Colombia Embassy Dazzles on its National Day Celebration at Diligentia Theatre in The Hague. On the picture H. E. Juan José Quintana and spouse, Maria Rosario Navia.
By Viviana Knorr.
On Wednesday, 20 July at 7 p. m., H. E. Juan José Quintana, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the Netherlands and Maria Rosario Navia transformed Diligentia Theatre in The Hague, into an intimate setting for Colombian Jazz to celebrate their national day.
Ambassador Quintana remarked in his welcoming speech the importance of this year’s celebration as the country is about to end its war against FARC, “Something many Colombians for five generations are really looking forward to end.”For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668583554294H.E. Mr. Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez, Ambassador of Costa Rica with the Ambassador of Colombia and spouse.
The concert’s program directed by Juan García-Herreros with the performance of his Colombian Jazz ensemble explored for the first time in the Netherlands, their own new arrangements transforming the evening into an original one surrounded by a distinguished audience as the Ambassadors from Mexico, Peru, Chile, Ukraine, El Salvador, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Malaysia, Costa Rica and many others.
H. E. Juan José Quintana, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia.
The ensemble opened up with a colourful lively performance called “Pequeña Samba” by García-Herreros. The following piece “Amo” by Juan José Quintana, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia literally breathed life and sentiment.
Through the entire performance the musicians gave an outstanding show capturing the audience emotion as each musician played with an almost tangible energy transmitting it to the spectators.
Ambassador of Colombia and Maria Rosario Nava welcome Dr. Natalia Tymoshenko and H.E. Mr. Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine.
The next pieces were a mixed of mellow slower tempos with unique rhythmic variations. A highlight of the evening was the mini-duet between the bass and drums yet all musicians made creative use of each instrument playing as one. In the piece, “Balada para mis hijas,” García-Herreros flexed his own playing abilities where listeners could be seen enjoying the rhythms. The voice, flute, and organist also gave an impressive solo each one.
The audience was surprised with a far from smooth transition into the “Colombian National Anthem” to wrap up the show as it opened with a flawless performance by Juan García-Herreros and his bass teasing the audience with quick changes in tempo and rhythm, repeatedly speeding up, and then slowing only to give the anthem rhythm. Truly an exciting performance.
Overall the celebration was full of sentiment, colourful, and musical, but that should be expected in a Colombian National Day.
A finger food reception followed the show.
Colombian faces at Diligentia Theatre.
Australian Hammond virtuoso Lachy Doley & Irish pop duo Hudson Taylor are the first names to be announced.Diplomat Magazine is proud to announce that on Saturday September 3rd 2016, the fourth edition of the freely accessible Embassy Festival will take place at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. The Embassy Festival offers visitors a journey through more than 25 different countries in only one day.
Take a walk from Peru to Pakistan, cross over to Vietnam and walk around the corner to visit Kenya. The participating embassies will fill a pavilion with typical products from their countries, showcasing traditional dances or contributing to the musical program, on one of the two outdoor stages.
At the Embassy Festival, you will come across a multitude of cultures. You will get a chance to witness performances by international talent you won’t want to miss.
A variety of sensational acts, both modern and classic, will make a visit to the Embassy Festival, making it worthwhile for all music lovers. There are acts that have played at the Embassy festival, that are now thriving on big stages.
Lachy Doley
Last year, the formation Con Brio from San Francisco played an impressive set at the Embassy Festival. It was only last weekend that they received great reviews from their performance at the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival.
That is how quickly things can go, so make sure you visit the music stages on September 3rd as you might discover the next big thing.
Like previous years, you will be able to see surprising acts with great potential at the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival. The Australian ‘most celebrated Hammond artist’Lachy Doley has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country. Get inspired by Lachy Doley’s rock and blues sound, as well as his dark and raspy, but crystal-clear voice.
The Irish pop duo Hudson Taylor have already earned recognition in Ireland with their EP ‘Battles’ hitting the charts. Now it’s time for them to conquer The Hague with their folky pop songs.
Akua Naru (Photography by Daniel Ziegert)
In addition to the music programme, the Embassy Festival aims to broaden our knowledge of the different cultures and their traditions through several activities that are set up in the ‘Creative Area’. There will also be a special programme for children.
The ‘Country Pavilions’ offer visitors an opportunity to taste different flavours from all around the world. Feel, taste and discover an array of cultures. Experience all of this at the picturesque and stately décor of the Embassy Festival’s location, the Lange Voorhout.
The Hague is a truly international city. With the presence of the embassies, NGO’s and multinational corporations, the city is continuously connected to the world. The fourth edition of the Embassy Festival showcases a beautiful collection of international cultures that can be seen, heard and tasted.
