Birth of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa
On the picture Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
On 6 February 2015, Her Royal Highness Princess Sahab bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, spouse of His Highness Major Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Association of Athletics Federations, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, etc., gave birth to Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad’s second son, Abdullah.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was named after his maternal grandfather, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia who passed away on 23 January 2015.
He is the first born grandchild of the late monarch after his demise. Sheikh Abdullah is moreover the second son for Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad and his Saudi-born wife Princess Sahab bint Abdullah. Their first-born son, HH Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid, was born back in 2012.
Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad is the fifth son of Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad II and his second wife, HRH Sheikha Sheia bint Hassan Al Ajmi. His older brother, HH Colonel Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is The King’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The latter has just launched the “Developing Leadership Skills and Knowledge Programme” through the foundation named after him. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad endevours to foster young endemic talent, and the development of a person’s self-awareness, communication skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking and personal authenticity.
More information:
http://www.khalidbinhamad.info/en/
http://www.nbhf.bh/index.php
http://www.nasseralkhalifa.bh/english/index.asp#
OPCW adopts a decision
OPCW adopts a decision on reports of the Fact-Finding Mission.
In a meeting today, the Executive Council of the OPCW adopted a decision expressing its serious concern regarding the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission, made with a high degree of confidence, that chlorine had been used as a weapon in three villages in northern Syria from April to August 2014.
The Council reaffirmed its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances. It emphasised that any use of chemical weapons anywhere at any time by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and would violate international law. The Council expressed its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable.
The Executive Council also expressed support for the continuation of the work of the Fact Finding Mission and called upon all parties which will be addressed by the FFM to extend their full cooperation to the Mission to ensure that it completes its work safely and effectively.
The Director-General welcomed the commitment of States Parties to protect and strengthen the fundamental goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. “This decision makes it absolutely clear that chemical weapons are illegal, and that their use will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Ambassador Üzümcü.
Trade Mission from Peru
On the occasion of a trade mission directed by H.E. Minister Paul Duclos visiting the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador of Peru, Carlos Herrera had the pleasure to invite a select group of Diplomats and Leaders of Industry at his residence in Wassenaar for a private dinner.
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Donations can be made by credit card, PayPal, or other methods. Your contribution, small or large, will make a difference. Thank you for your support.
To make a donation, visit http://www.diplomacy.edu/aboutus/support/fund for details.
Chemical Weapon Production Facilities Destroyed in Syria
First of 12 Chemical Weapon Production Facilities in Syria Destroyed.
The destruction of an underground structure in Syria that previously hosted a chemical weapon production facility – the first of twelve planned to be destroyed – was completed on 31 January 2015. OPCW inspectors verified and declared the structure as destroyed on the same day.
At the same time, destruction activities and preparatory work at the eleven remaining structures continue.
“I welcome the destruction of the first facility, which had been delayed due to some technical reasons. I am hopeful that remaining destruction activities will proceed according to the plan,” said Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü.
98% of chemical weapons declared by the Syrian Arab Republic have so far been verified by the OPCW as destroyed. This includes 100% of sulfur mustard and methylphosphonyl difluoride – a precursor chemical for the nerve agent sarin – which were neutralised aboard the US Cape Ray.
Only 29 metric tones of Hydrogen fluoride remain to be destroyed at facilities in the United States and United Kingdom.
Progress towards destruction of effluent arising from sea-based destruction of sulfur mustard and methylphosphonyl difluoride continues to be made at facilities in Germany and Finland, respectively – 63% of 333,520 kg of sulfur effluents and 52% of 5,867,000 kg of fluorinated effluents have been destroyed.
The Declaration Assessment Team of the OPCW, whose mandate is to assist the Syrian authorities to complete their declaration, has undertaken its seventh visit to Syria and will submit its report at the next meeting of the Executive Council.
Frames by Guy Sainthill
On the picture Guy Sainthill demonstrates how to add the 24 carat gold to the wooden frame.
By Carel Reisch.
Galerie Patries van Dorst presented the charming and passionate conference, ‘Frames’. Guy Sainthill gave an animated lecture on his passion: creating great frames and restoration! What about the style periods of frames and how to recognize them? What frames were in any century in fashion? Why does he use glue made out of boiled rabbit bones? How do you recognize a handmade frame at a flea market?
