Russia in Amsterdam

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On September 1st, H.E, Roman Kolodkin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, offered a very special cultural event at the Hermitage Amsterdam, showcasing an array of artifacts and images from the renowned Silk Road. It refers to ancient caravan routes from Lanzhou to Kashgar via Turfan and Urumqi, the most famous one, still provides connection between a number of cultural and commercial centres of Central Asia. The reception finalized with The Meshrep Ensemble, a group of classical and folk music invited for the occasion. The Russian Federation is one of the most prominent promoters of the history and culture of the ancient Silk Road.   On the above picture: H.E. Roman Kolodkin together with Igor Popov, Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia and Mr. Bruno Kapetanovic, from the Institute for Forward Thinking in Amsterdam. P1010611 P1010607 P1010617 P1010620

Blé Goudé case: hearing postponed

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Blé Goudé case: Confirmation of charges hearing postponed to 29 September 2014 On 1 September 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided to postpone the commencement of the confirmation of charges hearing in the case The Prosecutor v. Charles Blé Goudé to 29 September 2014, at the Defence’s request in order for the Defence to complete its preparation for the hearing previously scheduled for the 22 September 2014. On 27 March 2014, Charles Blé Goudé made his first appearance before the ICC and Single Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi had initially set the date of the beginning of the confirmation of charges hearing for 18 August 2014. On 22 March 2014, Charles Blé Goudé was surrendered to the ICC by the national authorities of Côte d´Ivoire on the basis of a warrant of arrest issued by ICC judges on 21 December 2011 and unsealed on 30 September 2013. Charles Blé Goudé, national of Côte d’Ivoire, 42 years of age, allegedly bears individual criminal responsibility, as indirect co-perpetrator, for four counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution, and other inhuman acts, allegedly committed in the territory of Côte d’Ivoire between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011.

Indonesian Festival: Pesta Rakyat

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In commemorating the 69th Anniversary of the Independence of Indonesia, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands will organize “The 2014 Indonesian Festival: Pesta Rakyat” at Indonesian School in the Netherlands, Rijksstraaatweg 679, 2245 CB Wassenaar, on Saturday (6 September 2014) from 11.00 to 18.00 hrs. This festival is an open event for public.
As many as 5,000 people from many backgrounds, – including Indonesian societies, Dutch societies, and other foreign nationals-, are estimated to attend and to enjoy the Festival. Several performances and activities will be conducted during the Festival including Indonesian traditional performances, contemporary music, bazaar of Indonesian products and culinary.

ICC mission to South Africa

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President Song, Prosecutor Bensouda and ASP-President Intelmann: Humanity is bound together in a common quest to end impunity President Sang-Hyun Song and Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Tiina Intelmann, today concluded a three-day mission to South Africa. During their mission, President Song and Prosecutor Bensouda held bilateral meetings with key government and justice officials and engaged with civil society, academics, students, diplomats and the media in the context of Dialogues on Peace and Justice, a programme organised by the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, that brought a delegation of Hague-based international legal institutions to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town for engagement with local stakeholders. Together with President Intelmann, they also participated in the conference: “Africa and the International Criminal Court: Lessons Learned and Synergies Ahead” organised by Africa Legal Aid (AFLA) in Johannesburg. In their meetings with South African officials, both President Song and Prosecutor Bensouda commended the leading role South Africa – one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Rome Statute – has played in the evolution of the ICC, through its continued support and cooperation. In his remarks, President Song underlined that South Africa, with its unique experience, has a tremendous amount to contribute to the global pursuit of peace and justice through the rule of law. “This country is known worldwide for the historic leap it made from apartheid to democracy, with the help of a process of truth-seeking and reconciliation,” he said. “While we work side by side with States, we must also look to each other for guidance. I think it is fitting to discuss how we can form synergies in the evolving international criminal justice system. We can look to States like South Africa for lessons in overcoming painful histories through accountability, but also how this can be achieved through truth-seeking and reconciliation.” During the AFLA conference, Prosecutor Bensouda stressed the link between accountability for mass crimes and the rule of law to stability, security and prosperity. She further emphasized the crucial importance of the support of the African Union (AU) for the work of the ICC. Together in a complementary fashion the ICC and the AU can cooperate and support one another to promote and implement their critical work with full respect for their respective mandates. As such, she welcomed opportunities for further dialogue and cooperation. “Attacks against civilians; sexual and gender-based violence in times of war and recruitment and use of children as soldiers are just some of the examples where the ICC and the AU can work together” said the Prosecutor. “In addition to sharing our policies on some of these issues, we can contribute to enhancing the AU’s efforts to stem the tide of these scourges by sharing our expertise and experiences in the investigation and prosecution of these grave crimes.” ASP President Intelmann, recalling the Assembly meeting last year, highlighted that States Parties, in the framework of the Assembly, have been open to addressing concerns of all States Parties. She further called for continued political support of States and other stakeholders for the Court: “We need to keep investing our energies in the fight against impunity and ensure the independence of the Court.” ICC Officials called for greater support for the Court. They reiterated the importance of our collective duty to never neglect the calls of victims whose rights and dignity have been trampled on by mass crimes. Today, thousands of African victims continue to suffer the brunt of mass atrocities. The ICC encourages and supports all genuine efforts at the national level aimed at bringing to justice, those alleged to be responsible for commission of mass crimes. In the absence of this primary responsibility, however, it would be an abdication of duty if the ICC were to fail to exercise its jurisdiction, especially when it is called upon to do so by African states themselves, in the face of such brutality. Ending impunity for mass crimes is a common responsibility of humanity as a whole and justice for victims of such grave crimes should never be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.  

