Syrian Peace Process: The Necessity of Dialogue

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Syrian Peace Process: The Necessity of Dialogue
 By Mercedes Abdalla.
  The civil war that has been tearing Syria apart has raged for more than five years now. It has cost the lives of some two million people and has forced more than 11 million Syrians to leave their homes. Peace talks have been tried at intervals by the United Nations, Arab League, Western powers and Russia since 2012, yet without success.  Meanwhile, external military involvement has increased in the region during the past few years. The refugee crisis and the terror threat imposed by Daesh make it clear that a prompt solution is needed tackling the root cause in order to put an end to the humanitarian and political chaos in Syria. Nonetheless, it is also widely agreed that military action alone is unlikely to result in a comprehensive settlement.  After the failures of initial diplomatic attempts to reach a resolution, world leaders eventually convened under the auspices of the UN peace convoy to Syria at the 2014 Geneva II international conference. The talks were aimed at engaging all legitimate Syrian parties. The implementation of the so-called Geneva Communiqué emphasizing the establishment of stability, holding elections, forming a transitional government and reaching common grounds was the focal point of these peace negotiation. Yet the parties remained divided; no consensus or clear agenda were agreed upon by the attendant parties. In 2015, Vienna hosted another round of talks on the Syrian peace process, this time more multi-lateral in nature. Foreign ministers of twenty nations – including major powers of the Trans-Atlantic community and the Arab Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan, China and Russia – as well as international organisations, such as the Arab League, United Nations and the European Union participated in the International Syria Support Group. Tangible progress was made and a timeline for the peace plan was set up. The initiative aimed to achieve a political solution for the country and comprised points on bringing together the Syrian government and opposition in formal negotiations; upholding cease-fires; drafting a new constitution; and holding free and fair elections. Subsequently, in December 2015, the main points agreed upon at the conference – coined the ‘Vienna Statements’ – were endorsed by the UN Security Council. Many see the ongoing UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva as a “moment of truth” for Syria since they resumed earlier this month. Besides maintaining the cessation of hostilities and ceasefire through military means, the need for inclusive and constructive dialogue has been acknowledged in order to deescalate the conflict. Early stages of the so-called proximity talks have been completed, and are acknowledged by the opposing domestic sides as well as alliance members. Even though a long and challenging road still awaits the negotiators, the Syrian peace process has made one thing clear; military involvement might be necessary, but it is not enough. Understanding different stances and reaching consensus through diplomatic means is crucial for pursuing sustainable stability in Syria. Photography UN npr.org

4th edition of The Hague Marathon

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4th edition of The Hague Marathon
The 4th edition of The Hague Marathon will take place on Sunday 25 September 2016, shortly after the International Day of Peace on 21 September and the Sunday right after Prince’s Day. With the support of Diplomat Magazine, the marathon organisers hope to make this year’s event the most successful yet. Stichting The Hague Marathon is a charitable organisation which aims to provide long distance running and walking events within The Hague and its surrounding regions, thereby showcasing many beautiful landmarks such as the International Peace Palace, Scheveningen Pier, The Hague Forest and the Dutch Houses of Parliament. This year, all profits will go to the Heart Foundation, although many other charities will also be represented at the event. The official website is www.denhaagmarathon.nl and runners from all over the world are represented in the distances of 2.2 km, 21km, 42km and 63 km. The event is organised primarily by volunteers including from Diplomat Magazine, and we welcome anyone who would like to contribute. Diverse tasks include administrative work at the office at Raamweg 47; traffic regulations on the day itself; manning the water-posts; escorting the ultra-marathon runners; packing lunches and folding runners’ shirts; storing luggage from the runners; and general promotional tasks in The Hague to raise awareness of the event. If you like to participate in this fun-filled athletic and cultural event, please send an email to info@denhaagmarathon.nl. The Stichting holds a “borrel” or drink every third Friday of the month for all volunteers, and every volunteer receives a goody bag and runner’s T-shirt on the marathon day itself. Naturally, all volunteers are provided with a lunch packet on the day, and there is a dinner organised in the weeks following the event to thank those who participated. The Peace Marathon is also an excellent opportunity for expatriates to work alongside Dutch volunteers, practise your Dutch language skills and enjoy the typical Dutch ‘bier en bitter garnituur’. Moreover, the Stichting allows companies, organisations, institutions and Embassies the possibility to participate in the event as a Business Run. With this Business Run, we offer teams the opportunity to sign up for the half marathon, the marathon or the ultramarathon. Every team should have 5 members, and is free to choose both the distance to run and the members of its team (relatives can also take part). The registration cost for a Business Run team is Euro 395 (excl. 6% BTW). Every fourth team of the same organisation pays only Euro 345 (excl. 6%) per team. For the Business Run teams, we offer special facilities with the co-operation of Novotel on the Hofweg and these include: Changing rooms Snacks and drinks in a special reception A special starting section for the Business Run teams A meeting and photo with a well-known Hague personality Notification of your name and logo as a Business Run Partner on the DHM website Special baker’s delicacy of ‘Haagse Kakker’ for every team Green-yellow runner’s shirt for all team members and for two companions, a lovely collector’s item and 50% off a room with bath and shower at Novotel The Hague.

