International Criminal Court opens its doors to more than 650 visitors on The Hague International Day
More than 650 people visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sunday, 20 September 2015, when it opened its doors for The Hague International Day. Visitors engaged with ICC representatives on a wide range of during an interactive session held in the ICC Courtroom in The Hague (Netherlands). This year’s open day event was the last one to take place in the Court’s interim premises as the ICC will be relocating to its permanent buildings at the end of this year.“We were delighted to open our doors to so many neighbours, Hague residents and others interested in the Court’s role in the fight against impunity for the gravest crimes,” said ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel.“The Hague International Day provides a good opportunity for dialogue and better understanding of our activities, and we look forward to continuing this initiative in our new premises as of next year.”Women, men and children of different ages and nationalities, including Dutch nationals and members of the international community based in The Hague, had the opportunity to participate in a one-hour presentation in the ICC public gallery and engaged with ICC staff representing the Judges, the Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of Victims. Questions from visitors focused on the various aspects of the Court’s work, including its mandate, structure and ongoing cases. The Hague International Day is organised on a yearly basis by the Municipality of The Hague – the Court’s host city – and gives the public the opportunity to learn more about the functioning and aims of the various international institutions and non-governmental organisations based in the city. The Hague has been hosting the ICC since 2002. The city and its surrounding area are now home to 160 international organisations.The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
On the picture Mr. Panggah Sunsanto and Mr. Saleh Husin, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. Photography by Gualtiero Buonamassa for Diplomat Magazine. By Roy Lie A Tjam.H.E. Mr. Saleh Husin, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, officially opened on Friday 4 September 2015 a Business and Investment Forum for the downstream palm oil industry at the Hilton Hotel in Rotterdam. Discussions took place in both English and Indonesian.The delegation from Indonesia was led by Minister Saleh Husin, who was the keynote speaker. Delegation members included senior officials from the Ministries of Industry and Trade; the Indonesian Palm Oil Board; the National Industry Association (GIMNI APROBI APOLIN); major palm oil industry players (Wilmar, Musim Mas Sinar Mas); and Greenpeace. The palm oil industry dates back to the early 1800s when it was established by the Dutch and was thereafter nationalized in the 1950s.The Chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo together with a group of businessmen.The objective of the forum is to provide a better understanding of the business environment in Indonesia for prospective investors.The forum is also designed to attract expertise in processing technology, advanced product engineering and modern machine technology, all to be implemented in Indonesia.Minister Saleh Husin and the Indonesian delegations met with a several Dutch/European officials, among them Mr. Frans Claassen, Chairman of CPOA.The Government of Indonesia is appreciative of the efforts made by the European Palm Oil Alliance, headed by Mr. Frans Claassen. In particular, the latter’s campaign on the advantages of palm oil products and derivatives has helped to shape positive opinion on the Indonesian palm oil industry.The Indonesia official’s delegation.Various investment facilities and tax incentives, such as tax allowances for firms in the palm oil processing industry, have been put in place by the government. They include a period of 5-15 years 100% tax free for pioneer investors in the industry, as well as further tax deductions of up to 30%.A government regulation imposes export taxes progressively, meaning a higher export tax rate for upstream products and a lower rate for downstream products based on the industry value chain.The forum also serves to disseminate information that the Indonesian palm oil industry is managed sustainably and complies with the ISPO which is mandatory. It also strengthens cooperation between the port of Rotterdam and the port of Jakarta.According to Minister Husin, the bottom line of the initiative is to improve the welfare of the Indonesian people.Presentations were a large part of the forum, and took place under the chairmanship of Mr. Paulus Tjakrawan. Amongst the highlights was Mr Togar Sitanggang, Secretary-General of Indonesian Palm Oil Association IPOA, who elaborated on the vision and mission of IPOA.During the Q&A, questions were posed by those in the audience regarding the new levy imposed by the Indonesian Government. One of them was from Mr. Frans Classen of MVO, a former diplomat who has served in Indonesia.A representative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) applauded the Indonesian government for the strides made in the production of Palm Oil. He also drew attention to the many productive meetings between the MFA and Indonesia in this area. Having said that, the MFA also voiced a critical note on the new government levy, arguing that the law risks deterring investment. The chairman assured those present that the implementation of the levy will be evaluated in the near future. Indonesia is the largest palm oil producer in the world. In 2004 Indonesia produced in the region of 35 million tonnes of palm oil crude; it is estimated that more than 45 million tonnes will be produced in 2020. There are many potential investment opportunities in Indonesia in the field of downstream processing of palm oil, a commodity indispensable in the human consumption chain.The government is very serious about the preparation and implementation of stimulus packages, including deregulation of the industry and trade sectors.The business and investment forum has undoubtedly been a successful one.
