By Martin Kammandel.New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully appointed Ambassador David Taylor to succeed Ambassador Vangelis Vitalis as Head of Mission of New Zealand to the EU and NATO as well as non-resident ambassador accredited to the Kingdom of Sweden. Economically, the EU is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner; the country hopes to negotiate a trade agreement with the EU. Before his appointment to Brussels, Ambassador Taylor served as chief of missions of New Zealand to Indonesia and ASEAN until December 2014. Ambassador Vangelis Vitalis is due to depart Brussels on 30 June 2015. His appointed successor Ambassador Taylor is yet to present his credentials before the EU and NATODeputy Chief of Mission is Ambassador Paula Wilson who also serves as ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania. Ambassador Taylor has already presented his credentials to His Majesty The King of Sweden on 5 June 2015, one day before the realm’s national day. He was accompanied by the officer normally in charge of liaising with Sweden, Second Secretary Ms Renée Heal. For more information: Sweden’s Royal House: http://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen/aktuellahandelser/aktuellt/hogtidligaaudienserpakungligaslottet.5.6b3f01514d8a67974b4fe.htmlNew Zealand Embassy in Belgium and Mission to the EU: http://www.nzembassy.com/belgium/relationship-between-new-zealand-and-belgium/new-zealand-and-the-european-unionPictures to Embassy of New Zealand in Belgium (www.facebook.com/nzembassybelgium?fref=ts)
On Sunday, June 7th, Mexico held elections for 2000 popular representatives, including 9 governors and 500 federal deputies. According to the National Electoral Institute (INE), turnout was more than 47%, and 99.84% of the voting stations were installed (148,409 locations). The President of the INE, Lorenzo Córdova, indicated that the elections were held in a pacific and orderly manner, reaffirming Mexican people’s aim for a democratic and politically plural country. The INE announced that the election was watched over by citizens and political parties: · 743,241 citizens served as polling officials; · 12,519 electoral observers participated; · Just over one million party representatives and independent candidates took part in this election. Under the New Mexican Electoral Model, the fruitful collaboration between the National Electoral Institute and the Local Electoral Public Bodies of the 16 states where local elections were held ended with the transfer of ballot boxes. From that moment on, each local electoral authority does its calculations and disseminates the results according to their own policy instruments.The INE is responsible solely of calculating the results of the election of federal deputies; and local authorities assume responsibility for the calculation of the elections for governor, local congresses and municipalities.
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg and Baron Henri Estramant.Wednesday, 29 April 2015, Brussels: At the British Residence of the bilateral mission to the Kingdom of Belgium, HE Ambassador Alison Rose, hosted a reception to celebrate Her Britannic Majesty’s birthday. The reception in Brussels was honoured with the attendance of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Laurent and her spouse Princess Claire of Belgium. The first King of the Belgians, Leopold I, was a maternal uncle to Queen Victoria; he belonged to the House Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as did Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert. Both houses have now forfeited the name Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and au lieu the “House Windsor” reigns in the UK since 1917, whereas the “House of Belgium” (Belgique/België) reigns in Belgium since 1946. US American ambassador to Belgium, Mrs Denise Campbell Bauer was also in attendance as were many other bilateral ambassadors. Queen Elizabeth IIof the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland fêtes her birthday twice in the UK, one on her actual birthday on 21 April and then upon her official (public) birthday celebration on a Saturday in June with the Trooping the Colour Parade since 1748. The monarch’s actual birthday is usually private nevertheless is marked by gun salutes in central London at noon, that is, 41 gun salutes in Hyde Park, 21 salutes in Windsor Great Park and 62 salutes from the Tower of London. The official celebration is marked with the Sovereign’s Parade or Trooping the Colour Parade. Queen Elizabeth II is then joined by other members of the Royal Family for the parade moving from Buckingham Palace, The Mall and the Horseguards’s Parade. In other realms wherein Queen Elizabeth II is monarch her birthday is observed in other dates. For instance, Canada marks the Sovereign’s birthday on “Victoria Day”, last Monday before 25 May, thereby honouring Queen Victoria who was born on 24 May 1819. In New Zealand it is observed the first Monday in June. The second Monday in June is the day for observance in Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and other realms. For more informationBirthday bash in Brussels (Bottachi Guido) https://www.flickr.com/photos/bottacchiguido/17397732042/in/photostream/lightbox/The British Royal House: www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/TheQueensbirthdays.aspxTrooping the Colour: www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/TroopingtheColour/TroopingtheColour.aspxhttp://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/British Embassy to Belgium: www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-BrusselsAmbassador Alison Rose: www.gov.uk/government/people/alison-rose
2015 Art Zuid’s edition was opened by HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands who was accompanied by her Lady-in-waiting Pien van Karnebeek-Thijssen.
The fourth edition of the biennial International Sculpture Route ARTZUID in Amsterdam
takes place between 22 May and 20 September 2015.
Rudi Fuchs, art historian and former director of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and co-curator Maarten Bertheux are responsible for the composition of ARTZUID 2015. They selected 21 artists, who present
66 sculptures. The exhibition route stretches 2.5 km along the Apollolaan, Minervalaan and
Zuidas (South Axis).
The artists selected all have a podium of their own, displaying ensembles of monumental sculptures. The participating artists are international contemporary celebrities, including Georg Baselitz, Jaume Plensa, Tony Cragg, Mimmo Paladino, KAWS, John Chamberlain, Georg Herold and Markus Lüpertz. Admission to
ARTZUID 2015 is free. For further information, to book tours or order the catalogue, visit
Fuchs and Bertheux’s approach to this edition of ARTZUID is innovative in relation to previous editions. The guest curators have chosen to invite a smaller number of visual artists, who once again furnish the public areas with sculptures. The choice for groups of sculptures by a single artist at a given location is rare. Such groups can be found in a museological environment, but almost never in an urban setting.
Concentration
The starting point for the choice of works is to select ones that create a dialogue, while at the same time they should be in proportion, in terms of both size and scale, to the surrounding architecture and landscape. They are mostly monumental, vertical sculptures, epic in character. Each ensemble of sculptures become a special point of concentration.
ARTZUID Georg Heorld.
About ARTZUID
The goal of Foundation ArtZuid, which was established in 2008, is to organize a world class biennial sculpture exhibition designed to focus more attention on Berlage’s monumental Plan-Zuid and to make museological art accessible to a new and broad public. In 2009 and in 2011, following the opening by then Queen Beatrix, the exhibiting of art in Berlage’s district resulted in a combined total of 350,000 visitors, of all ages and from both home and abroad, becoming acquainted with this cultural urban heritage. In 2011 the Foundation received the Europa Nostra Award from the EU, and in 2012 The Best in Heritage Award. In March 2013 ARTZUID was chosen by the residents of Amsterdam as ‘Best Neighbourhood Initiative’, within the context of the Oranje Fonds Kroonappels (a fund enjoying royal patronage.) The third edition in 2013 drew 380,000 visitors from home and abroad. ARTZUID ranks number 10 on the list of free public events in the Netherlands (Research Bureau Respons, 2013).
Participating artists ARTZUID 2015:
1. Baselitz, Georg (GER)
2. Bianchi, Domenico (ITA)
3. Chamberlain, John (USA)
4. Cragg, Tony (GBR)
5. Craig-Martin, Michael (IRL)
6. Gubbels, Klaas (NED)
7. Herold, Georg (GER)
8. Houseago, Thomas (GBR)
9. Josephsohn, Hans (SUI)
10. KAWS (USA)
11. Kiecol, Hubert (GER)
12. Kirkeby, Per (DEN)
13. Lüpertz, Markus (GER)
14. Paladino, Mimmo (ITA)
15. A.R. Penck (GER)
16. Plensa, Jaume (ESP)
17. Rückriem, Ulrich (GER)
18. Schütte, Thomas (GER)
19. Stella, Frank (USA)
20. Tal R (ISR/DEN)
21. Warren, Rebbeca (GBR)
For further information, to book tours or order the catalogue, visit
On the picture H.E. Asein Isaev, Ambassador.From the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Benelux countries and France on 8 June 2015.“Every citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic recalls the tragic events that took place five years ago in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Empathizing to all affected families who lost their loved ones as a result of the events of June 2010, we would especially like to emphasize the importance of maintaining stability, peace and inter-ethnic accordance in our country.The acuteness of experiences is still in place, but we hope that the joint efforts, awareness of the need to maintain and develop inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and strengthening interaction between civil society and government institutions in the country, we will be able to draw lessons from history and prevent the reoccurrence of such tragedies in order to achieve harmonization of national and inter-ethnic relations of unified people of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
By Joseph Dailey.On Wednesday the 27th of May, the Embassy of Peru sponsored a special exhibition of the artist TitusBovenberg’s collection entitled “Siete años Peruanos.” Held at the Gallery Patries Van Dorst, the exhibition consisted of artwork inspired by the artist’s time spent in Peru. However, this was no ordinary exhibition.Initially only visiting Peru to catch a glimpse of the fabled pink river dolphins, Mr. Bovenberg’s trip became so much more. During his time spent in Peru, Mr. Bovenberg was inspired by the Peruvian people and sought to help them in any way he could. Not only adopting twelve Peruvian children, Mr. Bovenberg also managed to help set up a children’s aid project in the old Inca capital of Cusco, providing food, medical attention, and an education to five hundred children in the region. In order to sustain this venture, Mr. Bovenberg helped start two local hotels and four local restaurants. For a photo-album on 7 Anos Peruanos …..y despues! please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653809691948To provide further assistance to the people of Peru, Mr. Bovenberg also spoke of the Abrazos Foundation he founded, which works to alleviate some of the difficulties families with autistic children face, raising awareness and acceptance for the children in addition to helping them take part in a normal daily life. A third altruistic venture Mr. Bovenberg supports goes by the name of Amantani, which is a boarding school high in the mountains of the Andes providing room and board to local school children who previously had to walk up to six hours just to attend class. Mr. Bovenberg’s art was vibrant and compelling, serving as an intriguing reflection of the rich culture and experiences he had whilst in Cusco, Peru. Adventurous, talented, and altruistic, Mr. Bovenberg’s presentation and artwork were truly a sight to see, inspiring many who attended. At the conclusion of the presentation, he gave a special thanks to H.E. Mr. Carlos Andres Herrera Rodríguez, Ambassador of Peru, and his wife, Veronique Miclea, for sponsoring the event, as well as a special thanks to Patries van Dorst and her husband Carel Reisch for hosting the event in their gallery and house.Mr. Bovenberg has pledged 10% of all profits to one of the three aforementioned charities. For questions, inquiries, or information regarding the purchase of one of the paintings, he can be reached at: titusbovenberg@gmail.com
By Baron Henri Estramant and Martin Kammandel.Germany’s largest lender Deutsche Bank, announced on Sunday, 7 April 2015 the appointment of Briton John Cryan as chief executive officer (CEO) to replace its co-chief executives, Anshu Jain and Jürgen Fitschen who have officially resigned. John Cryan is a former chief financial officer of Swiss bank UBS. Mr Cryan, 54, is a member of Deutsche Bank’s supervisory board since 2013, a post he will now give up. He was president for Europe at Temasek, the sovereign wealth fund of the Republic of Singapore from 2012 to 2014. Mr Cryan was the chief financial officer of UBS from 2008 to 2011. He holds a degree from the University of Cambridge in the UK. Anshu Jain left and Jürgen Fitschen Daniel Roland. Agence France Presse Getty.Mr Cryan shall become co-chief executive officer along with Jürgen Fitschen until May 2016, then become sole chief executive to allow for a smooth transition. Jain’s resignation comes into force on 30 June 2015, though he shall remain a consultant from 1 July 2015 to January 2016. For more information Deutsche Bank: https://www.db.com/ir/en/content/ir_releases_2015_4985.htm
By Baron Henri Estramant.A Luxembourgian business delegation led by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s Hereditary Grand Ducal Couple paid a visit to Tunisia between 29 and 30 April 2015. Luxembourg’s Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Étienne Schneider, was the leading governmental member in the mission. Tunisian Prime Minister, Habib Essid, welcomed the Luxembourgian delegates for a tête-à-tête in Tunis. Other high-level meetings included seances with Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M’Hamed Ezzine Chlaifa, the Minister of Development, Investment and International Cooperation, Yassine Brahim as well as the Minister of Tourism and Craftmenship, Selma Rekik.Together with the Tunisian Minister of Tourism, Selma Rekik.The business delegation was composed of 60 representatives from 40 companies, drawn from a range of sectors including technology, information and communication technology (ICT) as well as environmental technologies. Tunisia has a non-resident ambassador accredited to Luxembourg but based in Brussels, M Tahar Cherif. He is also head of mission of Tunisia’s embassy to Belgium and the EU. For more informationBilateral relations Tunisia-Luxembourg: http://www.diplomatie.gov.tn/index.php?id=357&no_cache=1&tx_wdbilaterales_pi1[action]=singleView&tx_wdbilaterales_pi1[pointer]=0&tx_wdbilaterales_pi1[mode]=1&tx_wdbilaterales_pi1[showUid]=229
On June 2nd here in The Hague, Italians, diplomats, Dutch Officials and friends accompanied H.E. Francesco Azzarello, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and his wife to celebrate la Festa della Republica, the day when Italians voted in a referendum to abolish the monarchy in 1946.
For a picture-album on La Festa della Republica Italiana, please open this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653572390679
Ambassadors from all over the world came to Sophialaan, one of the most beautiful streets in town, to honor the Italian National Day on a sunny and warm afternoon. Visitors from the Italian business community, NGOs, and other international organizations enjoyed sharing each other’s company in a lively Italian ambiance.
The most relevant elements of the Italian culture were present, notably the art, music, food, and wines, but most importantly the joy and the passion possessed by every Italian man, woman, and child.
Deputy Chief of Mission is Ambassador Paula Wilson who also serves as ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania. Ambassador Taylor has already presented his credentials to His Majesty The King of Sweden on 5 June 2015, one day before the realm’s national day. He was accompanied by the officer normally in charge of liaising with Sweden, Second Secretary Ms Renée Heal.
For more information:
Sweden’s Royal House: http://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen/aktuellahandelser/aktuellt/hogtidligaaudienserpakungligaslottet.5.6b3f01514d8a67974b4fe.html
New Zealand Embassy in Belgium and Mission to the EU: http://www.nzembassy.com/belgium/relationship-between-new-zealand-and-belgium/new-zealand-and-the-european-union
Pictures to Embassy of New Zealand in Belgium (www.facebook.com/nzembassybelgium?fref=ts)
Deputy Chief of Mission is Ambassador Paula Wilson who also serves as ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania. Ambassador Taylor has already presented his credentials to His Majesty The King of Sweden on 5 June 2015, one day before the realm’s national day. He was accompanied by the officer normally in charge of liaising with Sweden, Second Secretary Ms Renée Heal.
For more information:
Sweden’s Royal House: http://www.kungahuset.se/kungafamiljen/aktuellahandelser/aktuellt/hogtidligaaudienserpakungligaslottet.5.6b3f01514d8a67974b4fe.html
New Zealand Embassy in Belgium and Mission to the EU: http://www.nzembassy.com/belgium/relationship-between-new-zealand-and-belgium/new-zealand-and-the-european-union
Pictures to Embassy of New Zealand in Belgium (www.facebook.com/nzembassybelgium?fref=ts)
To provide further assistance to the people of Peru, Mr. Bovenberg also spoke of the Abrazos Foundation he founded, which works to alleviate some of the difficulties families with autistic children face, raising awareness and acceptance for the children in addition to helping them take part in a normal daily life. A third altruistic venture Mr. Bovenberg supports goes by the name of Amantani, which is a boarding school high in the mountains of the Andes providing room and board to local school children who previously had to walk up to six hours just to attend class.
Mr. Bovenberg’s art was vibrant and compelling, serving as an intriguing reflection of the rich culture and experiences he had whilst in Cusco, Peru.
Adventurous, talented, and altruistic, Mr. Bovenberg’s presentation and artwork were truly a sight to see, inspiring many who attended. At the conclusion of the presentation, he gave a special thanks to H.E. Mr. Carlos Andres Herrera Rodríguez, Ambassador of Peru, and his wife, Veronique Miclea, for sponsoring the event, as well as a special thanks to Patries van Dorst and her husband Carel Reisch for hosting the event in their gallery and house.
Mr. Bovenberg has pledged 10% of all profits to one of the three aforementioned charities. For questions, inquiries, or information regarding the purchase of one of the paintings, he can be reached at: titusbovenberg@gmail.com
To provide further assistance to the people of Peru, Mr. Bovenberg also spoke of the Abrazos Foundation he founded, which works to alleviate some of the difficulties families with autistic children face, raising awareness and acceptance for the children in addition to helping them take part in a normal daily life. A third altruistic venture Mr. Bovenberg supports goes by the name of Amantani, which is a boarding school high in the mountains of the Andes providing room and board to local school children who previously had to walk up to six hours just to attend class.
Mr. Bovenberg’s art was vibrant and compelling, serving as an intriguing reflection of the rich culture and experiences he had whilst in Cusco, Peru.
Adventurous, talented, and altruistic, Mr. Bovenberg’s presentation and artwork were truly a sight to see, inspiring many who attended. At the conclusion of the presentation, he gave a special thanks to H.E. Mr. Carlos Andres Herrera Rodríguez, Ambassador of Peru, and his wife, Veronique Miclea, for sponsoring the event, as well as a special thanks to Patries van Dorst and her husband Carel Reisch for hosting the event in their gallery and house.
Mr. Bovenberg has pledged 10% of all profits to one of the three aforementioned charities. For questions, inquiries, or information regarding the purchase of one of the paintings, he can be reached at: titusbovenberg@gmail.com
Ambassadors from all over the world came to Sophialaan, one of the most beautiful streets in town, to honor the Italian National Day on a sunny and warm afternoon. Visitors from the Italian business community, NGOs, and other international organizations enjoyed sharing each other’s company in a lively Italian ambiance.
The most relevant elements of the Italian culture were present, notably the art, music, food, and wines, but most importantly the joy and the passion possessed by every Italian man, woman, and child.
Ambassadors from all over the world came to Sophialaan, one of the most beautiful streets in town, to honor the Italian National Day on a sunny and warm afternoon. Visitors from the Italian business community, NGOs, and other international organizations enjoyed sharing each other’s company in a lively Italian ambiance.
The most relevant elements of the Italian culture were present, notably the art, music, food, and wines, but most importantly the joy and the passion possessed by every Italian man, woman, and child.
