The in house orchestra of Legoland performs in The Hague

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The in house orchestra of Legoland performs in The Hague
On the 13th of October the in house orchestra of Legoland, Denmark, performed at two schools in The Hague. The orchestra consists of a group of 35 young musicians who usually play in the Lego theme park in Billund, Denmark. This week the talented young musicians are on tour in The Netherlands and decided to surprise a large number of school children with a concert. IMG_3858 Dressed in their red and blue uniforms the orchestra marched in, to perform for the school children. The children got the chance to enjoy classics from The Lion King and The Jungle Book as well as interpretations of music from Pharrel and Bruno Mars.
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At the British School
And surely the school children did enjoy. After the introductory music from the orchestra, the children were not able to sit still any longer. It quickly evolved into a large dance session, with all the happy children celebrating to the music from the Lego orchestra. After the concert the young musicians nearly could not escape the school, without high-fiving every single child.

Refugee Crisis: States must fulfill its responsibilities and promises

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Refugee Crisis: States must fulfill its responsibilities and promises
 
 In the run up to the European Council on 15 October the Commission presented a statement today in which it shall report on the implementation of the priority measures of the European migration agenda.
 
President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said: “European leaders have three weeks flocked ago to agree on a concrete catalog of measures with which we should take urgent. The Commission has already fulfilled its promises.
We need more money allocated to the refugee crisis – and our budget has been modified by both co-legislators approved. We have sent experts to Greece and Italy to the hotspotsen relocation arrangements to launch and we have urged all member states insisted that they are correctly implementing the EU’s common asylum rules.
There are now concrete results, but Member States must do more. Noble words must be followed up at home in the form of concrete measures. “
  • Member States need to quickly respond to requests for national experts put on the hotspots to inform the Commission about their capacity and establish a national focal point to coordinate the relocation in Greece and Italy and the national resettlement activities.
  • Many Member States have yet to offer their own equivalent funding to support the UNHCR, the World Food Programme and other relevant organizations (500 million euros), the regional trust fund from the EU to Syria (500 million euros) and the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (1.8 billion euro).
  • Member States should also ensure the correct implementation of EU legislation. The Commission has not yet received an answer to the 40 written warnings at the September sent to the States on potential or actual breaches of EU asylum legislation (in addition to the 34 cases that were already pending at September 23).

