Heroin from Iran to Belgium sized in Kyrgyzstan
Van with 125 kg of heroin from Iran to Belgium stopped in Kyrgyzstan, 3 foreigners arrested.
The National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan stopped on March 28 the activity of transnational criminal groups consisting of foreign nationals.
A van carrying 125 kg of heroin was detained in Sokuluk district.
3 foreign nationals were detained. The international criminal group has been for a long time smuggling and trafficking the narcotic drugs on the route Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan-Russia-Belgium. Heroin was hidden at the bottom of the wagon under the furniture. Heroin was packaged in briquettes of 0.5 kg each, the authorities said. The further investigation into illicit trafficking in drugs is underway. The Committee launched a criminal case. The detained foreign nationals are now in the temporary detention center in Bishkek.
Succession to the Crown changed
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The “Succession to the Crown Act 2013” came into effect in the United Kingdom, and the other Commonwealth realms at midnight GMT 26 March 2015, after being ratified by Australia, Barbados, Canada, the Grenadines, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent. Nine realms concluded that no legislation was necessary to accept the changes, these are: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, St Lucia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.
Pragmatically the new succession act entails that males no longer take precedence over females, meaning that an elder daughter cannot be overtaken by a younger son. The UK, and the other fifteen realms now apply absolute primogeniture as rule for succession to the Crown. The move leaves Monaco and Spain as the only European monarchies were semi-Salic law is applied, only Liechtenstein excludes heiresses altogether.
Marriage to Roman Catholics is now allowed while retaining rights to the throne (the monarch must be Anglican, however, as Head of the Church of England).
Another further change signifies that only individuals who are within the first six places of the line of succession require permission from the Monarch to marry.
The act was agreed upon by the Commonwealth realms at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia back in October 2011. The changes are backdated to begin on the day of initial agreement which was 28 October 2011. In practical terms several members of the extended Royal Family who married Roman Catholics (e.g. HRH Prince Michael of Kent) are reinstated to the line of succession, others changed places as the precedence of males over females is hitherto obsolete.
The issue was settled before the upcoming Commonwealth Summit to be hosted in November 2015 in Malta by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
For more information:
Commonwealth Summit: https://chogm2015.mt/
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca: https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/Government%20of%20Malta/Presidents%20of%20Malta/Pages/Marie-Louise-Coleiro-Preca.aspx
Andorra’s Constitution, 22nd anniversary
By Baron Henri Estramant.
A reception was held at Brussels Gothic City Hall on 16 March 2015 to commemorate the adoption of the Andorran constitution after a referendum which took place on 14 March 1993. The very first carta magna for the principality came into force on 28 April 1993 after its publication in the Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra.
Article 1 of the Andorran Constitution lays out the form of state, namely a constitutional monarchy in the form of a “co-principality” with the Bishop of Urgell (based in Catalonia) and the French President formally, and jointly sharing the headship of state. This is a unique arrangement worldwide having its origins in Andorran medieval history.
For a photo-album of this event, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157649336597154/
The incumbent co-princes are The Most Reverend Archbishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, Episcopal Co-Prince and François Hollande as the “French” Co-Prince. For both co-princes live outsides the boundaries of the principality they have appointed “personal representatives”; M Thierry Lataste is the one for the French Co-Prince whereas Priest Josep Maria Mauri represents the Episcopal Co-Prince.
Article 2 of the Andorran constitution states that Andorra’s official language is Catalan; making it the only country in the world wherein Catalan enjoys that status solely.
The actual National Day of Andorra is fêted annually with folklore on 8 September, the feast of the Lady of Meritxell, virgin protector of the principality. The reception in Brussels was preceded by a concert of the National Classical Orchestra of Andorra.
Andorra’s mission in Brussels is headed by HE Ambassador Eva Descarrega García. She is accredited to the Benelux countries, the EU, the Federal Republic of Germany and Slovenia.
For more information:
Andorran Constitution: http://www.consellgeneral.ad/en/the-general-council/constitution-of-the-principality-of-andorra
Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra: http://www.bisbaturgell.org/
French Co-Prince: http://www.coprince-fr.ad/ca/
The incumbent co-princes are The Most Reverend Archbishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, Episcopal Co-Prince and François Hollande as the “French” Co-Prince. For both co-princes live outsides the boundaries of the principality they have appointed “personal representatives”; M Thierry Lataste is the one for the French Co-Prince whereas Priest Josep Maria Mauri represents the Episcopal Co-Prince.
