On the picture President Tusk and HE Mr Serzh Sargsyan, President of Armenia. Picture by European Council.
Remarks by President Donald Tusk following his meeting with the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.
I am happy to be in Yerevan and once again meet the President of the Republic of Armenia. My visit here is a follow-up to our meeting in Brussels in March and the Eastern Partnership Summit in May in Riga.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the possibility of visiting the Genocide Memorial. This was my second visit, and was as moved as during my first visit.
Today, we have had a good discussion on a wide range of issues; on EU-Armenia relations, the Eastern Partnership and wider regional issues.
We discussed the situation regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. Recent negative trends are a cause for concern. The peaceful resolution of this conflict remains a priority for the European Union. The European Union supports the negotiations aimed at settling the conflict led by the OSCE Minsk Group.
We support further dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including at the highest level – at your level Mr. President. It is critical to respect the ceasefire strictly, to exercise restraint on actions and statements, and to create an atmosphere conducive to progress in the conflict settlement.
Armenia has chosen not to make use of the European Union’s offer of an Association Agreement including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. This is a choice that the European Union fully respects.
We still stand ready to deepen our relations by working together to open markets and by advancing on democratic reforms, economic growth, regional integration, a better business-investment climate, and sustainable development. In short a broad reform agenda.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr Hovik Abrahamyan & President Tusk. Picture by European Council.
We have just successfully completed the first stage of discussions on a new, comprehensive bilateral agreement. In this agreement we have identified areas for future cooperation. The EU Member States are already discussing the mandate for these negotiations.
One important area in our cooperation is to make it easier to travel between Armenia and the European Union. I welcome the good progress made by Armenia on the Mobility Partnership. The effective implementation of the Readmission and Visa Facilitation Agreements that entered into force in January 2014 is a crucial condition to start talks for a visa liberalisation dialogue. A visa-free regime is the final goal. I am hopeful that the next step can be taken in the coming months, if this pace of work continues.
Armenia can count on the European Union’s continued support to advance on a whole range of political and social reforms, and to improve the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The European Union supports the work of civil society in Armenia and I encourage a closer involvement of the civil society in the reform process to broaden the perspective and ensure common ownership.
This year is decisive for our relations. Thank you.
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and President Donald Tusk. Picture by European Council
Armenia has one mission in Brussels handling the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg. The latter is headed by HE Ambassador Tatoul Markarian. Armenia’s mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands is headed by HE Ambassador Ms Dziunik Aghajanian.For more information
Mission of Armenia to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg: www.belgium.mfa.am/en/
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Text and pictures by European Council
On the picture EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Mr Nikola Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the FYROM and Ambassador Dr. Andrej Lepavcov, Permanent Representative of FYROM to the EU.
The Stabilisation and Association Council between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the EU (SA Council) held its twelfth meeting on 20 July 2015. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Nikola Poposki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
From the side of the European Union the meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Lajčák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, on behalf of High Representative Federica Mogherini. Commissioner Johannes Hahn represented the European Commission. Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Fatmir Besimi also participated.
The SA Council welcomed the country’s continued active participation in regional cooperation, as well as its chairmanship of the Central European Initiative.
The SA Council also noted the migratory pressures the country and the region is facing, efforts which have been made to date and the planned high level conference to be held in the coming months, as outlined in the European Council Conclusions of 25-26 June 2015.
Regarding economic developments, the SA Council noted that the country’s economy displayed buoyant growth last year, overall macro-financial stability was maintained and the inflation environment stayed benign. It welcomed the Economic Reform Programme (ERP) covering the period 2015-2017 and encouraged the government to implement follow up actions based on the country-specific recommendations from the Economic and Financial Dialogue held in May 2015. It noted and encouraged ongoing work on public finance management.
The SA Council welcomed progress on programming future EU assistance and efforts to address shortcomings in absorption of EU funds and to improve the capacity of institutions involved in their implementation.
The mission of Macedonia to the EU is headed by HE Ambassador Dr. Andrej Lepavcov.
