H.E. Ambassador Ken Wu presented credentials to the Director-General of the OPCWOn May 12, 2016 H.E. Ambassador Ken Wu, newly accredited Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, presented credentials to H.E. Mr. Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General of the OPCW, accompanied by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Counselor Huaicheng Dai.The Director-General welcomed Ambassador Wu to take office, speaking highly of Chinese government’s efforts to fulfill the Chemical Weapons Convention and support for the OPCW. Ambassador Wu praised the positive role of the OPCW and the Director-General in the field of international security, as well as the cooperation between the Chinese government and the OPCW. He also exchanged views with Director-General on issues including chemical weapons abandoned by Japan on the territory of China.
Pictured Ms Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Lebanon in The Hague together with the Lebanese Trade Mission and guests.
On the occasion of the visit of a Lebanese Trade Mission, Ms Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Lebanon in The Hague, in collaboration with NCH (Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion) hosted a networking event at her residence in Wassenaar.
The event held on May 10 was an opportunity for Lebanese and Dutch businesspeople to get together and consider various ways to enhance business between Lebanon and the Netherlands. The commercial team of the Dutch Embassy in Lebanon was also present at the event showing its support to the initiative started by Ms Ali couple of years ago. In fact, the Lebanese delegation is coming every year guided by Ms Ali, growing in numbers of participants also in tangible results. The Lebanese delegation featured companies from Agriculture, Food & Beverages, packaging, commercial law, engineering, Pharmaceuticals, garments and other sectors.
Ms Abir Ali cordially welcomed the guest to this important annual event. She stated she has just returned from Lebanon a day before the event; she was there in connection with the visit on Tuesday, May 3 by H.E. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and H.E. Ms Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands. Ms Ali described the discussions between Prime Minister Rutte and his Lebanese counterpart H.E. Mr Tammam Salam as excellent and setting the way towards future cooperation. She thanked the Netherlands for their continuous support to Lebanon during the trying times that Lebanon and the region have been passing through.
In her speech, Ms Ali made a special mention of the Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon attended by over 1000 participants of Lebanese origins who returned home from all over the world to develop a valuable cultural and social connection with their homeland. The meeting took place from 5-7 May 2016 at the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand in Beirut, Lebanon.
There were delegates from the four corners of the globe; from the Gulf States, but also from Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean which has a sizeable Lebanese community. The conference aimed at promoting the positive image of Lebanon around the world. Lebanese businesspeople are to be found all over the world mostly dedicated to business and in general considered as a progressive community. The Lebanese international conference is a demonstration of Lebanese resilience.
Moreover, Ms Ali spoke with proud confidence and referred to the strength of the Lebanese people, their knowledge and professional approach, their flexibility and capability to adjust to all business environments. She added that Lebanese businessmen are present in many parts of the world especially the Gulf, Iraq, Africa and Eastern Europe. She invited the Dutch Business community to explore the opportunities in Lebanon and the business connections Lebanese have with neighbouring countries; Lebanon represents a gateway to wider markets. Hence, Abir Ali called for an increase in trade between the two nations and more cooperation.
The speaker after Ms Ali was Mr Mohammad Sinno, president of the Lebanese Dutch Business Association; he invited the Dutch to team up with the Lebanese especially in the post-crisis in Syria since Lebanese businesses will be directly involved in the reconstruction of Syria once the crisis comes to an end. In a nice way, he prevented the audience to relies on news media as the only source of information. Instead, he invited Dutch business people to visit Lebanon to discover the many opportunities.
For his part, Mr Salim Rabbani, Chairman of the MENA Business Council, highlighted the importance of contact between people to people and between business to business as the best way for cooperation to grow and to create new business opportunities.
The Lebanese residence was full and the perfect weather was kind enough to host the event on the lawns of the residence as well as indoor. Authentic Lebanese delicious food with choices to suit everyone was served continuously. It has been a great networking event.
On 11 May, the Ukrainian authorities reported that 17 paintings, stolen from the Museum of Castelvecchio (Verona) in November 2015, were recovered in Odessa. The paintings, with an estimated value of EUR 17 million, included major works by Rubens, Tintoretto, Mantegna and Pisanello.The Italian authorities, which formed a joint Carabinieri and Police team (Carabinieri Command Centre for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, the Central Operations Service of the State Police, and the Mobile Squad of the State Police of Verona), coordinated by the Prosecution Office of Verona, led by Mr Gennaro Ottaviano, immediately commenced an investigation lasting five months, leading to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators and the discovery of the stolen paintings in Ukraine.This action would not have been possible without the cooperation of several key foreign authorities, including Moldova, which assisted the Italian investigators during their missions abroad, and Ukraine, especially the General Prosecution Office of Kiev and the prosecution office and judiciary police of Odessa.Eurojust played a crucial role, especially towards the end of the investigation. Following a request for support received in late March, the Italian National Member immediately commenced a case at College level, due to the involvement of a non-EU country, and requested the support of the judicial contact point for Eurojust in Ukraine to speed up the execution of requests for mutual legal assistance.A coordination meeting was organised at short notice on 28 April at Eurojust, with the participation of representatives of all the involved Italian authorities, the General Prosecution Office of Kiev and, via videoconference, the other Ukrainian authorities involved in the facilitation of judicial and police cooperation. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange information on ongoing investigations and enhance mutual trust. The support of qualified interpreters and work provided by the Case Analysis Unit were instrumental in improving communication among the parties. The meeting resulted in the setting up of a joint Ukrainian/Italian team, which worked together in the following days in Ukraine and was instrumental in recovering the stolen paintings.
UNESCO-IHE Graduation Ceremony which took place at the end of April. 123 students from 38 countries were congratulated by the Rector a.i. Dr Fritz Holzwarth, Dr. Flavia Schlegel Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO and by Mr. Brian Arbogast Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with which the Institute has been working for several years.
Baroness Scotland and HM Queen Elizabeth II – Picture by Press Association.
The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal was received by the Head of the Commonwealth, HM Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace on May 4th , after having taken office on 1 April 2016 as Commonwealth Secretary-General. The former was nominated by her native Caribbean Commonwealth of Dominica yet she is also a British subject.
Patricia Scotland is the sixth Commonwealth Secretary-General but the first woman to take up this post. Queen Elizabeth II is Head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 53 independent countries mostly former dominions, colonies and territories of the erstwhile British Empire. As Head, Her Majesty personally reinforces the links by which the Commonwealth joins people together from around the world.
For more information:
The Commonwealth: http://thecommonwealth.org
On the picture Chiefs of mission of Norway, Liechtenstein, The Netherlands (EU Presidency) and Iceland to the EU – Picture by Anders Aalbu, Delegation of Norway to the EU.The governments of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as represented by their chiefs of missions to the EU, itself represented by Dutch Permanent Representative to the EU, H. E. Pieter de Gooijer, signed the agreements on these countries new pecuniary contributions to the least prosperous countries in the EEA, on May 3 in Brussels.The funds from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are to prioritise efforts in the areas of innovation, research and education. Energy security, climate change and greater reciprocal bilateral cooperation amongst the giving and the beneficiary countries in the areas of justice and home affairs shall likewise be key focus areas.The beneficiary countries for the new funding period are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.The European Economic Area (EEA) unites the EU Member States and the three EEA-EFTA states (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) into an Internal Market governed by the same basic rules. For more information:EU-EEA relations: http://eeas.europa.eu/eea/Mission of the Kingdom of Norway to the EU (HE Ambassador Oda Helen Sletnes): http://www.eu-norway.orgMission of Iceland to the EU, Embassy to the Benelux countries, Switzerland and San Marino (HE Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir): http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be/mission-to-the-euMission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the EU, Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium (HE Ambassador Kurt Jäger): http://www.regierung.li/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs-education-and-culture/diplomatic-representations/brussels-b/staff-contacts/
Pohela Boishakh1423 or Bengali New Year 1423 was fêted in Bangladesh and India 14/15 April 2016 (Gregorian calendar). It is based on a solar Bengali calendar and is the largest celebration for the Bengali people.
