Statement by the President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the announcements made on December 17, 2014, regarding the decision to reestablish diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States
One year has gone by since the simultaneous announcements made on December 17, 2014, by the presidents of Cuba and the United States to re-establish diplomatic relations between both countries and work to improve our relations.
One year ago, on a day like yesterday, as part of the agreements reached to find a solution to issues of interest for both countries, we were able to announce, to the great joy of all of our people, the return to our homeland of Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio, with which we made true the promise made by Fidel who had asserted that our Five Heroes would return.
On that same date, in accordance with our reiterated disposition to hold a respectful dialogue with the Government of the United States, on the basis of sovereign equality, to discuss a wide variety of issues in a reciprocal way, without any detriment to our people’s national independence and self-determination, we agreed to take mutual steps to improve the bilateral atmosphere and move on towards the normalization of relations between the two countries.
It could be said that, since then, we have achieved some results, particularly in the political, diplomatic and cooperation spheres:
Diplomatic relations were re-established and the embassies in both countries were re-opened. These actions were preceded by the rectification of the unjust designation of Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism.
High level meetings and visits have taken place.
The already existing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as aviation safety and security as well as the combat against drug-trafficking, illegal migration, alien smuggling and migration fraud has been expanded. The regular and respectful meetings between the military commands of Cuba and the United States in the perimeter of the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo have continued.
New possibilities for bilateral cooperation have opened up in areas of mutual benefit, such as environmental protection, law enforcement, maritime and port security and health.
New dialogues have been initiated on bilateral and multilateral topics of interest, such as climate change, mutual compensations, traffic in persons and human rights, this latter being the one on which we have profound differences and about which we are having an exchange on the basis of respect and reciprocity.
We have signed agreements on environmental protection and the re-establishment of direct postal services.
All of this has been achieved through a professional and respectful dialogue based on equality and reciprocity.
Quite on the contrary, this year we have not made any progress in the solution of those issues which are essential for Cuba to be able to have normal relations with the United States.
Although President Obama has repeatedly stated his opposition to the economic, commercial and financial blockade and has urged Congress to lift it, this policy remains in force. The persecution of Cuba’s legitimate financial transactions as well as the extraterritorial impact of the blockade, which causes damages and hardships to our people and is the main obstacle to the development of the Cuban economy, have been tightened.
The steps taken so far by President Obama, although positive, have proved to be limited in scope, which has prevented their implementation. By using his executive prerogatives, the President could expand the scope of the steps that have already been taken and take new steps that would substantially modify the implementation of the blockade.
President Barak Obama and President Raul Castro.
Despite Cuba’s repeated claim for the return of the territory illegally occupied by the Guantánamo Naval Base, the Government of the United States has stated that is has no intention to change the status of that enclave.
The U.S. Government is still implementing programs that are harmful to Cuba’s sovereignty, such as the projects aimed at bringing about changes in our political, economic and social order and the illegal radio and television broadcasts, for which they continue to allocate millions of dollars in funds.
A preferential migration policy continues to be applied to Cuban citizens, which is evidenced by the enforcement of the wet foot/dry foot policy, the Medical Professional Parole Program and the Cuban Adjustment Act, which encourage an illegal, unsafe, disorderly and irregular migration, foment human smuggling and other related crimes and create problems to other countries.
The Government of Cuba will continue to reiterate that, in order to normalize relations, it is imperative for the U.S. Government to derogate all these policies that date from the past, which affect the Cuban people and nation and are not in tune with the present bilateral context and the will expressed by both countries to re-establish diplomatic relations and develop respectful and cooperative relations between both peoples and governments.
No one should expect that, in order to normalize relations with the United States, Cuba will renounce the principles and ideals for which several generations of Cubans have struggled throughout more than half a century. The right of every State to choose the economic, political and social system it wishes, without any interference whatsoever, should be respected.
The Government of Cuba is fully willing to continue advancing in the construction of a kind of relation with the United States that is different from the one that has existed throughout its prior history, that is based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence, that is beneficial to both countries and peoples and that is nurtured by the historical, cultural and family links that have existed between Cubans and Americans.
Cuba, in fully exercising its sovereignty and with the majority support of its people, will continue to be engaged in the process of transformations to update its economic and social model, in the interest of moving forward in the development of the country, improving the wellbeing of the people and consolidating the achievements attained by the Socialist Revolution.