For more information
Mission of Macedonia to the EU: www.facebook.com/Macedonia.to.EU?fref=ts
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On the picture HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.By Baron Henri Estramant.May 2015, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan formally opened the newly established “Emirates Diplomatic Academy”, whereof he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. EDA is a pioneering integrated foreign policy academic and research centre dedicated to strengthening the knowledge of Emirati citizens. It is a true testament and reflection of the vision of the President and Emir of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as well as the directives of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Emir of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and HH The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces . EDA’s mission is to build the capabilities that support the objectives of the UAE foreign policy by delivering high impact training, disseminating research and thought leadership that deepens the comprehension of diplomacy and international relations and sends across the message of peace and cooperation through the outstanding Emirati relations with the rest of the world.EDA has recently joined hands with The Protocol School of Washington to launch a new course entitled “International Protocol Manager Training”. The latter school’s training shall be led by Deputy Director Robert Hickey jointly with Diane Brown, a recognised pioneer in protocol training. Likewise the Clingendael Institute based in The Hague has been called upon to bring their expertise to the EDA. For more information:Emirates Diplomatic Academy: http://eda.ac.aewww.sheikhmohammed.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=156da22d4fb98410VgnVCM1000003f64a8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=2777bc9e88caf210VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD&vgnextfmt=defaultProtocol School of Washington: www.psow.eduClingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations: www.clingendael.nl
On the picture Sr Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of East Timor and Ambassador Ilze Juhansone, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU. August 23, 2015.
On 26 May the EU and Timor-Leste signed a short-stay visa waiver agreement at a ceremony that took place in Brussels.
On behalf of the EU, the agreement was signed by H. E. Ilze Juhansone, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia, Chairman of the Permanent Representatives Committee, and by Yolanda Gallego-Casilda Grau, Head of Unit “Visa Policy”, European Commission. For Timor Leste, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, signed the agreement.
The new visa regime provides for visa-free travel for EU citizens when travelling to the territory of Timor-Leste and for citizens of this country when travelling to the EU, for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.
In order to benefit from visa-free travel, citizens from the EU and Timor-Leste must be in possession of a valid ordinary, diplomatic, service/official or special passport. Visa-free travel applies to all categories of persons and for any kind of purposes of travel (for instance tourism, cultural visits, scientific activities, family visits, business etc.), except to persons travelling for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.
The decision on the conclusion of the agreement will now be sent to the European Parliament with a view to obtaining its consent before it can be concluded. However, it applies on a provisional basis as from 26 May 2015.
Ireland and the United Kingdom will not be subject to the application of the agreement, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. The visa regime to these member states remains subject to their national legislation.
Timor-Leste has one mission in Brussels in charge of the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg led by HE Ambassador Nelson Santos. Another one based in London but co-accredited to The Netherlands and headed by HE Ambassador Joaquim António Maria Lopes da Fonseca.For more information
Government of Timor-Leste: http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=142
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Text and picture to Council of the European Union:http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/05/26-visa-waiver-Timor-Leste/http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/event/eu-acp/eu-timor-leste-agreement-on-the-short-stay-visa-waiver-26-05-15#/gallery/5
By Luca Bücken live from Singapore.9 August 2015: the National Day of Singapore celebrations were held in commemoration of the 50th year of city-state’s independence after being expelled from Malaysia in 1965.Whilst 26,000 people came together in the city centre to witness the military parade, fireworks, and the address of the Prime Minister, more events and festivities were held throughout the entire country.The streets of Singapore were coloured in red and white as the majority of Singaporeans took pride in wearing the countries national colours, celebrating their nation’s development. In the past decades, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world’s wealthiest countries with a a per capita GDP above $56,000 and 90% home ownership.The overall theme for SG 50 was “celebration as one people” with the focus on Singapore’s journey and taking pride in the countries achievement. This latter theme was also reflected in the address of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen”. His statement was also tribute to his father Lee Kuan Yew, who had led Singapore into independence and was its much-respected leader until 1990. The former Prime minister died in March 2015, prompting nationwide mourning.The parade was held were Singapore’s founding father had held the independence speech, when Singapore was ejected from Malaysia amidst social unrest. The military parade featured 179 vehicles and platforms, while the aerial component included the flypast of 50 aircraft.The National Day Parade was for the first time since 1969 attended by foreign leaders, as dignitaries from 18 countries, including seven heads of state, were present for the celebrations. The list of invited heads of state and government included HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister John Key from New Zealand.Other foreign dignitaries and senior foreign representatives included HE Vice-President Li Yuanchao from China and HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, representing Queen Elizabeth II.Singapore has one diplomatic mission accredited to all three Benelux countries and the EU headed by HE Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan. Deputy Head of Mission is Counsellor Chua Ethan. For more informationMission of Singapore to the EU and the Benelux countries: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brussels.html
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) today
completed four chemical industry inspections in different geographic
regions of the world, bringing the total number of such inspections
to three thousand.