1st. Embassy Art Exhibition 2015

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1st. Embassy Art Exhibition 2015
Photography by G. Buonamassa.   By Roy A Lie Tjam.   On the initiative of Diplomat Magazine and Gallery Patries van Dorst, under the support of Vimpelcom was inaugurated  the long awaited 1st Embassy Art Exhibition  on Wednesday 14 October at  Landgoed de Witenburg, Wassenaar on 14 October. For a photo album on the opening of the Embassy Art Exhibition featuring China, Lebanon, Serbia and Ukraine, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659633925150 also: http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/over-ons/embassy-art-exhibtion/
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Artist Liu Xiang, China.
Exhibitors and guests were warmly welcomed by Dr. Mayelinne De Lara from Diplomat Magazine, Patries van Dorst & Carel Reisch owners of the Gallery Patries van Dorst and also by  artists and representatives of China,  Ms Abir Ali ChargĂ©e d’affairs of Lebanon, H. E. Petar Vico Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and H. E. Olexander Horin Ambassador of Ukraine. The artists were Liu Xiang, Sofie Xie, Yun Xie, China. Tomislav Paunkovic, Jasmina Pejčić, Ivana Milenković, Nina Ć rajber, Serbia and Vasyliy Kohutych, Ukraine. From Lebanon Yazan Halwani,  Inaya Hodeib and Lara Zankoul; all displayed appealing works of art. The opening night provided a variety of works to delight the senses. Paintings, sculptures landscapes, surrealist pieces, the human form as well as nature were all interpreted in a unique way.
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Family picture of some of the head of missions present at the vernissage.
During the welcome remarks Dr De Lara explained how the project was born and addressed a word of thanks to all embassies and those who have made this event possible, special thanks to the Ambassador for their enthusiasm and commitment. Carel Reisch said: ‘In April we started this project and I have more white hair now than I had before. It was quite achievement to have the freedom to work with 50 artists to get all organised in such short time. On behalf of the artists please note that most of the art you see here is for sale; special thanks to the Ambassador for their enthusiasm’. Focusing on one of the exhibiting countries, Lebanon, the Charge d’affaires a.i. Ms Abir Ali  flanked by artist Ms. Inaya Hodeib noted ‘Art is not a luxury, art is a necessity. A necessity to bring people together and this exhibition that showcases artists from two continents and four countries proves that art can be a common denominator.’ Abir Ali continued, ‘I am happy that Lebanon is participating along with the embassies of China Serbia and Ukraine.’ Our artist belong to different arts expressions, the three of them extreme equal talented creators and modern, on display are works by Mr. Yazan Halwani a graffiti street artist, Ms, Inaya Hodeib, a painter and sculptor and Ms. Lara Zankoul a self taught photographer.’ ‘As you can see in Lebanon and in my region we don’t lack talent, we don’t lack modernity and we don’t lack hope what’s we lack it’s a strong commitment and joint the international efforts for peace’. It’s the first edition of the annual Embassy Art Exhibition, with 18 embassies, over 50 international artists participating and more than 300 pieces of artworks to be displayed from all over the world. Ambassador of Ukraine H. E. Olexander Horin remarks, ‘I think that Wassenaar will be known very soon not only for the posh residencies of the ambassadors, and the place where Wassenaar agreements were signed on expert control, but also by this wonderful initiative of the Embassy Art Exhibition which will give an opportunity to bring the most interesting and young and old artist to present their wonderful words here.’    ‘Ukraine is represented here by a  young 30 years old painter Vasiliy Kohutych, his intense draws, landscapes, portraits seems taken from life. ‘
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Deputy of the Embassy of Iran Mr. Habiballah Maleskshah, Ambassadors of Libya H.E. Mr. Breik A.B. Swessi, Tunisia H. E. Karim Ben Becher and Egypt H.E. Taher Farahat
This unique exhibition started on October 14th and will run until November 10th. A vernissage reception will be taking place each week and will be co-hosted by the ambassadors from the embassies for that particular week along with the exhibiting artists. The participating embassies are: Armenia, Bangladesh, Ukraine, China, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Pakistan, Iran, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia and Venezuela.
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Serbian Artist, Mr. Tomislav Paunković, Ms. Helena Toơić and Ms. Gordana Ljubisavljević, First Counsellor at the Serbian Embassy.
During his speech Ambassador of Serbia H. E. Petar Vico expressed his delight with the great opportunity for embassies and artists to be exposed to the Dutch public in this exceptional gallery, moreover he reflected on the art as a particular common field for partnership among countries. He said, ‘ I’m particularly honored that the Republic of Serbia, on such an important event, is represented by the works of four Serbian artists as  Tomislav Paunković, Ivana Milenković, Nina Schreiber and Jasmina Pejčić.’ Tomislav Paunković whose biggest influence is Rembrandt van Rijn and who has previously exhibited in many European countries, was present at the opening. Ambassador Vico pointed out that cultural bonds between countries are the strongest ones. He expressed his satisfaction that the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in The Hague participated in such an event that has contributed to further strengthening of cultural ties. Serbia delegation  including  painter Tomislav Paunković, singer Ms. Helena ToĆĄić  and embassy staff were actively participating of the event exchanging ideas and talking about  Serbia art to the guest. October 21 will be the opening night for artists from: Bangladesh, Kenya, Kosovo, Rwanda and Tunisia. Embassy Art Exhibition is sponsor by Vimpelcom. For information: http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/over-ons/embassy-art-exhibtion/

HRH The Princess Royal visits Belgium

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HRH The Princess Royal visits Belgium

HRH The Princess Royal visits Belgium to commemorate British nurse Edith Cavell.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence attended  on October 12 the commemoration of the centenary of the execution of heroic British nurse Edith Cavell in Brussels. They were joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium. For a photo album please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157660214972175   British Ambassador to Belgium Alison Rose said: “We are remembering Edith Cavell for her example of courage and duty and we hope this will serve to those involved in nursing and medicine today; people who are pioneers in their own fields whether in new treatments or for nursing in difficult or dangerous situations.” Guy Goossens - Belgische Senaat Princess Anne, together with HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium unveiled a contemporary bust of Edith Cavell in Park Montjoie which adjoins Edith Cavell Road and is close to the Edith Cavell hospital. Their Royal Highnesses also attended a ceremony in the Belgian Senate in Brussels, the location of Edith Cavell’s trial and sentencing. This event was dedicated to celebrating Edith Cavell’s nursing legacy in Belgium and the United Kingdom. Princess Anne also visited the Queen Fabiola Children’s University hospital – the only Belgian hospital entirely dedicated to children’s medicine. Edith Cavell Commemoration - Uccle Commune