Article 2 of the Andorran constitution states that Andorra’s official language is Catalan; making it the only country in the world wherein Catalan enjoys that status solely.
The actual National Day of Andorra is fêted annually with folklore on 8 September, the feast of the Lady of Meritxell, virgin protector of the principality. The reception in Brussels was preceded by a concert of the National Classical Orchestra of Andorra.
Andorra’s mission in Brussels is headed by HE Ambassador Eva Descarrega García. She is accredited to the Benelux countries, the EU, the Federal Republic of Germany and Slovenia.
For more information:
Andorran Constitution: http://www.consellgeneral.ad/en/the-general-council/constitution-of-the-principality-of-andorra
Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra: http://www.bisbaturgell.org/
French Co-Prince: http://www.coprince-fr.ad/ca/
Lithuania in Brussels
The 25th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Lithuania was celebrated in Brussels on 16 March 2015.
By Embassy of Lithuania in Brussels and Baron Henri Estramant.
Belgian government and business officials, diplomats, representatives from NATO and the EU institutions as well as friends of Lithuania were present at the event, including EU Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager.
On this special occasion Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Linas Linkevičius congratulated the audience and noted that “while enjoying our freedom, we could not forget people in Europe who are fighting for territorial integrity, sovereignty and for their rights to choose the European perspective”.
On 17 March 2015, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Linas Linkevičius met Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders. The Ministers discussed economic and political relations between Belgium and Lithuania, EU and NATO agenda issues. Minister Linkevičius stressed that Lithuania is “interested in fostering bilateral relations and underlined the successful cooperation in EU, NATO and Benelux-Baltic States format”. During the meeting ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, EU sanctions on Russia and their effectiveness. The Minister drew attention to the importance for Russia to implement fully the Minsk agreements.
In the context of changed regional security situation L. Linkevičius marked that Lithuania highly appreciates Belgium’s input into the security of Baltic region. Belgium was the first NATO country which took part in Baltic air policing mission in 2004, after that performed the missions in 2006 and 2013. Belgium regularly participates in NATO military exercises in Baltic region.
The reception was hosted in the noble atmosphere of the Château de Saint Anne in the outskirts of Brussels, and was hosted by Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Raimundas Karoblis, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Belgium, Gediminas Varvuolis as well as the Permanent Representative to NATO, Vytautas Leškevičius.
Another event to celebrate the restoration of independence was held on 4 March 2015 in the premises of the European Parliament.
Aussies win ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. March 30 2015.The best team won the ICC World Cup. Once again, that team was Australia.
New Zealand 183 (45 overs): Elliott 83, Johnson 3-10, Faulkner 3-36
Australia 186-3 (33.1 overs): Clarke 74, Smith 56*
Australia win by seven wickets
Michael Clarke hit 74 in his last one- day international to lead Australia to their fifth Cricket World Cup title with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand. A crowd of over 93,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia bowl out the Black Caps for 183 and then gallop to victory in the 34th over.
Michael Clarke hit 74 in his last one- day international to lead Australia to their fifth Cricket World Cup title with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand. A crowd of 93,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia bowl out the Black Caps for 183 and then gallop to victory in the 34th over. Clarke, dedicated the win to his close friend and former teammate Phillip Hughes, who died last year after being hit on the head by a bouncer in a first-class match in Sydney. The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The event is organized by the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), with preliminary qualification rounds leading up to a finals tournament held every four years.
The tournament is one of the world’s most viewed sporting events and is considered the “flagship event of the international cricket calendar” by the ICC
Bangladesh National Day
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
After an introduction by the Second Secretary Mr. Istiaque Uddin Ahmed, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, welcomed the many guests who came to join in the celebration of Bangladesh’s 44th Independence and National Day. The festivities took place at the residence of the Ambassador in Wassenaar on March 26 2015.
It was indeed a great honor for Bangladesh to attain its Independence under the leadership of someone of the caliber and dedication of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
His Excellency addressed to his guests as follows:
”Good evening! Excellencies, distinguished guests, members of Bangladesh community in the Netherlands!