Hungary successful national day reception in The Hague

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Hungary successful national day reception in The Hague
Pictured Hungary’s new honorary consuls in the Netherlands. Successful national day reception at Embassy of Hungary in The Hague Hungarian Chargé d’Affaires Mr Zoltán Lékó and his wife Ms Anna Lékó welcomed 130 distinguished guests to the National Day reception of Hungary at the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague. Commemorating the Revolution and the following War of Independence in 1848-49, Mr Lékó highlighted in his speech that the demands of the Youth of March relating the rule of law are still so valid, that most of them can be found in the Hungarian constitution adopted in 2011, as well as the Dutch constitution which created the parliamentary democracy and was adopted in October 1848, to avoid the revolution in the Netherlands. During the reception, the solemn oath-taking of Hungary’s newly appointed honorary consuls in the Netherlands took place. Mr Dirk Beljaarts, Mr Alfred Evers and Mr Seerp Leistra were handed their consular commission signed by Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.
Hungarian dresses
Traditional Hungarian dresses
Guests were served traditional Hungarian dishes and the cultural program included performances by prímás Tamás Balázs and his orchestra, and an exhibition of traditional Hungarian clothing presented by Marielle van Luijk. The gypsy band lead by Balázs is the youngest professional gypsy orchestra from Budapest.Their tour through the Netherlands and performance at the Embassy was made possible by the Dutch foundation Magyar Nóta, which promotes Hungarian gypsy music in the Netherlands.
Hungarian violinist
Tamás Balázs
Pictures by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague.

Genocide perpetrators should have no place to hide in the civilized world

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Genocide perpetrators should have no place to hide in the civilized world
By Robert Kayinamura, First Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda On April 7th 2016, Rwanda and the world commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi  that took 1 million lives in just 100 days. For Rwandans, commemoration does not only remind us of a past never to be repeated, it is opportunity to further reflecting on how to deepen commitment towards achieving justice, peace and to give dignity to our loves one . In the 100days, what survivors need to hear is not just sympathy, but why 22 years later, countries are still failing their duty to investigate, prosecute and punish genocide perpetrators on their territories. In a landmark decision, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, the UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 2150 (2014), the resolution condemns without any reservation any denial of the genocide against the Tutsi  and calls upon states to investigate, arrest, prosecute or extradite and end impunity for those individuals accused of the genocide against the Tutsi  who may be currently residing in their territories, and argued states to recommit themselves to the prevention of and fight against genocide and other serious atrocity crimes under international law. The resolution also highlights lessons learned from the 1994 genocide against Tutsi  and emphasizes the importance of education in order to prevent such atrocities in the future. Additionally, Resolution 2150 requests greater cooperation and coordination of existing early warning mechanisms in order to better “detect, assess and respond” to areas and populations of the world that may be particularly vulnerable to mass atrocities. The question now is whether countries have adhered to the call of the Security Council decision to apprehend suspects on their territories. Will there be consequences to countries that have ignored this resolution? The enforcement mechanism of such a resolution is lacking and even the political willingness is lacking. This year in Rwanda, the genocide against the Tutsi  was commemorated under the theme, “fighting genocide ideology and denial.” As Rwandans reflect on this important theme, there are still pertinent questions that need answers and as we take stock of what happened to over a million innocent and defenseless men, women, and children. The government of Rwanda has decided to keep the focus on fighting genocide ideology and denial to respond to constant attempts by Genocide deniers to undermine the slaughter. Under Rwandan law, the Genocide ideology is a crime that is defined as an aggregate of thoughts manifested by conduct, speeches, documents and other acts aiming at exterminating or inciting others to exterminate people based on their ethnic group, origin, nationality, region, colour, physical appearance, sex, language, religion or political opinion. the crime of Genocide ideology can be committed through marginalising, laughing at one’s misfortune, defaming, mocking, boasting, despising, degrading, creating confusion aiming at negating the genocide, stirring up ill feelings, taking revenge, altering testimony or evidence for the Genocide which occurred, killing, planning to kill or attempting to kill someone for purposes of furthering the ideology As Rwanda commemorates genocide for the 22nd time, the world will be celebrating the 71st anniversary of the United Nations charter, in which its 194 members have pledged “never again” and have committed to “establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained. Among these treaties are those that have moved the prosecution of genocide from being an option to being a duty. After the Holocaust in 1945, a number of Nazis took off their uniforms and disappeared into different countries around world. It was easy then because international law was still underdeveloped, international cooperation was limited and countries had no information technology and ways to track them. As a result, there are 140,000 people on outstanding arrest warrants. The world should not make the same mistakes it did after the Holocaust. Today, countries are better equipped with international norms and technologies to allow tracking, investigating and prosecuting of genocide suspects. The Genocide Convention, for example, unequivocally obliges countries to “provide effective penalties for persons guilty of genocide.” Similarly, the four Geneva Conventions provide that everyone, among its now 194 member states, “shall be under the obligation to search for persons alleged to have committed, or to have ordered to be committed, such grave breaches, and shall bring such persons, regardless of their nationality, before its own courts.” This obligation is also recognized in customary international law. Despite this international obligation, hundreds of genocide suspects are still enjoying freedom in a number of countries around the world, especially Europe. European citizen should demand their governments not to allow their countries to be a safe haven for genocide perpetrators. Countries need to know that prosecuting or extraditing suspects of genocide is a duty, and failure to do so constitutes a serious violation of international law. Until now, Rwanda and other countries that take this duty seriously have given priority to the use of cooperation, persuasion and rewards to convince countries to deal with genocide suspects on their territory. As patience runs out, however, it may not be a surprise if Rwanda or another interested country to start looking for avenues to force these countries to fulfill their international duty to extradite or prosecute genocide suspects.