In India, the holiday is observed in West Bengal and Tripura but likewise by minor Bengali communities in other Indian states, such as Assam, Jharkhand and Orrisa.
Choul Chnam Thmey 2560 (“Enter New Year”/Buddhist Era), the Khmer New Year coincides with the traditional solar new year in several parts of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand (in these two countries it is known as Songkran) which is now linked to the Gregorian calendar and celebrated on 13 April annually for three days.
In Myanmar the holiday is known as Thingyan, and just as in neighbouring Buddhist countries it follows the tradition of Theravada.
The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic will host two concerts of the Folk Ethnographic Theater Ordo Sakhna. The event consists in a concert « Silk Road Nomad Music » follow by an Exhibition of Decorative applied art and Fashion show of the traditional costumes.
The folk ethnographic theatre «Ordo Sakhna» was created in 1999 and combined a group of professional musicians graduates of the conservatory and laureates of international and regional contests.
The aim of the theatre is to retain, develop, and popularise Kyrgyz folk heritage around the world. The originality of the Theater lies in the fact that the members perception of folklore is not pure enthusiasm, but a deep study of the spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people. Meeting with the bearers of folk traditions, the artists of the Theater have managed to recreate the ancient dances BakshyBiy and ShyrdakBiy, which were forgotten until recently.
Ordo Sakhna has gathered an exclusive collection of old traditional melodies and dastans (small epos), which came to us through centuries of generations. Through careful searching and experiments, the musicians adapted the ancient heritage to modern society.
The artists have considered every aspect of the songs and dances: detailed recreations of traditional costumes, mannerisms of motion and symbolism of gestures. With the aid of these factors, they have succeeded in recreating a realistic and honest ethnographical picture of Kyrgyz culture.
Thursday 2 June 2016 from 18:00 to 20:00
At the Music Academy The Hague, Berlage-Huis Raamweg 36 The Hague
Friday 3 June 2016 from 17.00 to 21.30
At Muziekschool Losser, Diepenbrocklaan 41, 7582 XC Losser
Free admission
RSVP before 1 june 2016 to e-mail: azizova.aijan@gmail.com, mob.: +32 498 40 77 55
The Tribunal’s judges today paid a working visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) upon the invitation of the ICC’s President, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. The purpose of the visit was two-fold: to strengthen knowledge-sharing and to foster exchange and collaboration on processes in international criminal justice.
During the visit, the judges of the ICTY and the ICC participated in an in-depth roundtable discussion to exchange best practices, with a particular focus on handling of evidence and recommendations for acceleration of trial proceedings. They were also given a guided tour of the ICC’s new premises, including the courtrooms.
ICTY President Agius, on behalf of his colleagues, welcomed the ICC President’s initiative, which he described as a best practice. Judge Agius expressed hope that today’s visit would encourage more regular exchanges among judges to discuss matters of common interest.
As the ICTY and the ICC continue to set the standard for international criminal justice, this knowledge-sharing visit marks an important step toward developing and streamlining best practices of judicial institutions worldwide.
On May 9, the exhibition “Peace and Security in Europe” was officially opened in The Hague’s City Hall. Situated in The Hague, “the City of Peace and Justice”, the setting of the exhibition could not have been more suitable for celebrating Europe Day.
The reception was opened with a warm welcome speech by the Honourable Jozias van Aartsen Mayor of The Hague who reminded the audience of the formidable historic and current challenges to Europe’s peace and security.
For additional Marina van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667578684180Eduard Slootweg, Head of the European Parliament Information Office.
The first guest to take the floor was Eduard Slootweg, Head of the European Parliament Information Office, who explained the background of the Europe Day, namely its function in recalling the Schuman Plan of 1950 which laid the foundation for a lasting peace within Europe and today’s the European Union.
How does Europe provide and protect its peace and security today? This question was answered by representatives of the most important institutions themselves – Europol, Eurojust and the European Commission. Gerald Hesztera, Head of Corporate Communications at Europol, described the central role of Europol as a hub for all police forces in Europe with headquarters in The Hague.