We assembled here to celebrate the 44th independence and national day of Bangladesh. We got freedom on this date through a bloody war and it is a day worth celebration. So, please allow me to thank you for being with us on this day of celebration.
On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this independence, the Father of our Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and millions of martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to provide us an independent country called Bangladesh.
It was Bangabandhu who taught us to keep the spirit of independence alive through serving our people well. We shall never allow that torch of his values to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.
Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom, some were from countries near and far, who, without praise or reward, have served Bangladesh even unto death. Our deepest homage to all those friends and peers who stood on our side even, at times, against the will of their governments.
As a citizen of Bangladesh, we are proud of our golden past. We have all along been the part of world’s one of the oldest and richest civilizations. As proud as we are about our past, we know it well that we have to work hard to harder to make our present and future better than our past.”
He continues ” Dear Members of Bangladesh community in the Netherlands
I think you are sick and tired with me already. As I kept reminding you, myself included, about our opportunity to witness, what I call, Dutch triumph of making a country from under the water. Every day you witness a beauty that few people in the world can even imagine.
So, Excellencies, allow me to express our heartfelt gratitude to the people and government of the Netherlands for their wholehearted support and assistance.
I will be remiss, if I fail to acknowledge all members of Bangladesh Embassy family for their hard work to make this day as good a celebration as we witness it here today.
Before I conclude, allow me to offer you this assurance. When you go back home tonight, you will look much healthier today, compared to other days, as we arranged some delicious food, befitting our culture, for you. We even tried to serve you with the rain in our desperate attempt to make it less spicy for you. I, therefore, invite you to the refreshments served. I thank you”
For a photo-album on this event, please click here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157651190724608/
His Excellency addressed to his guests as follows:
”Good evening! Excellencies, distinguished guests, members of Bangladesh community in the Netherlands!
We assembled here to celebrate the 44th independence and national day of Bangladesh. We got freedom on this date through a bloody war and it is a day worth celebration. So, please allow me to thank you for being with us on this day of celebration.
On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this independence, the Father of our Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and millions of martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to provide us an independent country called Bangladesh.
It was Bangabandhu who taught us to keep the spirit of independence alive through serving our people well. We shall never allow that torch of his values to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.
Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom, some were from countries near and far, who, without praise or reward, have served Bangladesh even unto death. Our deepest homage to all those friends and peers who stood on our side even, at times, against the will of their governments.
As a citizen of Bangladesh, we are proud of our golden past. We have all along been the part of world’s one of the oldest and richest civilizations. As proud as we are about our past, we know it well that we have to work hard to harder to make our present and future better than our past.”
He continues ” Dear Members of Bangladesh community in the Netherlands
I think you are sick and tired with me already. As I kept reminding you, myself included, about our opportunity to witness, what I call, Dutch triumph of making a country from under the water. Every day you witness a beauty that few people in the world can even imagine.
So, Excellencies, allow me to express our heartfelt gratitude to the people and government of the Netherlands for their wholehearted support and assistance.
I will be remiss, if I fail to acknowledge all members of Bangladesh Embassy family for their hard work to make this day as good a celebration as we witness it here today.
Before I conclude, allow me to offer you this assurance. When you go back home tonight, you will look much healthier today, compared to other days, as we arranged some delicious food, befitting our culture, for you. We even tried to serve you with the rain in our desperate attempt to make it less spicy for you. I, therefore, invite you to the refreshments served. I thank you”
For a photo-album on this event, please click here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157651190724608/
Kyrgyz Republic: Democratic Reforms and Foreign Policy Priorities
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev and leading government officials are currently in Europe for high level meetings with European leaders such as President François Hollande, EU Council President Donald Tusk, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Kyrgyzstan has reformed its political system and aims at further strengthening its democratic reform process. The country plays a crucial role for regional cooperation in Central Asia as it maintains strong economic links to both Russia within the Eurasian Union and the European Union through several cooperation agreements.
Regional cooperation in Central Asia is the only way towards prosperity and stability in the whole region.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation is organising a public keynote speech by Kyrgyz State President, Almazbek Atambayev on: Kyrgyz Republic: Democratic Reforms and Foreign Policy Priorities, moderated by: Ambassador Martin Fleischer, Vice- President of EastWest Institute and Christian Forstner, Director of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Brussels . The conference will be followed by a photo exhibition and a networking reception.