On the picture H. E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.By Joe Ray.
Diplomats, dignitaries, and distinguished individuals from The Hague’s international community gathered at the Worldhotel Bel Air on 4 December to celebrate Thailand National Day.
The delightful evening of sumptuous cuisine and exquisite traditional music was arranged by the Thai Embassy in The Hague to mark the 88th birthday of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand and figurehead of the Thai nation for some 65 years.
For a photo album on Thailand National Day, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/with/72157660303927574H. E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong and H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran.
H. E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, began his remarks by thanking the hundreds of guests for their attendance, and commenting on the good fortune of a mild and dry evening for the occasion after some ten days of rain.
He continued:
“We are here this evening to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty’s name means ‘Saint of the Land’ in Thai, and he has certainly lived up to the title. His life-long devotion to improving the quality of life of the Thai people has been widely recognised and welcomed, both in Thailand and around the world.” “His Majesty has initiated more than 4000 developmental projects in the country, including economic projects, the alleviation of drought and floods, and the protection of the environment. In 2006, he was presented with an award by the UN Development Programme, and was described by Kofi Annan as the ‘world’s development king’.”H. E. José De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal.
Ambassador Boonpracong also noted the outstanding ties between his country and the Netherlands: “I would like to extend my appreciation of the strong, stable, and growing ties between Thailand and the Netherlands, which have now existed for four hundred and eleven years – yes, four hundred and eleven.” “Our countries have developed very close links diplomatically, economically, and between our two royal families. I look forward to these strong relations flourishing even further in the years to come.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Ambassador was joined by guests in toasting the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and the Netherlands, and the good health and happiness of Their Majesties, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.For information: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hague
On the picture Princess Sabika Ibrahim, Sheikha Dr. Mariam Hassan Al Khalifa, Hala Al Ansari, Sheikha Mai Alkhalifa.
10-12 December, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: A high-level international conference on “Women in Public Life: From Policies to Impact” was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) and First Lady as first wife of HM The King of Bahrain.
The Conference in Bahrain was attended by global representatives including policy makers, senior governmental officials, parliamentarians as well as representatives from international organisations and NGOs in addition to civil society and the private sector. Director Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Founder and Chair of Women in Parliaments, former German MEP.The three-day conference, which was organised by the Supreme Council for Women jointly with the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD), resulted in final remarks asserting the importance of developing a complete country-specific governance system, the implementation of an auditing methodology in the field of promoting equal opportunities at the national level, as well as formulating national guidance instruments that would be able to assist policymakers in Bahrain and elsewhere on how to use existing parliamentary tools in following up the exerted efforts in raising levels of women’s development and close any gap quality.The OECD works with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change. It measure productivity and global flows of trade and investment, analyse and compare data to predict future trends and set international standards on a wide range of things, from agriculture and tax to the safety of chemicals.
Ambassador Dr. Bahiya Al Jishi (Bahrain to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg).
On the picture Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg .Brussels, Thursday, 17 December 2015: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid a working visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels as well as to its military headquarters, the so-called Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), in the Belgian city of Mons.The King laid a wreath at the memorial to fallen personnel. Subsequently he spoke with NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. After that rendezvous, the King met with the North Atlantic Council. At SHAPE the King spoke with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip M. Breedlove, and he was be given a tour of the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre (CCOMC).King Willem-Alexander and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg .King Willem-Alexander was accompanied by Foreign Minister Bert Koenders,Commander of the Armed Forces, General Middendorp as well as the kingdom’s Permanent Representative to NATO, Marjanne de Kwaasteniet. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an alliance of 28 countries founded in 1949. Its primary aim is guaranteeing the security, solidarity and freedom of its member countries. King Willem-Alexander and General Breedlove.For more information:NATO: www.nato.intSHAPE: www.aco.nato.intPermanent Representation of the Netherlands to NATO (HE Ambassador Marjanne de Kwaasteniet): http://navo.nlvertegenwoordiging.org/de-pv/organisatie-pv/medewerkers-pv-navo.html—————-All pictures by Nederlandse delegatie, foto: Hans de Bauw
Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga transferred by the ICC to the DRC to serve their sentences of imprisonment.