Fatou Bensouda, calling for defection by LRA fighters

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Fatou Bensouda, calling for defection by LRA fighters
  Message from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, calling for defection by LRA fighters. “My Office has received information from communities in Northern Uganda and from Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) fighters who have returned from the bush that many within the ranks of the LRA are still being misled by Joseph Kony and other senior LRA commanders that you will either be imprisoned like Dominic Ongwen, or even tortured or killed by the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), if you surrender and try to return home. This is not true, and it is a complete fallacy to suggest that the ICC engages in torture or killing of any individual.  As it concerns judicial proceedings, only the cases of Joseph Kony or Dominic Ongwen are before the ICC. No other LRA member is subject to ICC proceedings. We have seen encouraging trends: many LRA fighters are returning home and reintegrating into their communities. I urge those still in the bush to also seize any opportunity to stop fighting and return home, where you have a chance to rebuild your lives.  Among the five arrest warrants initially issued by the Court in 2005, only two remain outstanding: senior LRA commanders Joseph Kony and Vincent Otti (believed deceased). Apart from them, there are no ICC arrest warrants outstanding for any other LRA soldiers. Dominic Ongwen was arrested and is now being tried at the ICC because he was one of the five top commanders against whom ICC judges issued a warrant of arrest for atrocity crimes committed in Northern Uganda. Dominic Ongwen is facing a fair trial, which is impartial and public. Following the confirmation of charges hearing, which was held from 21 to 27 January 2016, ICC Judges have just confirmed all the 70 charges submitted against Dominic Ongwen by my Office. The law applicable at the ICC and the Court’s Judges ensure that the rights of any accused person subject to proceedings before the Court are fully respected. As we move towards the trial in this case, Dominic Ongwen will continue to be represented by lawyers of his choice and will be afforded the necessary facilities to prepare his defence.  I take this opportunity to once again call on Joseph Kony to hand himself in and face justice. My Office will continue to galvanise efforts to arrest him. Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Joseph Kony is invited to contact my Office at the following email (OTP.Uganda.Investigation@icc-cpi.int) or to send a text message only to the following Ugandan local number +25678-0245609.  Sending such information to the Court is an act of courage that will help to put an end to Joseph Kony’s alleged criminal mistreatment of his own people and those of other nations.”      