The Embassy Festival is organised by PROOOST, the agency that is also the driving force behind the successful ‘THE LIFE I LIVE’ festival. Diplomat Magazinehas been a partner of Embassy Festival since the very first edition. The festival is financially supported by the Municipality of The Hague Economic Department and Office for International Affairs and receives the support of the official Representation of the European Commission in the Netherlands.
EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2016 | 12 – 8 PM LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ADMISSION MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM
Ambassador Boonpracong and a Thai group during the event.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The 11th edition of Thailand Grand Festival took place at “Plein” The Hague on 2-3 July 2016. The festival showcased elements of the Thai cultural and traditional activities such as Thai street food, Thai beverages including beers.
Furthermore, traditional and contemporary music, dances; Muay Thai, handicraft and Thai wellbeing spa and herbs. Artists at the Thai Festival weekend: Akhira Thai Dance, Kru Maew, Khum Ponchai and some others.
For a photo album, please open the following links: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157670724192542https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671390143885https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671282483836Ambassador Boonpracong and a Thai group during the event.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of Thailand described how delighted and honored he was to welcome the audience once again to Thailand Grand Festival in the Netherlands. Several Ambassadors, friends of Thailand, Diplomats and members of international organisations, responded positively to the invitation to the Vin d’honneur to mark the opening of the 11th “Thailand Grand Festival” on 2 July 2016.
The Ambassador continued, ” this is our biggest annual family event which has been held for eleven consecutive years The Thailand Grand Festival is the pride of the Thai community in the Netherlands. It serves primarily to promote people-to-people understanding between the Netherlands and Thailand as well as to strengthen the unity of the Thai community.”
“The Royal Thai Embassy to the Netherlands attaches a great importance to the unity of people. There are over 20,000 Thais living and working in the Netherlands. The preparation of this event has proven that unity exists not only among Thai community in the Netherlands but also among Government’s offices overseas. In this connection, my heartfelt thank goes to the Office of Commercial Affairs in The Hague, the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Brussels and the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Paris for participating and for always being supportive of our events.”“This year is a remarkable year for Thai people as in Thailand we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of H.M. King’s accession to the throne on 9 June 2016 and H.M. Queen’s 84th birthday anniversary on 12 August altogether. Therefore, we have for you a touch of celebration, just like in Thailand, with an exhibition of H.M. King at our booth and also H.M. Queen’s color as our backdrop and the theme of the event.”
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong thanked all who came to join him at the opening reception of the festival. “It means a lot to me” he remarked. “I wish you stay longer to enjoy the rest of the event.”
On the two days program featured: live music, Thai massage, muay Thai or Thai kickboxing show and many more cultural performances.
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong declared the eleventh Thailand Grand Festival open by striking a gong (Khong) A very large crowd listened to Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong welcome address. He wishes everyone a great day.
Photography by Mr. Pornsith Pibulnakarintr and Ms. Watanya Singhasa from the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague and Zohra Moazzam Khan from Diplomat Magazine.
On the picture Ms Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust.Eurojust and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) signed on July 12, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further expand the existing fruitful collaboration to support European prosecutors working with cases concerning violations of intellectual property rights (IPRs). The MOU, signed at Eurojust headquarters in The Hague (Netherlands), will enable the further development of specific cooperation projects, such as joint seminars, training and intelligence, to support European prosecutors. In addition, the MoU reinforces the capacities of the European Intellectual Property Prosecutors Network (EIPPN) and formalises its role. The signature of this MoU coincides with the release of an EUIPO report on online business models infringing IPRs. The study shows that new business models have been developed to further exploit IPR infringement. Indeed, IPRs are systematically being misused as a way to disseminate malware, carry out illegal phishing and simple fraud to the detriment of society, businesses and the ordinary user of the Internet.Eurojust’s activities and casework in IPR, which is an EU crime priority, focused on identifying existing legal and judicial barriers within the Member States in the field of IPR. Building upon the excellent foundation for cooperation established by Mr László Venczl, National Member for Hungary and Eurojust contact point for intellectual property, Eurojust will further expand its cooperation with and support to EU prosecutors in dealing with cases involving IPR.The President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, said: ‘Eurojust is committed, together with EUIPO, to supporting a multi-disciplinary approach to fighting IPR, which is a growing threat to the EU and world economies.’The Executive Director of the EUIPO, António Campinos, said: ‘The EUIPO is committed to continue investing its efforts to expand knowledge and good practices among prosecutors dealing with IPR infringement, and welcomes the development of the EIPPN created in 2015’.
President Carmel Agius is in Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina today to pay his respects to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
Speaking at a solemn event to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the genocide, President Agius began by saluting the survivors and families of the victims and stressing their key role in preserving a lasting memory of the horrific events of July 1995.