On 19 December 2015, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga were transferred to a prison facility in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) to serve their respective sentences of imprisonment. This constitutes the first time that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has designated a State for the enforcement of imprisonment’s sentences.
On 8 December 2015, the Presidency of the ICC designated the DRC as the State of enforcement for the sentences of imprisonment of Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga, pursuant to article 103 of the Rome Statute. The Presidency emphasised that Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga had each expressed a preference to serve their respective sentences of imprisonment in the DRC, their home country. The Presidency noted that the enforcement of the sentences of imprisonment shall be subject to the supervision of the Court and shall be consistent with widely accepted international standards governing the treatment of prisoners.
The transfer of Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga to the DRC occurred with the close cooperation of the DRC authorities and the support of the Dutch and French authorities. On 24 November 2015, the ICC and the DRC finalised an ad hoc Agreement in respect of each sentenced person, expressing the willingness of the DRC to accept Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga for the enforcement of their sentences of imprisonment and providing a framework to govern such enforcement.
Background
Mr Lubanga was sentenced on 10 July 2012 to 14 years of imprisonment by Trial Chamber I, after having been found guilty of the war crimes of conscripting and enlisting children under the age of 15 years and using them to participate actively in hostilities. On 1 December 2014, the Appeals Chamber confirmed the conviction and sentence imposed. The time he has spent in the ICC’s custody will be deducted from the sentence imposed. He has been detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague since 16 March 2006.
Germain Katanga was sentenced, on 23 May 2014, to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty, as an accessory, of one count of crime against humanity (murder) and four counts of war crimes (murder, attacking a civilian population, destruction of property and pillaging) committed on 24 February 2003 during the attack on the village of Bogoro, in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The time spent by Mr Katanga in detention prior to being convicted was deducted from the sentence imposed. On 13 November 2015, a Panel of three Judges of the ICC Appeals Chamber, specifically appointed by the Appeals Chamber, reviewed Germain Katanga’s sentence and decided to reduce it. Accordingly, the date for the completion of his sentence is set to 18 January 2016.
The situation was referred to the Court by the DRC Government in April 2004. The Prosecutor opened an investigation in June 2004. In addition to the cases against Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga, four cases have been brought before the ICC Judges. One accused, Bosco Ntaganda, remains in ICC custody. His trial started on 2 September 2015 and the hearings are scheduled to resume in January 2016. One suspect, Sylvestre Mudacumura, remains at large. Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui has been acquitted by ICC Trial Chamber II, and the charges were not confirmed against Callixte Mbarushimana.
For further information on the Lubanga case and the Katanga case, respectively, click here and here.
H. E .Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce.Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan’s visit to the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce H. E .Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan visited the Netherlands on the invitation of the Dutch Government from 6th to 9th December 2015. During his visit, he attended a high-level conference on the EU and sustainability in global value chains which took place in Amsterdam on 7 December 2015 in the run-up to the Netherlands’ Presidency of the Council of the EU. For a Kim Vermaat photo album on the Pakistani Federal Minister of Commerce visit to the Netherlands, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/
On the sidelines of the Conference the Federal Minister for Commerce also held bilateral talks with Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation, for further promoting bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Dutch Multinationals like Unilever, Shell, Philips and VimpleCom (holdling company of Mobilink) have very visible presence in Pakistan. Bilateral trade between the two countries is around US 1 billion and it is continuing to grow every year.
On 8th December 2015, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan visited the Headquarters of the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) in The Hague. The Managing Director of CBI Mr. Max Timmerman gave him a briefing about the Center and its potential for enhancing trade between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
On the picture Commercial Counsellor Mr. Zahid Abbasi and the Managing Director of CBI Mr. Max Timmerman.
Later, the Federal Minister witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Pakistan Embassy and the CBI.
In the afternoon he visited the Rotterdam Port; the busiest port in Europe.
In the evening he attended the launching of the Netherlands Pakistan Business Facilitation Forum.
The Forum has the aim of facilitating Dutch Companies and to create awareness with regards to the Trade and Investment opportunities in Pakistan.
On the morning of 9th December, the honourable Federal Minister visited the Chancery of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague and appreciated the facilitation being provided by the Consular Section to Dutch Visa applicants and overseas Pakistanis in the Netherlands. Afterwards, he visited the Peace Palace.