The photo exhibition ‘Kyrgyzstan – an Opportunity for Young Democracy’ recalls the historic moments in April 2010 when ex-president Kurmanbek Bakiyev was overthrown. It illustrates the following years of political reforms and national self-consciousness.
Monday, 30 March 2015 17:30-18:45, at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU, Rue Wiertz 77, 1000 Brussels. R.S.V.P. at: registration@hss.de
KLM is back in Colombia
KLM is back in Colombia connecting The Netherlands with Bogota and Cali.
After 20 years of hiatus, the Dutch airline returns to Colombia with regular flight frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Aiming to bring Dutch tourists closer to the unique experiences available in Colombia, KLM will be back in business March 28th with the Amsterdam-Bogota-Cali route. According to KLM, three weekly frequencies will open servicing 318 passengers per flight every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday thanks to the support of ProColombia, OPAIN, and AEROCALI.
The new route is an opportunity to bring more Dutch and European travelers into the country. According to figures released by the Immigration Department of Colombia, a total of 30,526 Dutch tourists arrived in 2014 that is a 66.3% increase compared to the previous year, when 18,354 Dutch travelers visited Colombia. The main destinations were Bogota, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca.
“Dutch tourists are interested in attractions associated with nature, adventure, and culture. With this in mind, we are promoting unique experiences in Colombia across major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht,” stated the President of ProColombia, Maria Claudia Lacouture.
Some of the Colombian products and services promoted internationally include Valle del Cauca highlighting bird-watching, adventure, capital cities, fairs and festivities, gastronomy, salsa, and religious tourism, as well as authentic experiences in Bogota including shopping, gastronomy, archeology, religious tourism, fairs and festivities, wellness, and bird-watching.
KLM’s new route is the result of ProColombia’s efforts, which together with airports are improving Colombia’s connectivity to the rest of the world through new air routes and more frequencies. In this particular case, sector entrepreneurs in Cali and the Bogota’s District Institute of Tourism (Instituto Distrital de Turismo, IDT) will also support activities to promote this new route in 2015 across strategic European markets.
Allegations of toxic chemical attacks in Syria
Commenting on recent reports about alleged toxic chemical attacks in Syria, the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, said, “We have been monitoring the recent reports suggesting that toxic chemicals may have been used as weapons in the Idlib province of the Syrian Aran Republic. This matter is of serious concern”.
Ambassador Uzumcu noted his decision to continue with the Fact Finding Mission, which is mandated to look into all serious allegations of use of toxic chemicals for hostile purposes in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The continuation of the Mission’s work has been endorsed by the OPCW Executive Council and Security Council resolution 2209 (2015).
Sjoerd Sybesma new Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague
Sjoerd Sybesma, current manager of Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Leiden, has been appointed Hotel Manager of Hilton The Hague. Sjoerd has built an impressive career at Hilton. Milan Arandelovic, Area General Manager Benelux Hilton Worldwide, says: “With Sjoerd’s arrival in The Hague, we actually get ‘the best of both worlds at home. His drive and hands-on approach were essential for the introduction and success of Hilton Garden Inn, and thus the Focus Service concept in the Netherlands.
Sjoerd Sybesma began his career in 1999 at Hilton Amsterdam in various operational functions. In 2001 he moved to TUI Netherlands, where he has led various commercial and operational departments.
However, the hotel industry continued to attract him, making Sjoerd in 2008 moved to Hilton Antwerp Old Town, where he went to work as Business Development Manager and then as Director of Operations. The first Hilton Garden Inn concept in the Benelux was successfully opened by Sjoerd as a hotel manager in 2012 in Leiden. The hotel is the last 2.5 years to become a household with a huge customer appreciation and has since won several awards, including the Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor in 2014 and 2015.
Now Sjoerd Hague goes to work, he will return to the city where the foundation was laid for his hotel career, since he in The Hague in 1999, graduated from the Hotel Management. As a hotel manager at Hilton The Hague will Sjoerd Sybesma now focus on the further expansion of the established name of the hotel which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary.