European Union donates €2.3 million for OPCW Special Missions
Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.
OPCW Director-General, H. E. Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, has announced that the European Union has contributed an additional €2.3 million to support the Organisation’s verification and fact-finding work in Syria.
On 30 November 2015 the Council of the European Union adopted Decision 2015/2215/CFSP in support of UN Security Council Resolution 2235(2015) in the framework of the EU’s Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
That resolution established a Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) to identify, to the greatest extent feasible, individuals, entities, groups or governments who were perpetrators, organisers, sponsors or otherwise involved in the use of chemicals, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The decision provides for a funding of 2.3 million euros to OPCW special missions in the Syrian Arab Republic, including activities related to the OPCW Fact Finding Mission in support of the JIM. By means of the same decision another 2.3 million euros will be contributed in support of JIM operations.
Expressing his appreciation for the consistent and significant support extended by the EU for OPCW’s work, the Director-General said that, “This important contribution will enable the Organisation to continue to effectively carry out crucial mandated activities”.
Thus, Council Decision 2015/2215/CFSP complements the commitment of the EU and its Member States to the complete elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme, including destruction of Syria’s declared chemical weapons stockpile (to which the Union has already contributed 17 million euros), in compliance with Syria’s obligations as State Party to the CWC.
Rwanda, African Parks and the Netherlands Wildlife Deal
On the picture H.E. Martijn van Dam Dutch Minister of Agriculture and H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda.
RDB, African Parks and the Government of the Netherlands present Wildlife Deal on the reintroduction of black rhinos into Rwanda.
Today, the Rwandan Development Board, African Parks and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs presented a Wildlife Deal on the reintroduction of black rhinos into Rwanda. This project represents a very prestigious and positive initiative to bring an endangered species back into a safe environment in Rwanda. It restores Akagera National Park to a ‘Big Five’ park and will boost the tourism development in Rwanda.
The Wildlife Deal was presented today on World Wildlife Day at the Save Wildlife Conference in The Hague, the Netherlands. CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Mr. Francis Gatare, expressed his gratitude to the Dutch Government and African Parks through a video-message and said that the ground-breaking conservation effort to re-introduce seven lions to Akagera last July was a resounding success and raised Akagera’s status among international conservation platforms.
‘The next milestone to achieve is the re-introduction of black rhinos to Akagera and to Rwanda. At this time I would like to express our gratitude for the financial support from the Dutch Government to aiding us in bringing back Rhinos to Rwanda. This would restore Akagera’s status as a ‘Big 5’ park and combined with the parks incredible scenery, huge diversity within a relatively small area, almost 500 species of bird and conservation success story, Akagera is set to become a must-see destination’, said Mr. Gatare.
H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Netherlands, attended the High-level Round Table session, which was chaired by H.E. Martijn van Dam, chair of the conference and Minister for Agriculture of the Netherlands.
‘The future of wildlife is in our hands and the Government of Rwanda is playing a role in wildlife protection and has demonstrated a strong commitment towards the success of conservation in Rwanda’, said Ambassador Karabaranga after the presentation of the Wildlife Deal. ‘Rwanda is a stable country and, led by President Paul Kagame, has made huge advances in economic development and poverty reduction through a strong vision for the transformation of the country. The Government has the necessary will and conviction for conservation to succeed in Rwanda’.
The Ambassador took the opportunity to, on behalf of the Rwandan Government and the Rwanda Development Board, thank the Dutch Government and African Parks for supporting the various initiatives they undertook to ensure that wildlife has a future in Rwanda.
Since early 2010 African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board agreed to jointly manage Akagera National Park. The management agreement is for an initial term of 20 years, with an option to renew for a further 20 years. It is the goal of the partnership to restore, develop and manage Akagera as a functioning savannah ecosystem through biodiversity rehabilitation, sound conservation practices and tourism development, thereby creating additional benefit for the economy of Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is growing in profile nationally and the successful reintroduction of lion in June 2015 has boosted the park’s conservation status.
