Credentials of Colombian ambassador in The Hague

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Credentials of Colombian ambassador in The Hague
Credentials of Colombian ambassador in The Hague 
The Hague, April 22, 2015: Dutch King Willem-Alexander received at Noordeinde Palace the Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, HE Sr. D. Juan José Quintana, for presentation of his credentials. © Rotapool; Photo: Remko de Waal.

Dutch royal couple in Aruba

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Dutch royal couple in Aruba
Oranjestad, May 1, 2015: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima view in the harbor of Oranjestad, Aruba a demonstration of the Royal Navy and the Coast Guard Caribbean. On May 1, bringing King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the invitation of the Governor of Aruba, Fredis Refunjol, Oranjestad visit Aruba Sail 2015. Also Minister Plasterk of the Interior present at the events. As patron couple of the Oranje Fonds make the King and Queen of the opportunity on Bonaire and Aruba two projects, participating in the Orange Fund Program Opportunities for Young People, and to discover one of the Apples of Orange-winners of 2015.

April 30 Dia di Rincon, Bonaire

On Dia di Rincon, thousands of visitors from Bonaire and the other islands in the oldest village of the island, Rincon to celebrate a feast of culture and traditions. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima together with Governor Rijna morning in Rincon welcomed by the chairman of the organizing committee, Francisco Janga. After a flag ceremony with folk songs and drums are a few speeches and song and dance performances. Then visit the King and Queen ‘Stent Street, “a tasting of traditional dishes from Bonaire, and the museum ChiChi ‘Tan, including a collection of traditional musical instruments. In the afternoon, the royal couple lives in a parade of habits and costumes, culminating with the Simadan, the harvest festival in the form of a parade.

May 1 Sail Aruba 2015

As part of the celebration of 200 years Kingdom 350 years Marine Corps takes in the port of Oranjestad from 1 to 3 May Sail Aruba place. After a reception at Refunjol Governor of Aruba, the King and Queen arrive by boat at the SAIL grounds. There Sail Aruba opens with a ceremonial salute to the King and the Sail-in. Queen Máxima give the starting shot for a youth sailing competition. Then look at the King and Queen, an exhibition of the Aruban Port Authority (APA) and they visit the Seafood Festival. In the afternoon, following the royal couple a demonstration of the Royal Navy and Coast Guard Caribbean and they visit the tall ship Picton Castle. Finally live the King and Queen at night in the harbor of Oranjestad a one-off special performance by staff of Soldier of Orange-The Musical. Together with the Zeeman Choir Aruba will be a collage of poems and excerpts from the literature on the Second World War combined with scenes and songs from the musical itself.

Oranjefonds

One of the Apples of Orange in 2015 was won by Krusada Foundation, an organization that supports people in Bonaire since 1999 who did not survive in the society. After attending Dia di Rincon visit the King and Queen Foundation Krusada. The Opportunities for Youth Caribbean program supports the Orange Fund volunteer initiatives that focus on early school leavers. The Monarchs talks on April 30 with coaches from the Bonaire Youth Outreach Foundation and young people from disadvantaged environments, accompanied by this organization. On May 2 in the morning to visit the King and Queen on Aruba Probation and the Heart Centered Leadership Foundation, where youth at risk and young people who have been in contact with the law, be coached and trained. © Press Monarchy Europe.

Addressing the Intentional Destruction of the Environment

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Addressing the Intentional Destruction of the Environment
SAVE THE DATE! Book Launch “Addressing the Intentional Destruction of the Environment during Warfare under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”
Date Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Venue The Peace Palace Library, Historic Reading Room, Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ, The Hague
Time 15:00 – 18:00 (security clearance to start at 14:30)
Organised by The Hague Environmental Facility (HELF), the Institute for Environmental Security, TMC Asser Institute and Professor Steven Freeland
To register, please email Ms. Shirleen Chin, IES shirleenchin@envirosecurity.org
  The program ends with a reception. The Book Launch is public and free of charge. Registration is necessary. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Hague Environmental Law Facility (HELF), a joint initiative of the Institute for Environmental Security and TMC Asser Institute, would like to invite you for the launch of Professor Steven Freeland’s new book entitled “Addressing the Intentional Destruction of the Environment during Warfare under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”. This event is being hosted by the prestigious Peace Palace Library. In his book, Professor Freeland examines the existing international legal regime relevant to the intentional destruction of the environment during warfare, and argues that such acts should, in appropriate circumstances, be recognised as an international crime and should be subject to more effective rules giving rise to international criminal responsibility. It also suggests a framework within the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as to how this might be achieved. Come and join us for the book launch with notable panellist(s) from the tribunal and court scene in The Hague (TBC), including experts like Professor Michael Bothe, Co-Chair of the IUCN Specialist Group on Armed Conflict and the Environment. About the Author: Steven Freeland is a Professor of International Law at the University of Western Sydney, a Permanent Visiting Professor at the iCourts Centre of Excellence for International Courts in Denmark, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Vienna.  