ICC Judges decline to reduce Mr Thomas Lubanga Dyilo’s sentence.
Today, 22 September 2015, three Judges of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC), specifically appointed by the Appeals Chamber, reviewed Mr Thomas Lubanga Dyilo’s sentence. Presiding JudgeSilvia Fernández de Gurmendi, Judge Howard Morrison and Judge Piotr Hofmański unanimously decided that it is not appropriate to reduce Mr Lubanga’s sentence at this time and that the next review of the reduction of sentence will be in two years from the issuance of that decision.
Mr Lubanga was sentenced on 10 July 2012 to 14 years of imprisonment by Trial Chamber I, after having been found guilty of the war crimes of conscripting and enlisting children under the age of 15 years and using them to participate actively in hostilities.
On 1 December 2014, the Appeals Chamber confirmed the conviction and sentence imposed. The time he has spent in the ICC’s custody will be deducted from the sentence imposed. He has been detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague since 16 March 2006.
In today’s decision, the appointed Judges conducted a review concerning the reduction of Mr Lubanga’s sentence pursuant to article 110 of the Rome Statute which provides that “[w]hen the person has served two thirds of the sentence; […] the Court shall review the sentence to determine whether it should be reduced”. The appointed Judges considered the parties’ and participants’ observations, and examined all factors and criteria set out in the Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, including, among others, the early and continuing willingness of the person to cooperate with the Court in its investigations and prosecutions; the conduct of the sentenced person while in detention; whether the early release of the sentenced person would give rise to significant social instability; any significant action taken by the sentenced person for the benefit of the victims as well as any impact on the victims and their families as a result of the early release; and the individual circumstances of the sentenced person. Despite finding that there is a prospect for the resocialization and successful resettlement of Mr Lubanga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the appointed Judges nevertheless concluded that a reduction of Mr Lubanga’s sentence cannot be justified in the present circumstances.
On the picture HE Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark to the Netherlands.Denmark leads the way, great support given to Syria fundraising drive.
A big fundraising show on TV Sunday evening (20 Sept 2015) hosted by the two biggest national tv-stations, the Danish people donated more than 13 mil. US$ (DKK 86,271,606) to be split between 12 aid agencies. The many contributions from individuals, companies and foundations to the urgent fundraiser ‘Hjælp nu!’ to areas in an around Syria generated over 86 million Danish kroner ($13 million). The money is now distributed to humanitarian organisations, which as soon as possible will distribute the funds to the affected areas.
A week of urgent fundraising for the disaster-struck areas in and around Syria culminated Sunday evening in the fundraising event ‘Hjælp nu!,’ which aired simultaneously on DR1 and TV 2 in close collaboration with 12 humanitarian organisations.
During the evening, correspondents from DR and TV 2 delivered eyewitness reports from the situation in the Middle East. In Denmark a number of famous Danes occurred on stage and in the call centre to support the fundraiser. The support from individuals, companies and foundations was great and when the hosts of the fundraiser – TV 2’s Cecilie Beck and DR’s Kåre Quist – presented the overall result, a total amount of 86.271.505 Danish kroner was raised.