“A fundamental part of any reconciliation process is justice”, President Agius said, adding that “justice alone is not enough”. He pointed out that an open communication and exchange between ethnic groups are crucial for reconciliation.
Members of different communities ought to jointly acknowledge the past, pay respect to victims and work together to ensure that such horrific crimes never happen again. Turning to the role of the Tribunal, President Agius underlined its significance in uncovering the truth about what happened in Srebrenica 21 years ago.
“I stand before you proud that the ICTY has incontrovertibly established that genocide did occur here, in Srebrenica, in July 1995, and that it has prosecuted and convicted a number of key figures responsible for it.” He added that the Tribunal’s contribution has enabled decisive rejection of the attempts to deny what happened, strengthened determination to preserve the memory and helped efforts to strive for peace and reconciliation. “Only by fully acknowledging the past can we achieve a future of true and lasting reconciliation”, President Agius said.
The victims of Srebrenica would only find peace “when they know they have not been forgotten; that their cruel and untimely death has somehow served to foster and secure a peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups of this great country; that justice has been done; and that there is a commitment never to have another Srebrenica again”.
The ICTY is the first international criminal tribunal to enter convictions for genocide in Europe. In April 2004, the Appeals Chamber of the Tribunal determined for the first time, in the proceedings against Radislav Krstić, that genocide was committed in Srebrenica in 1995, with the execution of more than 7,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys following the take-over of the town by Bosnian-Serb troops.
In total, 20 individuals have been indicted by the Tribunal in relation to the events in Srebrenica and, to date, proceedings have been completed against 15 accused.
The Tribunal Remembers: The Srebrenica Genocide (1995 – 2015)Arusha, The Hague, 11 July – As part of the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), Judge Theodor Meron, paid his respects to the victims and delivered remarks at the Potočari memorial in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In his address, President Meron spoke about the power of memory and recalled the role and words of Elie Wiesel, the vocal human rights advocate and Holocaust survivor, who passed away just over a week ago. Wiesel, said President Meron, spent a lifetime fighting against injustice and indifference, and viewed memory as “a sacred duty of all people of goodwill”.“[A]s we gather here, paying our solemn respects to the fathers and husbands, brothers and sons, and all of the other victims of the horrifying events at Srebrenica, we are not only paying tribute to the thousands of individuals who were deeply loved and who have tragically been lost,” stated President Meron. “By returning to this place year after year, to this stark sea of marble and remembrance, we are also building an extraordinary monument to memory”, he added. Judge Theodor-Meron.
He also noted that courts like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the MICT can also have a crucial role in preserving memory of the most heinous crimes, such as those committed in Srebrenica in July 1995. These courts create an unparalleled record of events and through their proceedings and rulings contribute to the preservation of memory.
In closing, the President paid tribute to those who have done so much to preserve the memory of the genocide and their efforts “to speak out against indifference or denial, and to do their utmost to ensure that future generations shall learn from our terrible past and never again repeat it.”
On the picture, H. E Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda.Kwibohora22: 22nd anniversary of liberation of Rwanda celebrated in the Netherlands
The 22nd anniversary of liberation was held under the theme “Together we prosper”.
On Saturday 9 July the Embassy of the Republic Rwanda in the Netherlands hosted the Kwibohora22 celebration in The Hague. His Excellency Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, his family, the Embassy team and the Rwanda diaspora committee welcomed more than 250 guests, including Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, Friends of Rwanda and others.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rwanda-embassy-nl/albums/72157668073729293
The program included a wide variety of entertainment, like a Rwandan music live band, traditional dance performances and a Rwandan culinary experience.
In his speech H.E. ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said he was honoured by everyone’s presence to celebrate the journey from a dark past to a brighter future. “A journey of socio-economic transformation, which turned what was a failed state two decades ago into a model of a successful post-conflict reconstruction”, said Ambassador Karabaranga.
“the secret behind our success story can be found in three decisions that we took and that made us to be where we are today: we decided to stay together, we decided to be accountable and we decided to think big. But the most important for us in that we were and are lucky to have a visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame and the Government of Unity and Reconciliation”.Kwibo 22 DPhotography courtesy of the Embassy of Rwanda
H. E. Ms. Haifa Aissami Madah and Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in The Hague, celebrated the country’s two hundred and fifth year of its Independence. Venezuela was one of the first Spanish-American colonies to declare independence.
The Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara, of the Venezuelan Embassy, organized a reception at the Marriott Hotel on 5 July 2016 to commemorate this very significant event.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668022639293H.E. Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of Malasia, H.E. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, the Ambassador of Algeria, H. E. Nourredine Ayadi, H.E. Taher Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt and Mrs Abir Ali, Charge d’affairs du Lebanon.