MirĂł & Cobra Experimental Play

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MirĂł & Cobra Experimental Play
On the picture Ambassador of Spain H. E. Mr. Fernando Arias Gonzalez with Mr. Punyet Miró. By Roy Lie A Tjam. A special exhibition of work of the Spanish artist Joan Miró is on show at the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen. The exhibition comprises the largest collections of the Majorcan painter’s works outside of Spain and has been made possible thanks to the joint effort of the Joan Miró Foundation and Museum Cobra.
Alderwoman Amstelveen Mrs Veeningen, Mrs Van Oordt de Arias Spouse of Spanish Embasador and Mr. Punyet MirĂł.
Alderwoman Amstelveen Mrs Veeningen, Mrs Van Oordt de Arias Spouse of Spanish Embasador and Mr. Punyet MirĂł.
The inauguration took place in Amstelveen on Friday 9 October. AEPH’s members (Asociacion Espanola de Profesionales en Holanda) and friends were offered complimentary tickets. The official opening remarks were delivered by Els Ottenhof, Executive Director of the Cobra Museum, Katja Weitering Artistic Director Cobra Museum and Joan Punyet MirĂł, grandson of Joan MirĂł and president of the Joan MirĂł Foundation. Subsequently there was a musical performance by mezzo soprano Ruth Codina, accompanied by pianist Jean-Baptist Millon, courtesy of the Spanish Embassy in The Hague.
Mr Punyet Miro an Mrs Veeningen.
Mr Punyet Miro an Mrs Veeningen.
The exhibition includes more than 80 works by Joan MirĂł and 60 works by various Cobra artists including Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, Constant and Pierre Alechinsky. A viewing of the MirĂł and Cobra exhibition and a networking reception followed. Members of the Diplomatic Corps and many of Joan MirĂł fans came to admire the works of the famous Spanish genius, Joan MirĂł.

Ambassador Holmström welcomed by IKEA and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce

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Ambassador Holmström welcomed by IKEA and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce
On the picture Ambassador Per Holmström. Photos by  Caroline Wrangsten. On October 6, 2015 H.E. Mr. Per Holmström was officially welcomed to the Netherlands by Inter IKEA Systems in Delft and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Sweden and The Netherlands has a long history of trade and cultural relations and the creation of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in The Netherlands in May 1960 furthered this relationship which has proved mutually beneficial.   The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is a non-profit network organization  providing “a platform for the promotion of Swedish-Dutch business and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas between Sweden and The Netherlands,”   with more than 150 members, including Swedish, Dutch, and international companies. This relationship is highlighted in a recently published book The Swedes and the Dutch were Made for Each Other.  Historiska Media, 2014. Mr. Per Holmström officially became Sweden’s ambassador in the Netherlands on September 9 this year when he presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.  Up to that time he was  Head of the Department for Consular Affairs and Civil Law at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm and had previously served at the Consulate General in Jerusalem and at the Swedish Embassy in Paris.
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Ehsan Turabaz Inter IKEA Systems and Kerstin Gerlagh Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
He was also welcomed by the Sweden related organizations in the Netherlands. The Ambassador thanks everyone for the warm reception he has received since he arrived to the Netherlands. Mr. Holmström is impressed by the work of the wide variety of Sweden related organizations in the Netherlands, and assures them of the Embassy’s full support.
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Ambassador is awarded Honorary Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce by Ehsan Turabaz and Hannie Kroes SKF.
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Vasiliy Kohutych presents Ukraine