Golden Bengal, Bangladesh Independence and National Day 2016

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Golden Bengal, Bangladesh Independence and National Day 2016
Pictured H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and his wife Dr. Dilruba Nasrin. By Roy Lie Tjam. On the 45th National Independence Day of Bangladesh H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal hosted a reception, where many guests were invited. The reception took place at Bangladesh House in Wassenaar on the 29th March 2016. A large number of diplomats, dignitaries, (international) judges, public servants and Bangladeshi diaspora responded to the cordial invitation by Ambassador Belal and attended the wonderful reception. The guests enjoyed typical Bangladeshi hospitality including music, a video screening and an authentic Bangladeshi buffet, topped off with a speech by Ambassador Belal. According to Chinese, Greek and British scholars, Bengal was supposedly once the wealthiest region in the world. Today, Bangladesh is making strides to regain some of that glorious position it once held.
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H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and his wife together with the Bangladesh Embassy staff.
Here follows an extract of Ambassador Belal’s welcome address: “It is my profound pleasure to welcome you all to the celebration of the 45th Anniversary of our Independence and National Day. I would like to begin by paying tribute to our greatest leader, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose dynamic and visionary leadership led Bangladesh to her independence in 1971. I also recall the supreme sacrifices made by the bravest sons and daughters of our soil to win the independence for us. Bangladesh has come a long way since independence in realizing the Father of the Nation’s dream, a hunger-free, poverty-free and deprivation-free Bangladesh, a “Sonar Bangla”- Golden Bengal. We are now striving to make Bangladesh a knowledge-driven middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. Our average GDP growth rate over the past decade has been six per cent plus. We have made significant progress in social sector and achieved almost all the MDGs. We Bangladeshis are peace loving moderate people. We have been consistently maintaining a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy in our efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. The Netherlands was one of the first European countries to recognize Bangladesh on 11 February 1972. Since then, our relationship has witnessed a steady progress marked by genuine friendship between our two peoples and our two governments. The relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands has evolved to a development partnership. And this is reflected in the regular exchange of bilateral visits at high political and official levels, growth in trade and investment, and increased cooperation in agriculture, health, food security, water sector development, and human resources development.
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Ambassador Belal and wife with members of the Bangladesh community in the Netherlands.
Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to the Netherlands on 3-5 November 2015 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands His Excellency Mr. Mark Rutte. This was the first-ever official visit by a Head of Government of Bangladesh to the Netherlands. Her Majesty Queen Máxima visited Bangladesh on 16-18 November 2015 in her role as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development at the invitation of the Government of Bangladesh. Earlier in June 2015, Her Excellency Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and Her Excellency Ms. Melanie Schultz van Haegen-Maas Geesteranus, Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment undertook a joint-visit to Bangladesh. These visits have provided with an important opportunity to broaden and deepen the existing excellent bilateral relations between our two friendly countries. The recent signing of several instruments between our two countries in the areas of sustainable delta management under the flagship initiative “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100”, land reclamation and accretion in Bangladesh and the sharing of knowledge and innovation for sustainable development was a significant achievement in the discourse of our evolving development partnership. Bangladesh also works very closely with the Netherlands in the United Nations and other international forums. I now take the opportunity to congratulate the Bangladeshi Diaspora living in the Netherlands for their contribution in building and promoting economic and commercial relations between our two friendly countries. I also applaud them for upholding the image of Bangladesh in the Netherlands. I am confident that they would continue their efforts to the strengthening of the excellent ties of friendship and amity between our countries. I wish to convey our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government and the people of the Netherlands for their warm hospitality, friendship and understanding and for the excellent cooperation extended to the Embassy and the Bangladesh community in the Netherlands. I am confident that the close friendship and excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries will continue to deepen and get stronger in the days ahead. Finally, on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and all the Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings and very best wishes for the long life and good health of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and for His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I also like to express our best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Netherlands. Long live Bangladesh-the Netherlands friendship!”

Spring in the Hof van Wouw

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Spring in the Hof van Wouw
Spring in the Hof van Wouw on Wednesday April 13th, from 1400-1600  in the garden of the Hesperides. In the middle of the busy city of The Hague, the 17th century ‘hof’ is a haven of peace. The almshouses are arranged around a courtyard garden with citrus and pear trees. Rarely open to the public you can come to enjoy the blossoming fruit treas. In our new greenhouse the citrus fruit trees are starting to blossom. It smells delicious! Our volunteers will explain the new produce that is coming up in the vegetable garden. During this afternoon you can have coffee, tea or other refreshments on our covered terrace. All the proceeds will go to the maintenance of our garden.
Hof van Wouw
Hof van Wouw
——– Spring in the Hof van Wouw on Wednesday April 13th. From 1400-1600 in the garden of the Hesperides, Hof van Wouw Entry fee: 1 EURO. Entrance: Hof van Wouw: Lange Beestenmarkt 49-85, Den Haag. For information: www.hofvanwouw.      