Large numbers of ambassadors, diplomats, Dutch civil servants and many others, came out to congratulate Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Wilhen Díaz Lara and H. E. Ms. Haifa Aissami Madah of the Permanent Mission of Venezuela to the OPCW-ICC. on this memorable day.
H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, H. E. Karim Ben Becher, Ambassador of Tunisia and the Ambassador of Algeria, H. E. Nourredine Ayadi.
The Venezuelan duo, singer Elena Gil and guitarist Enrique Pinto, again stole the hearts of the audience. The repertoire consisted of popular Venezuelan and international songs.
The Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Brett Mason, H. E. J. S. Mukul, Ambassador of India and H.E. Petar Vico, Ambassador of Serbia.
National and international entrepreneurs subscribed with Diplomat Magazine in the Netherlands, will start fostering missions and business envoys to southern Manitoba, Canada to invest in Aboriginal First Nation lands. The move encloses the support from the Government of Canada as well as provincial authorities, the private sector and aboriginal chiefs.
At the Embassy Festival, you will come across a multitude of cultures. You will get a chance to witness performances by international talent you won’t want to miss.
A variety of sensational acts, both modern and classic, will make a visit to the Embassy Festival, making it worthwhile for all music lovers. There are acts that have played at the Embassy festival, that are now thriving on big stages.
Like previous years, you will be able to see surprising acts with great potential at the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival. The Australian ‘most celebrated Hammond artist’ Lachy Doley has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country. Get inspired by Lachy Doley’s rock and blues sound, as well as his dark and raspy, but crystal-clear voice.
The Irish pop duo Hudson Taylor have already earned recognition in Ireland with their EP ‘Battles’ hitting the charts. Now it’s time for them to conquer The Hague with their folky pop songs.
The Hague is a truly international city. With the presence of the embassies, NGO’s and multinational corporations, the city is continuously connected to the world. The fourth edition of the Embassy Festival showcases a beautiful collection of international cultures that can be seen, heard and tasted.
The Embassy Festival is organised by PROOOST, the agency that is also the driving force behind the successful ‘THE LIFE I LIVE’ festival. Diplomat Magazine has been a partner of Embassy Festival since the very first edition. The festival is financially supported by the Municipality of The Hague Economic Department and Office for International Affairs and receives the support of the official Representation of the European Commission in the Netherlands.
EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2016 | 12 – 8 PM LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ADMISSION
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM 
![13626393_1132134346838976_3633645618501530600_n[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/13626393_1132134346838976_3633645618501530600_n1.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1)
“The Royal Thai Embassy to the Netherlands attaches a great importance to the unity of people. There are over 20,000 Thais living and working in the Netherlands. The preparation of this event has proven that unity exists not only among Thai community in the Netherlands but also among Government’s offices overseas. In this connection, my heartfelt thank goes to the Office of Commercial Affairs in The Hague, the Office of Agricultural Affairs in Brussels and the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Paris for participating and for always being supportive of our events.”
“This year is a remarkable year for Thai people as in Thailand we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of H.M. King’s accession to the throne on 9 June 2016 and H.M. Queen’s 84th birthday anniversary on 12 August altogether. Therefore, we have for you a touch of celebration, just like in Thailand, with an exhibition of H.M. King at our booth and also H.M. Queen’s color as our backdrop and the theme of the event.”
![13585209_1132134333505644_6793402112511327072_o[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/13585209_1132134333505644_6793402112511327072_o1.jpg?fit=427%2C640&ssl=1)
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong thanked all who came to join him at the opening reception of the festival. “It means a lot to me” he remarked. “I wish you stay longer to enjoy the rest of the event.”
On the two days program featured: live music, Thai massage, muay Thai or Thai kickboxing show and many more cultural performances.
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong declared the eleventh Thailand Grand Festival open by striking a gong (Khong) A very large crowd listened to Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong welcome address. He wishes everyone a great day.
Photography by Mr. Pornsith Pibulnakarintr and Ms. Watanya Singhasa from the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague and Zohra Moazzam Khan from Diplomat Magazine.
The program included a wide variety of entertainment, like a Rwandan music live band, traditional dance performances and a Rwandan culinary experience.
In his speech H.E. ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said he was honoured by everyone’s presence to celebrate the journey from a dark past to a brighter future. “A journey of socio-economic transformation, which turned what was a failed state two decades ago into a model of a successful post-conflict reconstruction”, said Ambassador Karabaranga.
“the secret behind our success story can be found in three decisions that we took and that made us to be where we are today: we decided to stay together, we decided to be accountable and we decided to think big.
But the most important for us in that we were and are lucky to have a visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame and the Government of Unity and Reconciliation”.