Information:
RDB www.rdb.rw
African Parks www.africanparks.eu
Save Wildlife Conference www.safewildlife.nl
ASEN on the go by Minbuza
On the picture H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and H.E. Jonghyun Choe, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.
ASEF Photo Exhibition ‘On the Go’
The Netherlands has a long shared history with Asia. Dutch sailors, merchants and adventurers sailed the Eastern waters already in the early 17th century. Today, the relationship between Europe and Asia has widened and deepened. Europe and Asia share many interests and face many similar challenges, which makes connectivity between our continents even more important than before.
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) plays an important role in stimulating dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. It unites 28 European Union member states, 2 other European countries, and the European Union with 21 Asian countries and the ASEAN secretariat.
The ASEM dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural issues, with the objectives of strengthening the relationship between the two regions, in spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership. To celebrate the first meeting of ASEM in 1996, the 1st of March has been proclaimed as the international “ASEM-day”.
For additional Mirza Kamram’s pictures on the event, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157665299561476
The Asia-Europe foundation (ASEF), has invited photographers from Asia and Europe to participate in ‘On the Go’, a photo competition celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). On the Go’s theme is the motion and the pace of life in Asia and Europe, illustrating the moments where we are different… and yet, so alike.
The Asia & Oceania Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized an exhibition of 19 photographs selected from submissions of photographers of the 51 member states of the Asia-Europe Meeting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Asia-Europe meeting at the Atrium of the City Hall in The Hague.
The event was a nice gathering at which, head of missions and representatives of various embassies were present such as Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The city councilor Karsten Klein opened the event with a short speech followed some words of Deputy Director Arjen van den Berg from the ministry of foreign affairs.
The event was a nice gathering at which, head of missions and representatives of various embassies were present such as Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The city councilor Karsten Klein opened the event with a short speech followed some words of Deputy Director Arjen van den Berg from the ministry of foreign affairs.
The Netherlands donates emergency medical supplies to Greece
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to provide Greece with medical equipment and supplies, in response to a recent plea by the Greek government for assistance with the refugee crisis.
Foreign Affairs Minister H. E. Bert Koenders and H. E. Lilianne Ploumen Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, will be providing specialised vehicles and medical supplies in the short term, for use in locations where refugees are stranded.
The tens of thousands of refugees currently stranded in various parts of Greece urgently need first aid and medical care. It has been agreed that the Netherlands will provide nine mobile aid units, each consisting of two vehicles, a generator, a tent and medical supplies. Greece will also receive sleeping bags, sheets, blankets and other items from the Netherlands as requested. The supplies will be dispatched as soon as possible.
Mr Koenders said the aid is meeting an urgent need. ‘It also shows that we are not abandoning Greece at this time of crisis which is weighing so heavily on the country. That’s why I believe there needs to be a European humanitarian aid programme for Greece. We must all pull together to help the refugees stranded there and also support the Greeks in the tremendous efforts they are making.’
Ms Ploumen added, ‘In recent months we have already donated humanitarian supplies to Greece and several Balkan countries, including lighting columns, camp beds and water pumps. The Netherlands is now sending this new aid consignment in response to the Greek government’s request, and I hope that other EU member states will quickly follow suit. We cannot leave all these people in the lurch.’
Barysevich visits Eurojust
On the picture H.E. Mikalai Barysevich with Michèle Coninsx.
Yesterday, H.E. Mr Mikalai M. Barysevich, Ambassador for the Republic of Belarus to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, paid a courtesy visit to Eurojust. The visit was hosted by the President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx.
The visit included a general discussion on Eurojust’s role in fighting organised crime and terrorism.
Photography by Eurojust.
Prime Minister Habib Essid visits ICC
On the pictured here: ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández, Head of Government of the Republic of Tunisia H.E. Mr Habib Essid, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel, at the ICC headquarters in The Hague on 2 March 2016 © ICC-CPI/Aleksandra Milic.
Head of Government of the Republic of Tunisia, H.E. Mr Habib Essid, visits the International Criminal Court.
Today, 2 March 2016, H.E. Mr Habib Essid, Head of Government of the Republic of Tunisia, visited the headquarters of the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he met with ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel, as well as other senior officials of the Court.