The honourable Federal Minister departed the Netherlands in the afternoon.
Information:http://www.embassyofpakistan.com/
Her Excellency Rose Makena Murici.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The diplomatic community in The Hague turned out in force to participate in the celebration of Kenya’s 52nd Independence Day. The ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, The Hague, served as the backdrop for the celebration on 11 December.
H.E. Ms. Rose Makena Muchiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya in the Netherlands, bid her guests Karibu – a warm welcome. Smartly attired in red and black, Ambassador Muchiri enriched her outfit with a piece of Maasai beaded jewelry, a hallmark of Maasai culture.
For a Kim Vermaat photo almbum on Kenya Independence Day, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157660193087364H. E. Ahmet Uzumcu, OPCW Director General and H. E. Rose Makena Murichi.
Ambassador Muchiri delivered a powerful speech, the transcript of which follows below.
“Since gaining our Independence, we have been striving hard to be a Country where all its citizens can be proud to live and work in, having contributed towards Nation building. Our Government is committed towards investing in National Institutions and also following up and encouraging careful economic planning by both National and County Governments. Bearing in mind the great diversity of the peoples of Kenya, the Government ensures the implementation of the Constitution at all times by ensuring gender, regional and ethnic balance in all its undertakings.”
“I can confirm to you that Kenya is indeed open for business, and the opportunities for investment are manifold. Kenya is a regional financial, communication and transportation hub in Eastern Africa as well as in the sub-Saharan Africa in general. Therefore, by investing in Kenya, investors have access to not only a national population of over 40 million, but also to the larger regional market boasting of approximately 93 million and 385 million consumers in the East African Community (EAC), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regions respectively.
OPCW Director General H. E. Ahmet-Uzumcu, H. E. Haim Divon Ambassador of Israel and H.E. Mr. Joe Tony Aidoo, Ambassador of Ghana.
“A recent World Bank survey indicated that Kenya had risen in its global ranking for investment competitiveness in its ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’. This can be attributed to the vast business regulatory reforms. The recent weeks has also seen several business-friendly laws enacted. These include the Companies Act, Insolvency Act and Special Economic Zones Act.”
“The Government of Kenya is committed to ensure that the enabling investment environment continues to offer both fiscal and infrastructural benefits to the business community. The Government has also instituted various policy measures geared towards transforming Kenya into a vibrant middle income economy with a high quality of life, as enshrined in the National Vision 2030 development blueprint.”
“In my time as Ambassador to The Netherlands, I have seen relations between our two countries continue to grow. Our two countries are vital partners for each other’s success in various sectors. Sectors such as horticulture are able to remain successful as a result of complementary business practices and understandings. For instance, in the flower sub-sector, Kenya and The Netherlands have partnered in the last year on the National Mechanism for Compliance Project. This project brought together the flower industry players, business facilitation agents and other key stakeholders in Kenya and the Netherlands. The Mechanism reviewed and implemented new national standards, which will ensure that the players across the flower value chain operate within defined responsible practices for sustained market access. To-date Kenya holds 38% of the world flower business. ”
“As I conclude, I urge you to consider making Kenya your tourism destination of choice. On your visit to Kenya, you would be spoilt for choice from the variety of holidays available, including: beach, Wildlife Safari, Culture, Landscapes, Adventure, Sports, Heritage and many others. For your convenience, we have four International Airports in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret with domestic air strips serving all game parks and reserves. Most of all however, you will experience the warm and friendly Kenyan people.”
“On the multilateral platform Kenya continues to proactively engage by taking part in important dialogues that shape our future whether at SDGs which as you all know was successfully co-chaired by my counterpart Ambassador Macharia Kamau of Kenya to the United Nations in New York, COP21, ICC and OPCW. On Conference Tourism, as you all know next week my country hosts the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference as well as several others next year including Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) a first for an Africa Country and UNCTAD XIV in July, 2016. This reaffirms Kenya’s robust engagement in the multilateral platform as well as the bilaterally with our friendly partners. We also continue to strengthen our regional partnerships as this particularly key towards attaining regional peace and security. We will continue to work with our partners in combating terrorism and in this regard condemn the attacks that recently took place in Belgium and France.”