Guy Sainthill explaining his audience how frames are restored.
Guy Sainthill explaining his audience how frames are restored. Fatou Bensouda, ahead of the general elections in Nigeria
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, ahead of the general and state elections in Nigeria
On 14 and 28 February 2015, Nigerians are set to participate in general and state elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerian presidential candidates and political leaders recently signed a pact committing themselves, their parties and their followers to refrain from violence before, during and after these elections. I urge them to consolidate this commitment.
At a time when abhorrent levels of violence already plague parts of the country, I recall that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed on the territory of Nigeria or by Nigerian nationals from 1 July 2002 onwards. Crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC have already been committed in this context, as reflected in my Office’s preliminary examination report published in December 2014. Further analysis is on-going to determine the next steps that my Office should take in accordance with its duties under the Rome Statute.
Experience has shown that electoral competition, when gone astray, can give rise to violence and in the worst case scenarios, even trigger the commission of mass crimes that “shock the conscience of humanity.” Any person who incites or engages in acts of violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes within ICC’s jurisdiction is liable to prosecution either by Nigerian Courts or by ICC. No one should doubt my resolve, whenever necessary, to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes.
A team from my Office will be present in Nigeria prior to the elections to further engage with the authorities and encourage the prevention of crimes.
Romania’s royalty 25 years later
From the Press Office of His Majesty King Mihai I of Romania – Elisabeta Palace, București.
On Saturday, 17 January, a special meeting with The Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation’s people and projects took place at the ‘Gheorghe Focsa’ hall of the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum, bringing together foundation beneficiaries and volunteers.
On Sunday morning, 18 January, at 11 a.m., TT.RR.HH. Crown Princess Margareta, Princess Sofia and Princess Maria, along with foreign personalities from the USA, the UK, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Russia, The Netherlands, Sweden and Spain visited the Studio 4 of The Romanian Television, from where the historical events were broadcast in December 1989.
On Sunday evening, at 6 p.m., The Royal Family attended the gala concert at the Romanian Athenaeum, performed by the Camerata Regala orchestra, violinist Remus Azoitei and the Choir of the ‘George Enescu’ Philharmonic under the baton of maestro Horia Andreescu.
The evening concluded with an official dinner hosted by the National Savings Bank Palace, at 8 p.m., in the presence of TT.RR.HH. Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu, along with Princess Sofia, Princess Maria, Prince Nicholae and Prince Lorenz of Belgium and of H.E. Mr Victor Ponta, Prime-Minister of Romania, H.E. Mr Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, President of the Romanian Senate, H.E. Mr Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania (1996-2000), Mr Dorin Chirtoaca, Mayor of the City of Kishinev (Republic of Moldova) and 200 guests, foreign personalities, but also representatives of all areas of Romanian society, who have supported the Royal Family in the past 25 years.
After an exile of 42 years, on 18 January 1990, the first member of The Romanian Royal Family, Princess Margareta, set foot on Romanian soil, accompanied by her sister, Princess Sofia. His Majesty King Mihai I had entrusted to his eldest daughter the mission to represent him in the country, for the first time since the Royal Family’s departure into exile in the dawn of 4 January 1948.
The celebrations were attended by His Imperial and Royal Highness The Duke of Modena, Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, Prince of Belgium, Hungary and Bohemia, Her Serene Highness Princess Marie Therese von Hohenberg, Lady Bailey, former French Minister of Culture, Frédéric Mitterand, Romania’s Prime Minister, Mr Victor Ponta, amongst other personalities.
Romanian news agencies likewise announced the permanent move to Romania of HRH Princess Maria, the former King’s youngest daughter, who was until now settled in the USA.
For more information:
www.fpmr.ro/index.php?page=welcome
www.familiaregala.ro/
Photography by Daniel Angelescu, (c) Household of His Majesty King Mihai I of Romania.
The Household of His Majesty King Mihai I of Romania organised, on Saturday, 17 January 2015 and Sunday, 18 January 2015, a series of events dedicated to the celebration of the XXV Anniversary of Crown Princess Margareta’s arrival in her country, Romania, back on 18 of January 1990. The celebration events took place in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess, His Royal Highness Prince Radu, Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia, Her Royal Highness Princess Maria and His Royal Highness Prince Nicolae of Romania.