ICC President Fernández thanked H.E. Mr Essid for Tunisia’s continued support for the Court’s activities. The President recalled Tunisia’s active role at the Assembly of States Parties since its accession to the Rome Statute in 2011 and welcomed Tunisia’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the Court and States Parties.
H.E. Mr Essid said: “Tunisia, since its accession to the Rome Statute, participated actively in the work of the Court and has always worked in favour of dialogue and consensus. These two principles have been implemented at the national level and have also enabled Tunisia to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. Tunisia, which led its democratic transition process successfully, is more than ever committed to the rule of law and respect of freedoms and human rights”.
ICC Prosecutor Bensouda equally expressed her appreciation for Tunisia’s support for the activities of her Office, and stressed that: “the Arab world and the wider Middle East have an important role to play in strengthening adherence to the principles of international criminal justice and the rule of law”.
“By ratifying the Rome Statute, Tunisia has demonstrated leadership and has confirmed its firm commitment to the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes under the jurisdiction of the Court. My Office welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen its cooperation with Tunisia”.
During the visit, H.E. Mr Essid unveiled a mosaic of “Virgil and the Muses” offered by the Government of the Republic of Tunisia, illustrating Tunisia’s historical legal heritage. This initiative reflects Tunisia’s firm commitment to the ICC and against impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, crimes that are within the ICC’s jurisdiction and are of concern to the international community.
ICC Registrar von Hebel thanked Tunisia’s Head of Government and said: “The ICC today occupies an iconic building that serves as a symbol of international criminal justice. Artwork donated by States Parties will become an integral part of the Court’s new premises and serve to remind all those who visit the Court of the strong commitment by the international community to the Rome Statute and the work of the ICC”.
H.E. Mr Essid said: “Tunisia, since its accession to the Rome Statute, participated actively in the work of the Court and has always worked in favour of dialogue and consensus. These two principles have been implemented at the national level and have also enabled Tunisia to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. Tunisia, which led its democratic transition process successfully, is more than ever committed to the rule of law and respect of freedoms and human rights”.
ICC Prosecutor Bensouda equally expressed her appreciation for Tunisia’s support for the activities of her Office, and stressed that: “the Arab world and the wider Middle East have an important role to play in strengthening adherence to the principles of international criminal justice and the rule of law”.
“By ratifying the Rome Statute, Tunisia has demonstrated leadership and has confirmed its firm commitment to the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes under the jurisdiction of the Court. My Office welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen its cooperation with Tunisia”.
During the visit, H.E. Mr Essid unveiled a mosaic of “Virgil and the Muses” offered by the Government of the Republic of Tunisia, illustrating Tunisia’s historical legal heritage. This initiative reflects Tunisia’s firm commitment to the ICC and against impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, crimes that are within the ICC’s jurisdiction and are of concern to the international community.
ICC Registrar von Hebel thanked Tunisia’s Head of Government and said: “The ICC today occupies an iconic building that serves as a symbol of international criminal justice. Artwork donated by States Parties will become an integral part of the Court’s new premises and serve to remind all those who visit the Court of the strong commitment by the international community to the Rome Statute and the work of the ICC”.
Leading Development in Bangladesh
By Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and chairman of BRAC.
On 18 May 2015 from 16:00 to 17:30 at the International Institute of Social Studies ISS, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, will describe in his lecture how he set up BRAC, now grown to become the world’s largest NGO, to deal with the multiple dimensions of poverty.
He will highlight the successes and challenges BRAC has faced in developing and managing programmes in health, education and financial services, including employment and income generation, with the underlying goal of helping the poor to lift themselves out of poverty.
EC proposes new Emergency Assistance
Commission proposes new Emergency Assistance instrument for faster crisis response within the EU.
As the refugee crisis continues to put pressure on many European Member States, today the European Commission has proposed an Emergency Assistance instrument to be used within the European Union to provide a faster, more targeted response to major crises, including helping Member States cope with large numbers of refugees.
The initiative comes as the refugee crisis reaches an unprecedented scale with the need to provide immediate emergency support in several Member States hosting large amounts of refugees on their territories.