“Last but not least, Starbuck coffee is here with us to share with you samples of Kenya’s high-quality coffee, again this reaffirms the importance and success of working with great partners for a win-win outcome.”
A lavish Kenyan buffet dinner was then served to guests, and the party continued.
For information: http://www.kenyanembassy-nl.com/
On the picture H.E. Moazzam khan, Commercial Counsellor Mr. Zahid Abbasi and the Pakistani Minister of Commerce, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The launch of the Netherlands Pakistan Business Facilitation Forum took place at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on 9 December 2015. NPBFF was created in order to maximize the benefits of two major, ongoing economic developments in Asia: the GSP and CPEC.
The Forum seeks to facilitate trade with Dutch companies, and to increase awareness with regards to the trade and investment opportunities in the wake of the GSP Plus and the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor initiative.
The moderator for the evening was Mr. Faraz Zaidi, Counselor at the Embassy of Pakistan. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Zaidi introduced the Honorable Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan.For an Hester Dijkstra photo album on the Pakistan Business Forum in The Hague, please cklic here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661827910189
Mr. Zaidi then provided guests with a brief overview of Mr Khan’s impressive career. He graduated from California Institute of Technology as an engineer and also holds a degree in Economics from Bowdoin College.
The Hon. Federal Minister is affiliated with the ruling party PMLN, and has served as national office-bearer in leadership positions within his party. He also served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister from 1997 to 1999.
He was elected from his native city of Gujranwala to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2008 and was re-elected in 2013. During the 2008-13 Parliament, he served with distinction as Chair of the Standing Committee on Commerce and as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.
H. E .Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce.
As a dynamic Parliamentarian, he also served on a number of Special Parliamentary and Standing Committees. In his current role as Federal Minister for Commerce, he has also been assigned by the Prime Minister the additional responsibility of the Parliamentary Business of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the Ministry of Commerce he has revitalized Pakistan’s trade diplomacy. He spearheaded the successful campaign to obtain GSP+ trade preferences for Pakistan from the European Union, and, in spring 2014, he led vital negotiations to obtain reciprocal market access for Pakistan and to enhance trade with neighboring countries. His vigorous diplomacy has led to the commencement of Pakistan’s negotiations for free trade agreements with Turkey and Thailand.
Under his stewardship, the Ministry of Commerce has revamped national trade defence laws, obtained approval for Pakistan’s accession to the TIR convention, and has successfully concluded institutional reforms within the Ministry itself as well as its attached departments. He has steered the drive for a qualitative shift towards value-addition and diversification in Pakistan’s exports.
H. E. Moazzan Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Following Mr. Zaidi’s remarks, the launching ceremony of the Netherlands Pakistan Business Facilitation Forum commenced. Commercial Counsellor Mr. Zahid Abbasi began with a video presentation of the Forum. Noteworthy in his presentation was the introduction of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor a fusion of multiple corridors including the Investment Corridor, Trade Corridor, Energy Corridor, Transport Corridor, Infrastructure Corridor, Industrial Corridor. In total, projects worth $46 billion will be executed, and the corridor will stretch for some 2,400km. The project completion date is 2030.
The next speaker was Ambassador of Pakistan to The Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Moazzam Ahmad khan. Relations with the Dutch go back many centuries, he said, and it all started in the coastal province of Sindh. The Ambassador also lauded the role played by Dutch institutions as CBI and PUM in two countries’ bilateral relationship.
To conclude the list of speakers, the honorable Federal Minister was invited to the rostrum for his remarks on this auspicious occasion.
According to the Minister, after only 19 months of GSP+, Pakistan’s economy showed an increase of more than 32%. The Hon. Minister considers GSP+ an incentive for the future rather than a reward for past achievement, and he reiterated the importance of transferring a bilateral friendship into an economic partnership.
As for terrorism, added the Minister, Pakistan is combating it effectively, and terrorist attacks are down. It is clear that Pakistan has reconnected to the world, as evidenced by the number of daily international flights into the country. Investors, tourist and others who had avoided Pakistan when the nation was plagued by terrorist attacks are now returning. Pakistan is a democratic and politically stable country. Peaceful local elections have recently been held, the stability that followed the smooth transition of power after the 2013 general election has endured.
A Dutch company is currently advising the port authorities of Karachi. Wimpel, a Dutch telephone provider is faring well in Pakistan. A very large size of the market is in their hands.