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Vasiliy Kohutych presents Ukraine
Ukrainian artist Vasiliy Kohutych presents Ukraine within Embassy Art Exhibition, the first joint project of Diplomat Magazine, Galerie Parties van Dorst and the embassies accredited in the Netherlands.
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H. E. Olexander Horin Ambassador of Ukraine.
A vernissage reception on occasion of opening Embassy Art Exhibition took place on October 14, 2015 at Galerie Parties van Dorst. Alongside with works of the Ukrainian artist, paintings and sculptures of the artists from China, Serbia and Lebanon were represented during the first week of the Embassy Art Exhibition. The paintings of Vasyl Kohutych are exhibited in the gallery until October 18th, 2015. All works displayed at the Embassy Art Exhibition can be purchased at the gallery Parties van Dorst. During the exhibition period the gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday 13:00 – 19:00. Address: Galerie Patries van Dorst Landgoed de Wittenburg 3 Wassenaar, 2244 BV Netherlands Source: NewsUa.nl

Angola Joins the OPCW

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Angola Joins the OPCW

Angola Joins the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Angola has today become a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, bringing the total number of OPCW Member States to 192. “Angola’s accession to the Convention brings this important treaty a further step towards complete universality,” said Ambassador Ahmet ÜzĂŒmcĂŒ, Director-General of the OPCW. “I hope this will encourage those countries which remain outside the Convention to join the global consensus against chemical weapons.” Angola deposited its instrument of accession on 16 September 2015 and the Convention entered into force for it on 16 October 2015. Non-States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention include South Sudan, Egypt, Israel and North Korea.

Migration in a World in Disarray, IOM Director General

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Migration in a World in Disarray, IOM Director General
 
Switzerland – IOM Director General William Lacy Swing  spoke of “Migration in a World in Disarray” and called for improved global migration management at a time of unprecedented human mobility. He was speaking on Monday at Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies at the Geneva Challenge 2015. The event – a contest for international graduate students – addresses advancing development goals and this year focused on return migration and socio-economic development. “More people are on the move than ever before – more than one billion in our seven-billion person world. Of these, 250 million are international migrants, and 750 million are domestic migrants. International migrants have remained constant at about 3 percent of the world’s population for several decades, but numerically, migrants are more numerous than ever before,” he said. “Demographers predict that this population boom is likely to continue beyond mid-century, at which time, the world’s population is expected to level out at nine billion. Migration as such will continue to be a ‘mega-trend’ of our century,” he added. “Today, more people have been forced to migrate than at any other time since the Second World War, namely some 60 million, about one-third of these are actual refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention, and the remaining two-thirds are internally displaced persons (IDPs). As a group, those forced to migrate constitute a population about the size of France’s population,” he noted. Conflicts and accompanying desperation are driving people to migrate under dangerous circumstances – to the sea and to the desert. Some 550,000 irregular migrants already have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe leaving a “trail of tears” – as victims of criminal gangs of smugglers torture, extort and de-humanize their victims, said Ambassador Swing. Such journeys have killed some 3,000 migrants already this year, after over 3,200 in 2014. These migration flows are a global phenomenon: in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; in the Caribbean between Haiti and South Florida; on the Mexico-US border, and in Southeast Asia, where at least 2,000 migrants may still be at sea on smugglers’ boats. This is also a period of unprecedented anti-migrant sentiment – even though there is unfilled labour demand created by an ageing Europe and the OECD area. Closing borders, instituting rigid visa regimes and criminalizing irregular migrants and other rash measures are driving more and more migrants into the hands of smugglers, said the IOM Director General. There is also a vacuum of political leadership, lack of political courage, and an erosion of international moral authority on migrant issues, with international humanitarian law being violated by all sides. Public confidence in government’s ability or willingness to manage these migration flows is another element in this “perfect storm”; and a pervasive “globalization of indifference” as Pope Francis has described it. “It is entirely within our capacity to weather this storm, however turbulent or long. IOM’s thesis is that migration is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed,” said Ambassador Swing. Source: IOM

ICC Prosecutor, growing tensions reported in Guinea

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ICC Prosecutor, growing tensions reported in Guinea
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, following growing tensions reported in Guinea. As part of its ongoing preliminary examination, my Office has been closely following developments in the situation in Guinea, including as they relate to the risk of possible violence leading to crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”). The Presidential election in Guinea is following its course. However, reports of growing tensions have recently emerged. I would like to reiterate my call for calm and restraint to all political actors, and their supporters.  I wish to reiterate that anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages or contributes in any other way to the commission of atrocity crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the ICC is liable to prosecution either in Guinea or at the Court in The Hague. My Office is closely following developments of the situation in Guinea.
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