ISS-CEDLA Conference: The Political Economy of the Extractive Imperative in Latin America: Reducing Poverty and Inequality vs. Ensuring Inclusion and Sustainability?   By Mete Erdurcan. The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) recently organised, together with the Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA), a workshop on extractivism in Latin America hosted by Murat Arsel and Lorenzo Pellegrini, lecturers at the ISS. Different speakers from around the world were gathered in the ISS, in The Hague, to discuss and present on their expertise in various aspects of topics related to extractivism, such as mining, indigenous people, and (non-) renewable resources. Due to the number of academic research, the workshop started at 09:00 and ended at 18:30; most of them honoured to present their findings. The second round of the parallel session had as guest speaker Carlos Zorrilla, an activist from Defense and Conservation of Intag (DECOIN). He presented his lecture ‘When defending your community becomes a high crime: trials and tribulations of standing up to extractivism in Ecuador’. He described his experience in Ecuador with his struggle for the preservation of the nature in the surroundings of his home.  

  By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Military, Naval and Air Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo, hosted a reception at the Embassy of China on 30 July 2015 to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, and his team were also present to welcome and talk with the many guests.     For a photo album on the 88 anniversary founding Liberation Army of China please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656274508890     In his address, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo reviewed the achievements of the PLA in the past 88 years and elaborated on the peaceful development of China. He briefly introduced the newly-published white paper on China’s Military Strategy, and reaffirmed that the strategy is defensive in nature. He highlighted the international contributions that China’s military has made around the world this year: in the fight against Ebola in west Africa, rescue work in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake, a peace-keeping mission in South Sudan, along with other missions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the world.     On the topic of Sino-Dutch military relations, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo observed that the first-ever visit of Chinese naval ships to the Netherlands in January this year had brought new life to bilateral military ties between the two countries. He also expressed his belief that ongoing exchanges and cooperation will be perpetuated in the years ahead, to great mutual benefit. Notably present was General Tom Middendorp, Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, who spoke highly of the current Sino-Dutch military relationship and expressed respect and admiration for China’s active contributions to international peace and stability.     H. E. Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Director General of OPCW, was also in attendance, alongside many diplomats and senior figures from The Hague’s international and Chinese communities, all of whom enjoyed the reception.  

On the picture  Ambassador Denis Robert delivering his speech on Canadian-Belgian relations .   To celebrate Canada Day in Belgium, His Excellency Ambassador Denis Robert, hosted a reception at the prestigious Cercle de Lorraine in Brussels on Wednesday, 1 July 2015.  Canada Day or Fête du Canada in the French language, is a federal statutory holiday marking the birth of the country on 1 July 1867 through the enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today referred to as Constitution Act, 1867).   The latter united three British colonies into the “Dominion of Canada”, that is, the existing United Province of Canada was split into the provinces of Ontario and Québec whereas New Brunswick and Nova Scotia became provinces of the newly established realm.    The holiday’s name was “Dominion Day” up to 1982 when the name was changed to “Canada Day” by parliamentary decision.  Belgium’s Princess Astrid is due to head an economic mission to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta between 24 and 31 October 2015.    For more information: Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg:  http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=28      

On the picture H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea.   By Roy Lie A Tjam. The occasion was the National day of Peru, the Ambassador H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea, hosted a reception at their residence in Wassenaar. The date was Tuesday July 28, 2015. On this day the Republic of Peru celebrates the end of war (General Jose de San Martin) that lead to its independence from Spain. The pleasant atmosphere was enjoyed by all. In his welcome remarks Ambassador draw the attention of his guest to the ongoing exhibition on the terrace and garden of his residence. Works by the renowned Dutch sculptor Like Mutal are on display. Like Mutal lives and works at various places in the world; New York, Peru. Due the inclement weather the envisaged Peruvian dance demonstration had to be annulled. However, as indicated above, it has been a marvelous Peruvian afternoon which the many diplomats, Peruvians and other guest very much appreciated.  

Photography by Embassy of Mozambique in Brussels.   To mark the 40th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, HE Ambassador Ana Nemba Uaiene, organised a reception on Thursday, 24 June 2015 at the Cercle de Lorraine in Brussels.   For a photo-album on the 40th Anniversary of Mozambique  in Brussels please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157654508974444   The African country became fully independent from Portugal on 25 June 1975 after almost ten years of armed conflict against Portugal. Today’s Mozambique had been ruled for 400 years by Portugal, and was known at the time as “Portuguese Mozambique” or “Portuguese East Africa”. Mozambique today is a member of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the Latin Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Southern African Development Community. Its economy is still developing.     The missions of Mozambique based in Brussels are accredited to the three Benelux countries, the OPCW as well as the EU. Previous to her ambassadorial post in Brussels, H. E. Ms Nemba Uaiene, headed the Mozambican embassy in France and permanent representation to UNESCO. Before that she was ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union. The African country is likewise the chosen homeland for HI&RH Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Frank) von Habsburg of Austria, Prince of Hungary, his US American-born wife, Lei and their children, Jessica, Anna-Monica, Philip and Sofia. The archducal couple are successful entrepreneurs, founders of ProIntel Africa, helping foreign companies and investors to establish themselves in Africa. Frank von Habsburg is an uncle to Diplomat Magazine’s Junior Editor HH Duke Michael of Mecklenburg and to HI&RH Archduchess Johanna von Habsburg who is currently based in Leiden. For more information: Embassy of Mozambique www.embassyofmozambique.be/index.php?lang=en ProIntel Africa: www.prointelafrica.com/our_team.html