The inspections confirmed that the activities in those sites were in
compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The Director-General of the OPCW Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü underlined:
“Chemical industry verification is one of the pillars of the CWC. The successful completion of 3000 inspections strengthens our resolve to ensure that chemical weapons are never again produced or used. We recognise the key importance of the cooperation of the global chemical industry in achieving this aim.”
The aim of chemical industry inspections is to promote confidence
that all members are complying with their obligation to prevent the
re-emergence of chemical weapons. During their missions, OPCW’s
inspectors verify that no chemicals or their precursors covered
under the CWC are being produced or used for prohibited purposes.
Out of 191 States Parties to the CWC, over 80 States possess chemical
industry facilities which fall under the OPCW’s verification regime.
Each year, the OPCW conducts 241 industry inspections worldwide in
such facilities.
On the picture Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal. Photography courtesy of the Embassy of Bangladesh.“I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib, in personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas” Fidel Castro.By Roy Lie A Tjam.Just as the Cabinet of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh had done a few days earlier, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to The Netherlands, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal flanked by his spouse Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, his team, the Bangladeshi diaspora in the Netherlands and many invitees paid their respects to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – the founding president of Bangladesh.Mr. Istiaque Uddin Ahmed’s spouse together with Dr. Dilruba Nasrin spouse of Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal also in the picture.
The commemoration took place at the Chancellery on 15 August 2015, in a ceremony of due solemnity and dignity. The occasion marked the 40th anniversary of the death of the great leader and members of his family.
In his keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid profound respect to the passing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a pre-dawn assassination on 15 August 1975. The Ambassador also read out a message from the President of Bangladesh H. E. Abdul Hamid.
Subsequently, Mr. Istiaque Ahmed, Second Secretary, read a message from the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation. Messages on the resounding significance of this day in Bangladeshi history from the Hon. Foreign Minister and Hon. State Minister for Foreign Affairs were also read out.A dozen other distinguished speakers followed, including Mr. Mustafa, Mr. Zakirul Huq Tipu, Mr. Murad Khan, Mr. Bikash Roy, and Mr. Morshed Mannan. All paid homage to the slain Father of the Nation.
Mr. Istiaque Uddin Ahmed, Second Secretary & Head of Chancery.
Of particular note was the discourse delivered by Mr. Morshed Mannan, a Masters Student at Leiden Law School, Barrister-at-Law & Advocate at the Bangladesh Bar Council. He related, ‘ In the past few years, Bangladesh has been the beneficiary of two landmark decisions by the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea and the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the delimitation of Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India respectively’.
These decisions have created certainty regarding the area of the Bay of Bengal which Bangladesh may rightfully explore for natural resources, thereby opening up new avenues for energy production. While the credit for this goes to the current Government of Bangladesh for engaging with international dispute resolution mechanisms, the process to demarcate Bangladesh’s borders with its neighbors’ began during the tenure of Bangabandhu.
In 1974, Bangabandhu’s Government passed the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act and entered into negotiations with India and Myanmar regarding these disputed boundaries.
Mr. Masud Been Nur, Administrative Officer (Consular Section).