Going to make a big difference“We are extremely happy that the Danes have supported with just over 86 million Danish kroner. It is truly overwhelming and the Danes have shown once again that they are ready to help, when help is needed. The money is going to make a huge difference for the Syrians, who today live in decrepit buildings, often can’t get food and have to face the fifth winter, since the war began. So we want to thank the many Danes who have supported ‘Hjælp Nu!’ We are very happy and grateful for the contributions and we will immediately start distributing the money to the Syrian refugees,” says Andreas Kamm, Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council.
Distributed to 12 organisations
The money from the fundraiser will be distributed to the 12 organisations involved in the fundraiser. Subsequently the organisations will convert the money to emergency aid in the areas in an around Syria. The aid will both focus on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs caused by the war – that is food, water, medical care, housing and access to education – but also projects that can help to ensure the Syrian refugees a future, where they can fend for themselves.
On the picture Mr. Vincent Pahlplatz, Bel Air Hotel, Mrs. Patricia Hollamby, Event Management & Fund Raising and the new General Manager of the Crowne Plaza-Promenade, Boudewijn Martens.The end of a warm and pleasant summer has been celebrated on the evening of Thursday September 3th. The 2nd Diplomat After summer Drink organised by Crowne Plaza Hotel Den Haag – Promenade in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine.
For more pictures on the After Summer Drink reception, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157658546838480HE Aldo Cavalli, Muncio Apostolico and HE Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of Thailand.A cosy atmosphere at the bar of the hotel combined with fresh after summer drinks and delicious bites. The evening started with Equinox Jazz Productions band, presenting the finest of the local and international jazz and was finalised with a private piano concert by Diplomat Magazine’s pianist Joris van Goudoever. In the cosy bar of the hotel, over 80 ambassadors, diplomats and embassy staff attended this great event. Boudewijn Martens, joined the delegates and introducted himself being the new General Manager of the Crowne Plaza – Promenade. Together with his team Boudewijn allowed the diplomats to share their summer experiences with colleagues and friends, while enjoying the great food, cocktails, drinks and appetizers. The guests are already looking forward to next year’s Diplomat After Summer Party at Crowne Plaza Den Haag Promenade Hotel.H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abdulaziz Abohaimed Ambassador of Saudi Arabia (left) and HE Ittiporn Boonpracong Ambassador of Thailand (right) with friends.The CrownePlaza Den Haag – Promenade has more than 43 years of experience with hosting events for the Corps Diplomatique. The 174 bedrooms combined with 8 multi-functional meeting rooms, terrace, lobby, bar, restaurant, cigar lounge, 222 private parking spaces and the spacious Prominential Suite of 140m2 makes the hotel the ideal location for every event, an informal meeting in the lobby, a meeting or National day or housing official delegations.Manolis Arvanitis, General Manager of Diplomatic Car and Judge Dr. Koffi Kumelio Afande from the Internationa Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
On the picture H.E. Ambassador Dr Alireza Jahangiri and wife Maryam, together with Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. J. S. Mukul, his wife Mita and a friend.By Mr. Roy Lie a Tjam.
On Saturday, 12 September, H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and his wife, Maray Jahangiri, graciously opened their mansion and estate grounds, for the second time, to a curious and appreciative public.
Since 1959, landgoed (estate) “De Wiltzangk te Wassenaar”, a listed heritage property, has served as the official residence for Iranian Ambassadors and their families. This past weekend, the Ambassador’s family celebrated the Netherlands’ 29th National Open Monumentendag 2015 with the local community. “De Wiltzangk”, the name given to the estate, was inspired by the title of poem by Joost van den Vondel, a famous 17th Century Dutch poet and playwright.
H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri.
For a photo-album on Iranian Monumentendag 2015, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157658558177190
https://youtu.be/E8ydr_XsxhQ
Santur and Daf
In honor of the occasion, Ambassador Jahangiri and his wife, arranged to have their home temporarily transformed into an Iranian cultural center for the day. Upon arrival, guests admired a vintage automobile collection parked in front of the residence courtesy of Tehran Trading Mirjavanmanrd at the end of a long tree lined driveway, before being welcomed outdoors with a selection of traditional warm beverages, including Cardamon tea served in open “special event” tents. Artemis Perzisch Restaurant, located on the Fredrikstraat in The Haag, catered the traditional Persian grill buffet, which was served to invited guests and visitors alike.
Inside the residence, the public viewed a book collection display of lavishly illustrated Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám.
Persian carpet specialists from TTM Wonen, in Leidschendam, organized a carpet exhibition throughout the stately ground floor rooms of the residence.
The reading table featured some twenty English translations of Persian books from the University of Leiden Press“Iranian Studies Series”, as well as other books on tourism, which were available for perusing.
An Iranian expatriate, local travel expert, and owner of Vievana, a trusted local travel agency specializing in guided group and individual tour programs to Iran, responded to visitors’ questions about the country. Visitors were interested in opportunities to visit the country’s historic cities of Esfahan, Qom and Kermanshah as well as the country’s many other UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites such as the Meidan Eman in Esfahan.
Ambassador Jahangiri and HE Sheikh Mohammed Belal Ambassador of Bangladesh.
The conservatory in De Wiltzangk was used as a photography, art and craft gallery. Artisan Maryam Gholamhoseini, an Iranian silver and coppersmith, was among the artisans selected to exhibit work.
The exhibition continued outside onto the terrace, where enchanting paintings by the Iranian artist “Fereshteh Salehi”, were displayed together with paintings by a Dutch artist.
The Ambassador’s cultural program for his “Monument Day” open house concluded with a musical program performed by a two man musical ensemble playing a selection of traditional Persian music on the Santur and Daf.
HE Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa and Ambassador Jahangiri.
The design of De Wiltzangk was commissioned by O.F. Weise. He chose the Rotterdam architect, P. Musly, to design the turn of the century “arts and crafts” English country home for his client, Mr. Samuel van den Bergh, founder of Unilever.
It was built on a portion of the Backershagen Estate exactly 100 years ago, in 1915 and contributed to the early development of Wassenaar as a villadorp (estate village). Over the years, the mansion has been extended and the park-like grounds, laid out in the architectural landscape style, designed by the Dutch landscape architect Dirk Frederik Tersteeg, have been enhanced.
Mr. Sidney van den Bergh, director of Unilever and former Minister of Defense, commissioned a conservatory to be constructed on the southwest side of the family’s estate, in 1925. Special guests and members of the public appreciated the rare opportunity to admire the traditional fireplace in De Wiltzangk’s “Great Room,” decorated with a unique collection of Delft blue tiles from the 17th and 18th Centuries.
Since 1915, many notable people have been associated with De Wiltzangk. In the early 40s, the estate, together with its valuable contents, were confiscated by Nazi troops.
The building and grounds were briefly used by General Friedrich Christiansen, the Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht in the Netherlands.
TTM Wonen’s owner.Shortly after the war’s end and as early as 1946, K.L.M. president Dr. Albert Plesman had “De Wiltzangk” converted for used as an internaat (boarding school), in order to meet K.L.M.’s expanding requirements for commercial aviators. Up to 30 aspiring young pilots, as young as 16, received their basic training in De Wiltzangh, before joining the Dutch Air Force in preparation for a K.L.M. career in commercial aviation.
According to officials, over 1,000,000 people attended the 5,000 properties opened for the national “Open Monumentendag 2015,” a number, which far exceeded that of 2014.
Mr. Jan Hoekema, the Mayor of Wassenaar, other representatives of the Wassenaar municipality, diplomats, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iranian diaspora and scores of other visitors and guests, were among the many who were grateful for Ambassador Jahangiri’s hospitality in providing everyone with the unique opportunity of visiting “De Wiltzangk”—his stately and historic residence.
The Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, welcomed Angola’s deposit of an instrument of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention on 16 September. Angola will become the 192nd State Party to the Convention on 16 October 2015.
“Angola’s accession, following so closely that of Myanmar, brings the Convention ever closer to becoming a completely universal treaty,” said Ambassador Üzümcü. “It comes at a time when the international community is actively working to strengthen this important global norm.”
“I hope that the few remaining countries outside the Convention – Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan – will follow suit quickly to join the global consensus against these terrible weapons,” said the Director-General.
55eme Anniversaire de l’indépendance de la République de Côte d’Ivoire.
On August 7, the Republic of Ivory Coast celebrated the declaration of independence from France. This wealthy cacao producing West-African country often referred to as the Paris of West-Africa. The first moves towards independence were made by Félix Houphouët-Boigny. He was a member of the French parliament and member of the French Cabinet.
For a photo-album on the Ivory Coast’s National Day please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157658618401285H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Hamza Sallah together with Ambassador Chen Xu from the People’s Repubic of China.
Mr. Félix Houphouët-Boigny was the first African to be admitted to the august institution of L’Académie française.
On August 7, 1960 Ivory Coast declared independence. The prominent Félix Houphouët-Boigny, was elected the first president of Ivory Coast.
H.E. Mr. Hamza Sallah Ambassador of Ivory Coast in the Netherlands celebrated the 55th Independence Day on 9 September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in The Hague. He treated his fellow Ambassadors and other distinguished guest with traditional hospitality, vibrant music, images on Ivory Coast wild life and a hearty Ivorian style buffet.
H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Hamza Sallah with HE Haifa Issami Madah Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.Ambassador of Venezuela HE Haifa Issami Madah, Mrs. Rim Ben Becher spouse of the Ambassador of Tunisia and HE. Nassima Baghli Ambassador or Algeria.
On the picture HE Maria Teresa Infante Caffi. Photography and video by K. Mirza.Hosted by ProChile and the Trade Department of the Embassy of Chile.
This tasty and innovative event was part of the campaign ‘Foods from Chile’ , it took place last week on September 17 in the Taste of the World test kitchen in the Market Hall, Rotterdam.
The Chilean Chef María Teresa Madrid successfully introduced her creations to a variety of Chilean products. María Teresa Madrid was born in Chile and was an excellent student of Guillermo Rodríguez, Best Chef of the country. Her original cuisine combined innovation with traditional Chilean gastronomy for yielding surprising results.
Ambassador Maria Teresa Infante, was proud to introduce the fantastic work of the chef, and the excellent Chilean product in the Dutch market including the well known Chilean wine
Chef María Teresa Madrid interacting with the public.
.
Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Rashid Al Maktoum (1981-2015).By Baron Henri Estramant.The Muslim world at large is mourning the sad demise of Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Rashid Al Maktoum (1981-2015), first-born son of the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Amir of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his first wife, HH Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. Dubai’s Amiri Diwan (the Amir’s Court) decreed a three-day mourning period in the emirate after the eldest son of Dubai’s ruler died of a heart attack. Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed was a graduate from Sandhurst Military Academy (2002). He passed away on Saturday morning, 19 September 2015. HH The Amir of Fujairah, HH The Amir of Dubai and HH The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the funeral prayers.Condolences have poured in from all members of the Supreme Council of Rulers of the UAE and their deputies, from fellow Gulf monarchs as well as from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi or Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Some delegations were present to condole The Amir of Dubai, including a Jordanian one led by HM The King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and his uncle HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal. The Qatari delegation was led by HH The Amir Father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. European royal courts have also dispatched telegrams of condolence to HH The Amir of Dubai. Hundreds of relatives and officials gathered inside the Zabeel mosque in Dubai to pay their respects to the ruler’s eldest son who was laid to rest on Sunday, 20 September. His coffin, wrapped in the Emirati flag, was carried in by some of his brothers. Prayers were said for his soul and his family. His body was buried at Umm Harir cemetery in Bur Dubai. HRH The Crown Prince of Jordan, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, HM The King of Jordan in conversation with HH The Amir of Dubai, HRH Prince Hashim bin Hussain and HRH Prince Rashi.For more information:Website of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: www.sheikhmohammed.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=17f504ee11a11310VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRDPrime Minister’s Office – UAE: http://uaepm.ae/English/Pages/default.aspx?Mobile=0
![images[3]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images31.jpg?fit=225%2C225&ssl=1)
Going to make a big difference
“We are extremely happy that the Danes have supported with just over 86 million Danish kroner. It is truly overwhelming and the Danes have shown once again that they are ready to help, when help is needed. The money is going to make a huge difference for the Syrians, who today live in decrepit buildings, often can’t get food and have to face the fifth winter, since the war began. So we want to thank the many Danes who have supported ‘Hjælp Nu!’ We are very happy and grateful for the contributions and we will immediately start distributing the money to the Syrian refugees,” says Andreas Kamm, Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council.