Intervieuws by Jan Hennop: Mr Peter Bekx, director of the European Commision Representation in The Netherlands. Ms Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust, Mr. Gerald Hesztera, Head of Corporate Communications at Europol.
Europol is an indispensable actor in its support and coordination of law enforcement operations across Europe. Ms. Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust, referred to the organization’s significance in fighting international and cross-border crime. Eurojust takes a central role in supporting EU member state in cross-border investigations and prosecutions, while at the same time closely cooperating with third states.
Lastly, Peter Bekx, director of the European Commission Representation in The Netherlands, explained the key function of the European Union itself in defending peace and security. The official part of the reception was concluded by Jan Hennop, former President of the Foreign Press Association, who invited all guests to toast to both, the Europe Day and the exhibition.
Ali Ferzat’s cartoon.
The exhibition itself is composed of two parts – on the one hand presenting the work of Eurojust, Europol and the European Commission and their integral role in the maintenance and protection of European security and peace.
On the other hand displaying a selection of the powerful cartoons by Ali Ferzat, a Syrian caricaturist who won the Sakharov Freedom Prize of thought in 2011 which is awarded to individuals with an exceptional contribution fighting for human rights. In the same year,
Ferzat was severely attacked by unknowns who deliberately broke his fingers. Despite the attacks and various threats, Mr Ferzat continues to be one of the regime’s most outspoken critics through his word and his art. Given that he is currently living in exile in Kuwait, he could unfortunately not attend the reception.
Moreover, Ms Ali spoke with proud confidence and referred to the strength of the Lebanese people, their knowledge and professional approach, their flexibility and capability to adjust to all business environments. She added that Lebanese businessmen are present in many parts of the world especially the Gulf, Iraq, Africa and Eastern Europe. She invited the Dutch Business community to explore the opportunities in Lebanon and the business connections Lebanese have with neighbouring countries; Lebanon represents a gateway to wider markets. Hence, Abir Ali called for an increase in trade between the two nations and more cooperation.
The speaker after Ms Ali was Mr Mohammad Sinno, president of the Lebanese Dutch Business Association; he invited the Dutch to team up with the Lebanese especially in the post-crisis in Syria since Lebanese businesses will be directly involved in the reconstruction of Syria once the crisis comes to an end. In a nice way, he prevented the audience to relies on news media as the only source of information. Instead, he invited Dutch business people to visit Lebanon to discover the many opportunities.
For his part, Mr Salim Rabbani, Chairman of the MENA Business Council, highlighted the importance of contact between people to people and between business to business as the best way for cooperation to grow and to create new business opportunities.
The Lebanese residence was full and the perfect weather was kind enough to host the event on the lawns of the residence as well as indoor. Authentic Lebanese delicious food with choices to suit everyone was served continuously. It has been a great networking event.
The aim of the theatre is to retain, develop, and popularise Kyrgyz folk heritage around the world. The originality of the Theater lies in the fact that the members perception of folklore is not pure enthusiasm, but a deep study of the spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people. Meeting with the bearers of folk traditions, the artists of the Theater have managed to recreate the ancient dances BakshyBiy and ShyrdakBiy, which were forgotten until recently.
Ordo Sakhna has gathered an exclusive collection of old traditional melodies and dastans (small epos), which came to us through centuries of generations. Through careful searching and experiments, the musicians adapted the ancient heritage to modern society.
The artists have considered every aspect of the songs and dances: detailed recreations of traditional costumes, mannerisms of motion and symbolism of gestures. With the aid of these factors, they have succeeded in recreating a realistic and honest ethnographical picture of Kyrgyz culture.
Thursday 2 June 2016 from 18:00 to 20:00
At the Music Academy The Hague, Berlage-Huis Raamweg 36 The Hague
Friday 3 June 2016 from 17.00 to 21.30
At Muziekschool Losser, Diepenbrocklaan 41, 7582 XC Losser
Free admission
RSVP before 1 june 2016 to e-mail: azizova.aijan@gmail.com, mob.: +32 498 40 77 55 