Adventurous Lapland

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Adventurous Lapland
By Shirley Cottaar. A white army of fir trees show up outside the airplane window. ‘Tervetuola’, welcome to Kuusamo-Ruka, Winter Wonderland, where my adventure starts! The small airport of Kuusamo gives easily access to Northern Finland to spend quality time together with friends and family. Almost as important is the guarantee of snow and extreme temperatures way below zero degrees. Except for the snow, which Kuusamo has plenty, this area is famous for excellent husky and snowmobile safaris, ice fishing and ski facilities in a fabulous landscape. Not to mention the Finnish tradition of great hospitality, wellness and food ready to be experienced at one of the great lodges in the middle of the nature, the Isokenkäisten Klubi. Tytöt Isokenkäisten Klubi The fresh faces of the hostesses Katja and Sirpa immediately make me feel at home in their beautiful wooden lodge with several types of accomodations. Founded by their father Aimo, the sisters not only host foreign guests in their lodge but also locals who come for a good meal and to relax. “My father got the idea to start a lodge because friends of him, important Finish politicians, came here for relaxation and to swim in the lake Heikinjärvi. The name ‘Isokenkäisten’ means ‘big foot’ in the Finnish language refering to these important guests in the past. But after that our bussiness expanded receiving guests from all over the world. It is a pleasure to arrange all the outdoor activities for our guests in Lapland,” explains Katja with a smile. Sirpa enters the room preparing the dinner tables and pours me a cup of special home made tea. “These herbs are picked by us during summer time.” Sirpa is in charge of the kitchen where all the meals are prepared. “Everything is fresh and traditional Finnish.” Sirpa shows me a hand of lingonberries and cloudberries that will be used in today’s dessert. “Wait untill you taste our declicious arctic reindeer meat and our Kitkan Viisas fishes from the lake!” Landscape activities When the Husky sleds depart in the morning for a 15 kilometer ride I find myself in the snowy landscape enjoying the silence and wilderness. I am protected by a special suit against the cold that is handed out at the beginning of the holiday in the lodge. For the Husky’s it can not be cold enough, the colder it is the better the dogs are able to pull te sleds. After returning to the lodge in the evening Katja and Sirpa are calling all the guests with big enthusiasm. Stunning Northern lights show up outside te lodge around the lake. “In this area there is a big chance to spot the Northern lights because we are isolated. There are no lights from other buildings,” as Katja points her finger to the sky. The mysterious combination of colors seem to move, finding it’s way through the trees. “The Northern lights is a rare phenomenon, and you are lucky to see it tonight. We are always excited too when we see it.” _MG_2995   Safari to Kuntivaara Highlight of my visit to Lapland is the snowmobile safari to the hill of Kuntivaara (460 m), near the Russian border. Driving high speed over frozen lakes and through the hills I finally reach the famous hill of Kuntivaara. Excited of the marvelous view I get away of the paths ending with my middle in the snow gazing at the Russian lakes on the other side of te hill. Luckely the day ends with a traditional Smoke Sauna at the lodge, heated by father Aimo. Sauna, a typical Finnish tradition that after a long day in the cold I cannot wait to experience myself.         For information: http://www.ikk.fi/en/ Embassy of the Republic of Finland: http://www.finlande.nl/nl                                      

Remitting credentials Ambassadors of France, Algeria and Kyrgyzstan

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Remitting credentials Ambassadors of France, Algeria and Kyrgyzstan
Pictured H. E. Philippe Lalliot, Ambassador of the French Republic. His Majesty The King of the Netherlands on Wednesday March 30 at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague received the following Ambassadors in a ceremony for handing over their credentials : the Republic of France, Mr. Philippe Lalliot, the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mr. Nourredine Ayadi, and the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Asein Kuseinovich Isaev.
Nourredine Ayadi. Algeria
H. E. Nourredine Ayadi. Ambassador of Algeria
H. E. Asein Kuseinovich Isaev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic.
H. E. Asein Kuseinovich Isaev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Photography by Frank van Beek.

Prosecutor Vs Judgement of Vojislav Šešelj

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Prosecutor Vs Judgement of Vojislav Šešelj
Statement of the Office of the Prosecutor on the Judgement of Vojislav Šešelj We fully understand that many victims and communities will be disappointed by the Trial Chamber’s judgment. We will carefully review the Trial Chamber’s reasoning that led to this outcome, including the dissenting opinion and the Trial Chamber’s findings that depart from the consistent jurisprudence of the Tribunal. We will then determine whether there are grounds to appeal the judgment. It should be recalled that an indictment and arrest warrants are currently pending against three of Šešelj’s associates, including two members of his defence team, for allegedly having threatened, intimidated, offered bribes to, or otherwise interfered with two Prosecution witnesses. In addition, Šešelj has been convicted three times of contempt of court for revealing the identities of protected Prosecution witnesses and sentenced to a total of 4 years and 9 months imprisonment for those crimes.
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