State visit to Denmark – our vision of a green future

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State visit to Denmark – our vision of a green future
  By His Excellency Mr. Ole E. Moesby, the Danish Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.   Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid a state visit to Denmark from the 17th -19th of March 2015 at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe and His Royal Highness The Prince Consort. As the ambassador I was very delighted to accompany the Royal Couple during the state visit. Denmark and the Netherlands have strong ties, marked by a like-minded culture, extensive people-to-people links and a vibrant trade and investment cooperation. Both countries strive for an open and plural society, with a strong political engagement. And both participate actively in the discussion about creating green solutions to ensure the best chance for a cleaner and greener future for our planet. In that regard the state visit focused of exchange experiences concerning the green innovative growth agency. The importance of exchanging experiences in the area of green innovative growth is an essential driver for economic growth and improvement. We want to promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences and facilitate investment; and both countries wish to develop expert knowledge in the areas of research, technology and environmental standards. The Danish energy policy is clear: the entire energy supply; electricity, heating, industry and transport, is to be covered by renewable energy by 2050, and we are ready to take major steps to get closer to this target. The Danish picturesque island, Samsø is a role model in self-sufficiency. It is the first island in the world to be completely powered by renewable energy. Widely known, it is a significant international showcase for Danish energy technology. It has amassed a great deal of specific experiences with the implementation of a broad variety of local renewable energy projects, from wind turbines to CO2 neutral district heating plants, rapeseed oil tractors and solar energy panels. Each year more than 5000 scientists, companies, politicians, journalists, school children and energy tourists from all over the world visit Samsø, to see the sustainable energy island and learn from the local experiences. It was a very captivating experience to visit the island together with the Royal Couple. Interestingly we were welcomed by Marcel Meijer, who is the Mayor of Samsø municipality. Mr. Meijer is in fact Dutch and he is two a large extend the personification of the like-mindedness between our two countries. He has been instrumental in driving the green agenda for Samsø. On the island we were guided through a “green-day” full of inspiration and interesting activities. We visited Samsø Energy Academy where the Majesties took part in round table discussions about ideas and thoughts regarding the 100% self-sufficient and fossil free island. Another interesting event was the visit to consumer-owned district heating plant based on straw “Ballen Brundby” which gave a clear picture of the potential of renewable energy on the island. The “green-day” ended with a delicious lunch, purely made of local products to illustrate the local community´s ideas of self-sufficiency. The very enriching day at Samsø marked that Denmark is really approaching the core of the Danish goal about being environmentally friendly. What fascinated me most of all during the visit was the local interest in becoming a green model society – this participation clearly affects the success of the project. When everybody takes an active part in this “energy democracy” we are guaranteed a much better future for our planet.  

The Elders conclude three-day visit to Moscow

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The Elders conclude three-day visit to Moscow
  From Ukraine to Syria and Iran, The Elders held talks on geopolitical issues with Russian officials, including President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Six members of The Elders, led by the organisation’s Chair, Kofi Annan, today concluded a successful visit to Moscow with a meeting with President Vladimir Putin at his residence.   The Elders with President Putin       The Elders, concerned about increasing international confrontations and geopolitical tensions, held constructive and open talks with President Putin. The Elders intend to continue their discussions on these deeply worrisome developments with other governments. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General said: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss Russia’s role in international affairs with the President. To be successful in defusing conflicts and building trust, high-level dialogue and effective action are essential.” Apart from President Putin, the Elders held in-depth discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, as well as the heads of leading Moscow-based think tanks. As this was the first visit by The Elders as an organisation to Moscow, the delegation was keen to listen to their Russian interlocutors. The Elders wanted to hear how the Government views current geopolitical crises around the world, in particular the situation in Ukraine and prospects for implementation of the Minsk II agreement. The Elders emphasised the importance of the urgent implementation of the agreement. A recurrent topic of discussion was the complex and dangerous situation in the Middle East today. The Elders agreed with their Russian hosts on the dangers posed by the rise of terrorism and extremism in Syria and Iraq, and the worrying spread of its influence to other regions. They also spoke with their interlocutors in Moscow about the need to bring the Iranian nuclear discussions with the “P5+1” group of major states, including Russia, to a successful conclusion by the end of June, and then to make sure the agreement is fully implemented. As an independent organisation dedicated to the pursuit of peace worldwide, The Elders are keen to encourage steps by all concerned that can help de-escalate global tensions and the risk of further conflict. Those Elders who participated in the mission to Russia were: Martti Ahtisaari, former Finnish President; Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General; Lakhdar Brahimi, former Algerian Foreign Minister; Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Norwegian Prime Minister; Jimmy Carter, former US President; and Ernesto Zedillo, former Mexican President. Source: http://theelders.org/article/elders-conclude-three-day-visit-Moscow For more information  The Elders: http://theelders.org/    