Distributed to 12 organisations
The money from the fundraiser will be distributed to the 12 organisations involved in the fundraiser. Subsequently the organisations will convert the money to emergency aid in the areas in an around Syria. The aid will both focus on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs caused by the war – that is food, water, medical care, housing and access to education – but also projects that can help to ensure the Syrian refugees a future, where they can fend for themselves.
![images[3]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images31.jpg?ssl=1)
Going to make a big difference
“We are extremely happy that the Danes have supported with just over 86 million Danish kroner. It is truly overwhelming and the Danes have shown once again that they are ready to help, when help is needed. The money is going to make a huge difference for the Syrians, who today live in decrepit buildings, often can’t get food and have to face the fifth winter, since the war began. So we want to thank the many Danes who have supported ‘Hjælp Nu!’ We are very happy and grateful for the contributions and we will immediately start distributing the money to the Syrian refugees,” says Andreas Kamm, Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council.
Distributed to 12 organisations
The money from the fundraiser will be distributed to the 12 organisations involved in the fundraiser. Subsequently the organisations will convert the money to emergency aid in the areas in an around Syria. The aid will both focus on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs caused by the war – that is food, water, medical care, housing and access to education – but also projects that can help to ensure the Syrian refugees a future, where they can fend for themselves.
Inside the residence, the public viewed a book collection display of lavishly illustrated Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám.
Persian carpet specialists from TTM Wonen, in Leidschendam, organized a carpet exhibition throughout the stately ground floor rooms of the residence.
The reading table featured some twenty English translations of Persian books from the University of Leiden Press “Iranian Studies Series”, as well as other books on tourism, which were available for perusing.
An Iranian expatriate, local travel expert, and owner of Vievana, a trusted local travel agency specializing in guided group and individual tour programs to Iran, responded to visitors’ questions about the country. Visitors were interested in opportunities to visit the country’s historic cities of Esfahan, Qom and Kermanshah as well as the country’s many other UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites such as the Meidan Eman in Esfahan.
![21623288482_e7a9e222ea[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/21623288482_e7a9e222ea14.jpg?fit=320%2C213&ssl=1)
Inside the residence, the public viewed a book collection display of lavishly illustrated Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám.
Persian carpet specialists from TTM Wonen, in Leidschendam, organized a carpet exhibition throughout the stately ground floor rooms of the residence.
The reading table featured some twenty English translations of Persian books from the University of Leiden Press “Iranian Studies Series”, as well as other books on tourism, which were available for perusing.
An Iranian expatriate, local travel expert, and owner of Vievana, a trusted local travel agency specializing in guided group and individual tour programs to Iran, responded to visitors’ questions about the country. Visitors were interested in opportunities to visit the country’s historic cities of Esfahan, Qom and Kermanshah as well as the country’s many other UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites such as the Meidan Eman in Esfahan.
![21623288482_e7a9e222ea[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/21623288482_e7a9e222ea14.jpg?ssl=1)