By all accounts, Pakistan is doing well economically, and there is a growing middle class estimated at about 70 million individuals.
For information:www.embassyofpakistan.com/
Asser Instituut celebrated 50th anniversary and launched Annual T.M.C. Asser LectureBy Wybe Douma, ASSER Institute.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut launched the T.M.C. Asser Lecture for the benefit of The Hague’s national and international legal community, scholars, practitioners, judges, policy-makers and journalists who will be able to enjoy, on an annual basis, a lecture by an internationally renowned jurist and outstanding public intellectual.
The celebrations took place on 2 December 2015 in The Academy Hall of the Peace Palace in The Hague and were attended by over 300 persons.
In his opening address, Prof. Ernst Hirsch Ballin, President of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, welcomed the attendees to the celebratory event and reflected on Tobias Asser’s role in the development of international law and international legal institutions. His goal to reshape and develop international law to build trust across countries is still a source of inspiration for the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, evidenced by its mission as presented in its research agenda for the coming years: “International & European law as a Source of Trust in a Hyper-connected World”.
The Asser Strategic Research Agenda (2016-2020) aims to examine how law as one of the social institutions can contribute to the construction and cultivation of trust and trusting relations needed for cooperation in this large and hyper-connected world. As such, it fits well with one of the themes identified in the National Research Agenda: “between conflict and cooperation”.
Dr. Christophe Paulussen, Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, presented the first copy of the Asser Jubilee book ‘Fundamental Rights in International and European Law. Public and Private Law Perspectives’, to the Minister of Security and Justice of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Mr. Ard van der Steur. The book is reflective of the breadth and scope of the research at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, with fundamental rights providing a common foundation.
Minister Van de Steur praised the T.M.C. Asser Instituut for its ability to combine high quality academic research with projects aimed at legal practitioners, thereby ensuring a linkage between legal theory and the more ‘down to earth’ everyday practice.
He reflected on the functions of the rule of law and fundamental rights in our society, addressing the delicate balance between these ideals and counterterrorism policies and operations. He emphasised that the rule of law and fundamental rights are not only a moral heritage of European culture, but are still essential elements for stability, economic growth and international peace and security, and should therefore not be sacrificed for narrow, short-term victories (full speech available here).
Prof. Janne Nijman, Academic Director of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, introduced Prof. Joseph Weiler, President of the European University Institute and University Professor at NYU School of Law and one of the most prominent scholars in the field of international and European law, and conveyed the idea behind the Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture.
While inspired by Tobias Asser’s thoughts and actions in the past, these lectures will be future-oriented. In the coming years, the Institute will invite distinguished international lawyers to take inspiration from Asser’s idea of cultivating trust and respect through law and legal institutions, and to examine what it could mean in their area of expertise today.
The event culminated with Prof. Weiler’s lecture “Peace in the Middle East: has International Law failed?” Instead of directly addressing this question, he reversed it by asking instead if we have failed international law by not applying it correctly. He approached the controversial topic by meticulously outlining his take on the correct application of the law regarding the title to territory in different stages of the Arab – Israeli conflict, and asking whether what the law prescribed was just or unjust.
Prof. Weiler noted that in the instances where the law had been applied in a correct, principled and pragmatic way, a way he argued was reminiscent of Asser’s own view of legal practice, it had led to morally acceptable outcomes. However, coming back to the question of whether international law has failed, he identified an indeterminacy issue in the current legal framework of belligerent occupation that allows for manipulation by the parties to the conflict. This has turned the issue into a political dispute about the facts, for which international law can provide no more than a roadmap.
A video of the event and the written version of the lecture by Prof. Weiler will eventually be uploaded to the Asser website www.asser.nl .
On the picture Director Lucie Čadilová, sopranist Lucie Silkenová, Ambassador Jaroslav Kurfürst.
The annual Christmas concert co-arranged between the Embassy of the Czech Republic to Belgium (HE Ambassador Jaroslav Kurfürst) and the Delegation of Prague to the EU (Director Lucie Čadilová) took place at the historic Notre Dame du Sablon church.
This year Notre-Dame du Sablon resonated with orgue tunes played by Czech organist Aleš Bárta as well as the astounding voice of sopranist Lucie Silkenová.