From the outset the Commission has been committed to supporting its Member States through all means possible and the proposal is a direct follow up to the European Council of 18-19 February, when governments called on the Commission to develop the capacity to provide emergency assistance internally.
European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said: “With this proposal, we will be able to deliver emergency assistance for crises much faster than before, inside the European Union. Right now, there’s no doubt that this will be particularly needed to support refugees. No time can be lost in deploying all means possible to prevent humanitarian suffering within our own borders. Today’s proposal will make €700 million available to provide help where it is most needed. I now look to European governments and the European Parliament to quickly back the proposal.”
Member States whose own response capacities are overwhelmed by urgent and exceptional circumstances, such as the sudden influx of refugees or other major disruptions could benefit from this new instrument. The provision of emergency assistance will be based on Article 122(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This will allow for support to be provided in the fastest and broadest possible way, in a spirit of solidarity between Member States.
Emergency assistance would be provided in close coordination with Member States and organisations such as UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and international organisations, and include the provision of basic necessities such as food, shelter and medicine to the large numbers of children, women and men currently arriving in EU countries.
The Commission will urgently propose, to the European Parliament and to the Council as the budgetary authorities, an amending budget for 2016 to create the budget line for the instrument. The estimated needs for 2016 are €300 million with a further €200 million each for use in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Funding would therefore not be diverted from existing external humanitarian aid programmes outside the EU. The EU remains committed to continue leading the international humanitarian response to the Syria crisis, amongst other global emergencies worldwide where EU humanitarian aid saves lives.
Laureates for “ECF Princess Margriet Award”
Text and photograph by ECF.
The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) has announced the “ECF Princess Margriet Award for Culture” laureates for 2016, namely: theatre-makers and community developers Krétakör (Budapest, Hungary) and citizen laboratory for digital culture Medialab-Prado (Madrid, Kingdom of Spain). The award ceremony will take place in Amsterdam on 15 March 2016 under the protection of TRH Princess Margriet (former President), Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands (President of ECF and Extraordinary Member of the Board).
Krétakör and Medialab-Prado haven been chosen for the 2016 ECF Princess Margriet Award for Culture for their exceptional bodies of artistic and cultural work in developing critical spaces of social participation and political experimentation through culture.
By honouring these two laureates, ECF is highlighting the importance of culture in creating a more open and inclusive Europe. This is a Europe that ECF believes in and supports through its entire body of work, from its grant schemes and cultural managers’ exchange programme to its Connected Action for the Commons programme, which connects cultural change-makers at grassroots level and encourages new models of participation and democracy.
For more information:
European Cultural Foundation: www.culturalfoundation.eu/pma-2016
VIII Independence Day of Kosovo
Baron Henri Estramant and the Honourable Mr Kadri Veseli, Chairman of the Parliament of Kosovo looks with satisfaction to the article of HE Mimoza Ahmetaj, Ambassador of Kosovo to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg published on Diplomat Magazine.
City Hall of Brussels, Wednesday, 17 February 2016: Kosovo fêted the eight anniversary of its independence with much elegance and amidst rather prominent guests including a visiting Kosovar delegation headed by The Honourable Kadri Veseli, Speaker of Parliament, deputising for the Mayor of Brussels, Yvan Mayeur, the alderman Philippe Close (in charge of finances, human resources and tourism), or celebrity pastry chef Michael Lewis-Anderson.
Host, H.E. Ambassador Mimoza Ahmetaj, treated her guests, who hailed from a plethora of EU institutions but likewise from federal Belgian authorities and heads of missions to the EU and to Belgium, to a delectable buffet of Kosovar dishes as well as a selection of smoked and white Sabaja beers and a cake specially baked with the Kosovar colours and symbols for the soirée.
For more information:
Embassy of Kosovo to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, H.E. Ambassador Mimoza Ahmetaj: www.ambasada-ks.net/
National Assemby of Kosovo, Speaker Kadri Veseli: www.kuvendikosoves.
Sabaja Beers: www.birrasabaja.com