This can be seen as part of a broader scheme, envisioned and initiated by Bangabandhu, of ensuring the sovereign rights of the People’s Republic over its territory and natural resources. This scheme was also manifested in his negotiations with Shell BV– incidentally, a company headquartered down the road from here. At the time, Shell was the owner of 5 major gas fields in Bangladesh and he persuaded them to sell the fields to the State at a nominal price.
The far-sightedness of this became immediately apparent as it insulated Bangladesh from gas price fluctuations for decades. It was also under his leadership that Petrobangla was founded and off-shore exploration began in the Bay of Bengal.
While his brutal assassination left his dreams and plans unfulfilled for many years, with the two recent international decisions, his vision of a sovereign, energy-secure Bangladesh has been furthered. This is worth remembering on a somber occasion like today.
The participations of children in a speech competition added luster to the program. The children spoke of the prerequisites of learning from the life and ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Amongst them, the importance of being not only a good Bangladeshi, but also a responsible global citizen.Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of Ambassador Belal, distributed prizes to the participating children and urged them to uphold the spirit of freedom and independence in whatever they do later in life.Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also had tributes paid to him by foreign statesmen and politicians. Fidel Castro of Cuba said of him: “I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib, in personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas”Lord Fenner Brockway said: “In a sense, Sheikh Mujib is a greater leader than George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi and De Valera.”
During my official visit to Bangladesh, I had the privilege of being taken to the lieu of the drama in this fast-developing nation. The experience stirred in me deep emotions.
As long as the Padma River flows on, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s heritage will live on.
On the picture Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel – Photography by Westerwelle Foundation.Discussion with Luxembourgian Prime Minister Xavier Bettel at the Westerwelle Foundation in Berlin
The increasing influx of refugees, the crisis in Greece and the Ukraine, and the debate about TTIP are merely a few keywords summarizing the challenges the European Union is currently facing.
During his official visit to Germany on June 16th, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel was at the Westerwelle Foundation, to speak on “European Challenges, in a World in Transition”. More than 70 guests from politics and the civil society attended the event. After his speech Bettel joined in an open discussion that was moderated by Alexander Vogel, Head of Office at the Westerwelle Foundation.
Director Alexander Vogel, Westerwelle Foundation and Luxembourgian Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
Luxembourg has always played a central role in the development of the European Union. Beginning July 1st, the Grand Duchy will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the twelfth time in the Council’s history. In this context, the discussion at the Westerwelle Foundation offered Bettel the opportunity to take a stand on current European politics, and also share his plans for the European Union.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity to stand united as a European community, and remain united while seeking solutions to problems affecting the entire region. He pointed out the urgency of taking immediate action with regards to a myriad of problems the European Union faces. Above all however, he stressed the importance of turning words into actions, particularly with issues such as the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, or the ongoing economic crisis in Greece.
Finding an answer to the migrant crisis will be most effective, he concluded, if we looked for solutions in the migrants’ countries of origin. The people there must be offered perspectives, and the freedom and peace that comes with security and prosperity.
Regarding the European Union, Bettel said, he will focus on the fight against unemployment. To him the creation of sustainable economic development, particularly by prioritizing environmental aspects and climate change, is important. With regards to the negotiations on TTIP, Bettel remarked that the idea behind the venture was essentially good and necessary to boost the transatlantic economy, however this could not occur at all costs. Standards of quality, important to both prospective partners, should not be downgraded. The Prime Minister however called for more constructive debates on the subject, especially in the media coverage.
Bettel also spoke on the issue of Ukraine. He announced he has plans travelling to both Kiev and Moscow, to speak with both parties to the conflict.
“We need to communicate with all sides,” he concluded, after all that is the only way to find a peaceful solution
Source:http://westerwelle-foundation.com/en/events/review/lecture-xavier-bettel/
Text and pictures to The Westerwelle Foundation for International Understanding
Moving Mesdag: digital panorama honors famous marine painter during Mesdag Year.
Modern interpretation Panorama Mesdag visit this summer for free at SAIL Amsterdam, Uitmarkt and ART South.