Ambassadors Stanislav Vallo (Slovakia), Zoltán Nagy (Hungary), Artur Harazim (Poland) and Jaroslav Kurfürst (Czech Republic).
Amongst the attending personalities one can remark the ambassadors of Hungary, Mr Zoltán Nagy, of Poland, Artur Harazim, and of Slovakia, Stanislav Vallo.
![DSC07727[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/DSC077271.jpg?fit=190%2C107&ssl=1)
He continued:
“We are here this evening to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty’s name means ‘Saint of the Land’ in Thai, and he has certainly lived up to the title. His life-long devotion to improving the quality of life of the Thai people has been widely recognised and welcomed, both in Thailand and around the world.”
“His Majesty has initiated more than 4000 developmental projects in the country, including economic projects, the alleviation of drought and floods, and the protection of the environment. In 2006, he was presented with an award by the UN Development Programme, and was described by Kofi Annan as the ‘world’s development king’.”
![DSC07717[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/DSC077171.jpg?fit=190%2C107&ssl=1)
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Ambassador was joined by guests in toasting the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and the Netherlands, and the good health and happiness of Their Majesties, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
For information: 
On the sidelines of the Conference the Federal Minister for Commerce also held bilateral talks with Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation, for further promoting bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Dutch Multinationals like Unilever, Shell, Philips and VimpleCom (holdling company of Mobilink) have very visible presence in Pakistan. Bilateral trade between the two countries is around US 1 billion and it is continuing to grow every year.
On 8th December 2015, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan visited the Headquarters of the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) in The Hague. The Managing Director of CBI Mr. Max Timmerman gave him a briefing about the Center and its potential for enhancing trade between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
“As I conclude, I urge you to consider making Kenya your tourism destination of choice. On your visit to Kenya, you would be spoilt for choice from the variety of holidays available, including: beach, Wildlife Safari, Culture, Landscapes, Adventure, Sports, Heritage and many others. For your convenience, we have four International Airports in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret with domestic air strips serving all game parks and reserves. Most of all however, you will experience the warm and friendly Kenyan people.”
“On the multilateral platform Kenya continues to proactively engage by taking part in important dialogues that shape our future whether at SDGs which as you all know was successfully co-chaired by my counterpart Ambassador Macharia Kamau of Kenya to the United Nations in New York, COP21, ICC and OPCW. On Conference Tourism, as you all know next week my country hosts the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference as well as several others next year including Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) a first for an Africa Country and UNCTAD XIV in July, 2016. This reaffirms Kenya’s robust engagement in the multilateral platform as well as the bilaterally with our friendly partners. We also continue to strengthen our regional partnerships as this particularly key towards attaining regional peace and security. We will continue to work with our partners in combating terrorism and in this regard condemn the attacks that recently took place in Belgium and France.”
“Last but not least, Starbuck coffee is here with us to share with you samples of Kenya’s high-quality coffee, again this reaffirms the importance and success of working with great partners for a win-win outcome.”
A lavish Kenyan buffet dinner was then served to guests, and the party continued.
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Mr. Zaidi then provided guests with a brief overview of Mr Khan’s impressive career. He graduated from California Institute of Technology as an engineer and also holds a degree in Economics from Bowdoin College.
The Hon. Federal Minister is affiliated with the ruling party PMLN, and has served as national office-bearer in leadership positions within his party. He also served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister from 1997 to 1999.
He was elected from his native city of Gujranwala to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2008 and was re-elected in 2013. During the 2008-13 Parliament, he served with distinction as Chair of the Standing Committee on Commerce and as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.
As for terrorism, added the Minister, Pakistan is combating it effectively, and terrorist attacks are down. It is clear that Pakistan has reconnected to the world, as evidenced by the number of daily international flights into the country. Investors, tourist and others who had avoided Pakistan when the nation was plagued by terrorist attacks are now returning. Pakistan is a democratic and politically stable country. Peaceful local elections have recently been held, the stability that followed the smooth transition of power after the 2013 general election has endured.
A Dutch company is currently advising the port authorities of Karachi. Wimpel, a Dutch telephone provider is faring well in Pakistan. A very large size of the market is in their hands.
By all accounts, Pakistan is doing well economically, and there is a growing middle class estimated at about 70 million individuals.
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