On Saturday, 17 January, a special meeting with The Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation’s people and projects took place at the ‘Gheorghe Focsa’ hall of the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum, bringing together foundation beneficiaries and volunteers.
On Sunday morning, 18 January, at 11 a.m., TT.RR.HH. Crown Princess Margareta, Princess Sofia and Princess Maria, along with foreign personalities from the USA, the UK, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Russia, The Netherlands, Sweden and Spain visited the Studio 4 of The Romanian Television, from where the historical events were broadcast in December 1989.
On Sunday evening, at 6 p.m., The Royal Family attended the gala concert at the Romanian Athenaeum, performed by the Camerata Regala orchestra, violinist Remus Azoitei and the Choir of the ‘George Enescu’ Philharmonic under the baton of maestro Horia Andreescu.
The evening concluded with an official dinner hosted by the National Savings Bank Palace, at 8 p.m., in the presence of TT.RR.HH. Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu, along with Princess Sofia, Princess Maria, Prince Nicholae and Prince Lorenz of Belgium and of H.E. Mr Victor Ponta, Prime-Minister of Romania, H.E. Mr Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, President of the Romanian Senate, H.E. Mr Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania (1996-2000), Mr Dorin Chirtoaca, Mayor of the City of Kishinev (Republic of Moldova) and 200 guests, foreign personalities, but also representatives of all areas of Romanian society, who have supported the Royal Family in the past 25 years.
After an exile of 42 years, on 18 January 1990, the first member of The Romanian Royal Family, Princess Margareta, set foot on Romanian soil, accompanied by her sister, Princess Sofia. His Majesty King Mihai I had entrusted to his eldest daughter the mission to represent him in the country, for the first time since the Royal Family’s departure into exile in the dawn of 4 January 1948.
The celebrations were attended by His Imperial and Royal Highness The Duke of Modena, Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, Prince of Belgium, Hungary and Bohemia, Her Serene Highness Princess Marie Therese von Hohenberg, Lady Bailey, former French Minister of Culture, Frédéric Mitterand, Romania’s Prime Minister, Mr Victor Ponta, amongst other personalities.
Romanian news agencies likewise announced the permanent move to Romania of HRH Princess Maria, the former King’s youngest daughter, who was until now settled in the USA.
For more information:
www.fpmr.ro/index.php?page=welcome
www.familiaregala.ro/
XV anniversary for Bait Muzna in Oman
Photography by Bait Muzna Gallery
By Baron Henri Estramant. The Sultanate of Oman’s very first privately owned gallery, Bait Muzna, celebrated 15 years of existence with an exhibition of Iraqi-British artist Sabah Arbilli on 28 January 2015. Bait Muzna was founded in 2000 at the initiative of Their Highnesses the late Sayyid Kais bin Tariq Al Said and his US-born spouse Sayyida Susan Al Said after the former inherited the property where the gallery now stands from his aunt the late Sayyida Muzna bint Nader Al Said. Henceforth Her Highness Sayyida Susan and her staff have diligently promoted Omani artists, and brought renowned international ones to exhibit their work in Muscat where the art scene is still underdeveloped. For more pictures please open:
The gallery has contributed greatly to the timid Omani arts community often in conjunction with the Omani Society for Fine Arts as well as other art galleries worldwide; particularly pursuing Sayyida Susan’s commitment to aid local artists through foreign expertise.
Sabah Arbilli is an Iraqi-born, British visual artist currently based in Qatar, and managed by British artist Shahida Ahmed. His œuvre includes sculptures, calligraphy, digital art, murals and abstract painting. He holds an art degree from the University of Wales.
![IMG_2496-1024x683[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2496-1024x6831.jpg?ssl=1)
To celebrate the gallery’s fifteenth anniversary a high-ranking member of the Sultanic House was at hand, His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Member of the Board – Royal Opera House Muscat, who ceremoniously opened the exhibiton. Several ambassadors, corporate sponsors, art collectors, local and expatriate artists attended the event to buttress up Bait Muzna’s solid position in Oman’s still developing art scene.
Arbilli’s exhibition shall continue till 23 February 2015 at Bait Muzna, located in Muscat’s Old Town just a stone’s throw away from Al Alam Palace, official residence of the country’s ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
For more information:
www.baitmuznagallery.com
https://www.qatarcollections.com/589/sabah-arbilli.html
http://sabaharbilli.tumblr.com/