is juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body. Sweet tannins tone down its power and the velvety texture makes for a smooth, satisfying finish. Although Malbecs are characterized by a well rounded body, Argentina’s varied climatic conditions allow for subtle but marked variations.
In the North of Argentina, you’ll find grapes with a balanced structure and good aging potential, creating well-expressed, full bodied wines that emanate spices and dark berries.
In the central region of Mendoza, Argentina’s wine powerhouse, Malbecs are more spirited; they are energized by lighter tannins and strawberry and yoghurt notes.
Finally, in the South, where the 40 degree centigrade daytime temperature can plunge to a chilly 8 degrees at night, the grapes develop differently, typically featuring strong structures, thanks in part to greater rainfall and water soils. This creates complex, fruity Malbecs with mineral textures that complement with delicate floral notes.
The event will take place on Thursday April 14th 2016, at the Gauchos Grill Restaurant at Weissenbruchlaan 149, 3054 LM in Rotterdam, a traditional restaurant and bar located in a wonderful setting.
The Malbec World Day 2016 will be celebrated in more than 70 cities across 54 countries Please confirm your attendance at : rsvp_epbaj@mrecic.gov.ar