Possible gas deliveries to the EU from Turkmenistan

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Possible gas deliveries to the EU from Turkmenistan
 
Brussels, 30 April 2015: The proposals for a European Energy Union were presented by Slovak Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, a Vice-President of the European commission in charge of energy policy. 
 
In an attempt to wean off Europe’s overwhelming dependence on Russian Gazprom, Commissioner Šefčovič said there would be a focus upon building a new “southern corridor” pumping gas from the Caspian basin to the EU member states via Turkey. It would carry Russian gas, but could also include supplies from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iraq and Iran. The southern corridor, entailing investment of $45bn (£29bn), “will be the biggest in world, and could be up and running by 2019”. The commissioner travelled to Ashgabat to meet with Turkmen President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedow concerning this project. Turkmenistan possesses the fourth largest gas reserves in the world. 
 
Six EU member states are 100% dependent on Gazprom for gas, and the union as a whole is the world’s biggest importer of energy. According to commission figures, it spent €400bn (£294bn) last year importing 53% of its overall energy requirements.
 
Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete also mentioned the possibility of avoiding Russia altogether as transit country by building the pipe through Iran. 
For more information
 
Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič: http://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/sefcovic_en

Hottinger Bank, demise of the Baron

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Hottinger Bank, demise of the Baron
Edited and translated by Baron Henri Estramant.   The House Hottinger and the Administrative Council of Banque Hottinger & Cie SA announced the demise of the “chef de la famille”, the VI Baron Hottinger, Henri, at Paris on Friday, 3 April 2015, at the age of 81 years old.  Henri Hottinger began his career in the banking world in the 1950s within the family bank  “Messieurs Hottinger & Cie” in Paris. In 1982, Baron Henri orchestrated the merging of Groupe Drouot, controlled by his dynasty, and Mutuelles Unies, which years later became the Groupe Axa.  Back in 1968 Henri Hottinger commenced the comeback of the family bank to Switzerland after a two hundred years hiatus. The first branch was opened in Zürich, ancient family seat, then Genève in 1988, to be followed by Basel, Sion and Brigue in 2004.  He became the sixth Baron Hottinger upon the demise of his father Rodolphe Hottinger. The baronial dignity was bestowed upon Jean-Conrad Hottinger in 1810 by French Emperor Napoléon I. It was also the first baron who founded the bank still bearing the dynasty’s surname in 1786 at Paris. All throughout he served as managing partner. In 2010 the bank became a société anonyme (SA) under Swiss law and under the name Banque Hottinger et Cie SA. The majority of shares are still owned by members of the Hottinger Dynasty.  Groupe Banque Hottinger offers services in wealth management, financial advise and execution. Its network goes beyond Switzerland, and can be found in Paris, London, or Luxembourg.  Source: http://www.agefi.com/ageficom/accueil/detail/edition/online/article/lannonce-du-deces-du-baron-henri-hottinguer-395807.html   For more information Bank Hottinger: www.hottinger.com/en/ www.hottinger.lu    

New ambassadors to the EU

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New ambassadors to the EU
  On the picture HE Ambassador Dato Nafisah binti Mohamed and President Donald Tusk.   On 29 April 2015, President of the European Council, the Pole Donald Tusk, received the accreditation of the following heads of mission to the European Union:  Socialist Republic of Việt Nam: HE Ambassador VƯƠNG Thừa Phong, previously Deputy Head of the Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations of the Communist Party of Việt Nam. His mission covers Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU. 
Ambassador Dr. Yousef Bataineh & President Tusk
Ambassador Dr. Yousef Bataineh and President Donald Tusk.
  Federation of Malaysia: HE Ambassador Dato Nafisah binti Mohamed, formerly Director General, Coordination and Implementation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her mission is accredited to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU.  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: HE Ambassador Dr. Yousef BATAINEH, previously Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amman. His mission is responsible for Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, the EU and NATO.  Republic of Maldives: HE Ambassador Ahmed SHIAAN. His mission is accredited to Belgium and the EU. The ambassador is likewise High Commissioner of Maldives at St. James’s Court (UK) with co-accreditation to France, Denmark, Finland, Spain and Sweden.   
Ambassador Vuong and President Donald Tusk
Ambassador Vuong and President Donald Tusk.
  Republic of Djibouti: HE Ambassador Omar Abdi SAID, previously a parliamentarian, elected twice in 2003 and in 2008 till 2013. His mission is accredited to all three Benelux countries, the EU as well as the OPCW. 
President Tusk and Ambassador Omar Said.
President Tusk and Ambassador Omar Said.
  For more information  Embassy of Việt Nam in Brussels: www.vietnamembassy.be/vi/ Embassy of Malaysia in Brussels: www.kln.gov.my/web/bel_brussels/home Embassy of Jordan in Brussels: www.jordanembassy.be  Embassy of the Maldives in Brussels: http://www.maldivesmission.eu/about-the-embassy-mission/ambassador Embassy of Djibouti in Brussels: www.ambassadededjibouti.be/Contact.html
Ambassador Ahmed Shiaan & President Tusk
Ambassador Ahmed Shiaan & President Tusk.
  Source: http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/photos   ——————————– Pictures © European Union    

EU visit for Spain’s monarch

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EU visit for Spain’s monarch
Edited and translated by Martin Kammandel.   Brussels, 15 April 2015: His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain visited the European Parliament where he was received by its president Mr. Martin Schulz. At the assembly The King signed the Book of Honour to later continue to a meeting with President Schulz and their respective delegations. Both leaders also held talks with representatives of the parliamentary groups at the EP. Thereafter Don Felipe VI met with President of the European Council, Donald Tusk and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The meetings were followed by a luncheon with the Commissioners.    FELIPE VI and D. TUSK meeting - Copy   Thus the three main EU institutions were covered during the short visit. The European Parliament (EP) represents the EU citizenry, and is directly elected by them. The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the EU member states, and is elected by them; in fact, member states share the Presidency of the Council on a rotatory bases every six months. The Commission represents the interests of the Union as a whole.    FELIPE VI and D. TUSK reception - CopyTogether the three institutions work on the EU’s policies and legal instruments. In principle the Commissions proposes the legal initiatives to be adopted by Parliament and the Council. Subsequently they are adopted as well by the Commission, which ensures its uniform application throughout the EU, and the member states.  His Majesty King Felipe VI was accompanied to all EU institutions by Spain’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Alfonso Dastis Quecedo.        Source:  http://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_viajes_detalle.aspx?data=788   For more information: Spanish Royal Household: www.casareal.es/ES/Paginas/home.aspx Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of Spain to the EU: http://representacionpermanente.eu/en/ Martin Schulz: www.europarl.europa.eu/the-president/en/president/html/latest-news Donald Tusk: www.consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council/president/ Jean-Claude Juncker: http://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/president_en      

Health Qigong at PRC Mission to the EU

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Health Qigong at PRC Mission to the EU
By Baron Henri Estramant.    Brussels, 24 April 2015: HE Ambassador Yang Yanyi, Mission of the PRC to the EU, hosted an opening ceremony session of “Nei Yang Gong”. Qigong is one of five branches of traditional Chinese medicine which is defined as the “gymnastics of energy” co-relating slow “elegant” movements, static postures and massages.   HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium is honorary president of the “Belgian Health Qigong Federation” based in the city of Mons, and was present at the invitation of Ambassador Yang Yanyi. During the latter’s allocution she mentioned the (controversial) visit to the PRC in the 1950s by her grandmother, then Dowager Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (née Duchess in Bavaria). According to the ambassador “Qigong is emblematic of traditional Chinese culture. With graceful movements, Health Qigong works with all the meridians, brings great health benefits to people of all ages, and connects people with its charm of harmony of mind and body, between people under heaven and between society and nature”. The PRC mission to the EU is marking 40 years of cultural exchanges between the PRC and the EU in 2015.   For more information Mission of the PRC to the EU: www.chinamission.be/chn/ www.chinamission.be/eng/mh/t1257593.htm Belgian Federation of Qigong Health: www.belgianhealthqigongfederation.be Nei Yang Gong: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkJG0GAqHoo   ————— Copyright picture: Violaine Le Hardÿ de Beaulieau  
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