Amsterdam, August 13, 2015 – Panorama Mesdag, the iconic panorama by Hendrik Willem Mesdag 1881 is from August 19th to admire immersive setting in Amsterdam. Moving Mesdag is an ambitious video art installation where Mesdag, artist Menno Otten Netherlands and Samsung collaborate on the intersection of art and technology innovation. Moving Mesdag is open to visit for free in the coming weeks at the following locations in Amsterdam:
SAIL Amsterdam 2015: Green Ocean, NDSM Werf – 19 t / m August 23
Uitmarkt: Museumplein – 29 t / m August 31
ART South: Museumplein – 1/4 September
The modern interpretation of Panorama Mesdag is shown on 14 huge Samsung Curved S-UHD TVs that form a perfect circle with a diameter of 9 meters. An impressive 360º soundtrack makes the experience complete.
Artist Menno Otten is known for its internationally award-winning documentaries and impressive video interpretations of ancient masterpieces such as Vermeer. He is deeply fascinated by the light use of the old masters and how do their utmost to literally get a new light on ancient masterpieces.
“We find it remarkable that we together with Menno Otten new light shed on the masterpiece of Mesdag,” said Martijn Lutgerink, Country Director TV & Audio Samsung Netherlands. “For us it is all about innovative people-oriented. We want people with technology provide new opportunities and experiences. Thanks to our television screens curved Menno Otten, the panorama can successfully shape in Moving Mesdag. ”
The overall theme for SG 50 was “celebration as one people” with the focus on Singapore’s journey and taking pride in the countries achievement. This latter theme was also reflected in the address of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen”.
His statement was also tribute to his father Lee Kuan Yew, who had led Singapore into independence and was its much-respected leader until 1990. The former Prime minister died in March 2015, prompting nationwide mourning.
The parade was held were Singapore’s founding father had held the independence speech, when Singapore was ejected from Malaysia amidst social unrest. The military parade featured 179 vehicles and platforms, while the aerial component included the flypast of 50 aircraft.
The National Day Parade was for the first time since 1969 attended by foreign leaders, as dignitaries from 18 countries, including seven heads of state, were present for the celebrations. The list of invited heads of state and government included HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister John Key from New Zealand.
Other foreign dignitaries and senior foreign representatives included HE Vice-President Li Yuanchao from China and HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, representing Queen Elizabeth II.
Singapore has one diplomatic mission accredited to all three Benelux countries and the EU headed by HE Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan. Deputy Head of Mission is Counsellor Chua Ethan.
For more information
Mission of Singapore to the EU and the Benelux countries: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brussels.html
The overall theme for SG 50 was “celebration as one people” with the focus on Singapore’s journey and taking pride in the countries achievement. This latter theme was also reflected in the address of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who made it happen”.
His statement was also tribute to his father Lee Kuan Yew, who had led Singapore into independence and was its much-respected leader until 1990. The former Prime minister died in March 2015, prompting nationwide mourning.
The parade was held were Singapore’s founding father had held the independence speech, when Singapore was ejected from Malaysia amidst social unrest. The military parade featured 179 vehicles and platforms, while the aerial component included the flypast of 50 aircraft.
The National Day Parade was for the first time since 1969 attended by foreign leaders, as dignitaries from 18 countries, including seven heads of state, were present for the celebrations. The list of invited heads of state and government included HM Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister John Key from New Zealand.
Other foreign dignitaries and senior foreign representatives included HE Vice-President Li Yuanchao from China and HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, representing Queen Elizabeth II.
Singapore has one diplomatic mission accredited to all three Benelux countries and the EU headed by HE Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan. Deputy Head of Mission is Counsellor Chua Ethan.
For more information
Mission of Singapore to the EU and the Benelux countries: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/brussels.html
the European Union is currently facing.
During his official visit to Germany on June 16th, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel was at the Westerwelle Foundation, to speak on “European Challenges, in a World in Transition”. More than 70 guests from politics and the civil society attended the event