Hotel Des Indes is celebrating 200 years

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Hotel Des Indes is celebrating 200 years Prinsjesdag from 5/16 September Friday, September 5 Opening Pop-up Museum Des Indes – The Hague Committee 200 years Kingdom and Hotel Des Indes have jointly launched  a unique Pop-up Museum in collaboration with the National Archives on the first floor  from 10:00 to 18:00.The exhibition is devoted to the history of the hotel, the historic royal guests and its links with Prinsjesdag on the Lange Voorhout. Highlights from the pop-up museum include the Queen’s Speech and the program of the opening of Parliament in 1849, the first year reign of King William III,  letters from Mata Hari… The museum is free to access and open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. 200 years Prinsjesdag High Tea. Prinsjesdag Celebrate 200 years in a royal setting and enjoy our famous 4-course High Tea, supported by “Thieme Real Thee ‘. Includes handy walking ticket along the Route of the Golden Carriage. Tuesday September 16 Budget Day 2014 Experience Budget Day 2014 at Hotel Des Indes and admire the Golden Coach from the VIP grandstand tickets. After the royal procession came over for the second time, you will be received at the Hotel Des Indes with Des Indes aperitif. Then you can enjoy an extensive four-course High Tea with musical accompaniment from harpist Carla Bos. For the full list of the activities around 200 years Prinsjesdag: www.hoteldesindes.nl/events

Benin National Day in Waterloo

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                            At his residence in Waterloo, Belgium, His Excellency M Charles Borromée Todjinou, celebrated the 54th anniversary of the West African country’s independence. His reception was well-attended by fellow West African ambassadors as well as members of the Belgian aristocracy. 
The Embassy of Benin in Brussels is responsible for all three Benelux countries as well as the European Union and the international organisations based in Brussels and The Hague. 
The foundation of Benin goes back to 1625 when it was known as the Kingdom of Dahomey.  Dahomey became a self-governing entity in 1958. On 1 August 1960, it gained complete independence from French rule. The country was renamed Benin in 1975 as the name was neutral and inclusive of the various ethnic groups of the country. The country boasts a youthful population, out of over ten million citizens six million people under the age of 24. 
Benin has an Honorary Consulate based in The Hague: www.consulaatvanbenin.nl

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda Diplomats Meet&Greet

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Three embassies are gathering together to organize their own style Diplomats Meet&Greet at Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague from 6pm on September 11th, 2014. Diplomats, families and friends are cordially invited to attend this unique diplomatic event. DMG.AFRICA.SEPT.

OPCW declares about Syria chemicals

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The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, reported to the Executive Council today that 100% of all Category 1 chemicals declared by the Syrian Arab Republic, totalling approximately 1,040 tonnes, have now been verified as destroyed.  This includes 133 tonnes of Isopropanol previously destroyed on-site in Syria. The Director-General reported OPCW inspectors have also verified that 70% of approximately 260 tonnes of Syria’s Category 2 chemicals have been destroyed as well, and in total, 94% of its entire declared stockpile. He said work continues to complete destruction of remaining chemicals at four facilities in Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States and eventually, the destruction of effluent from the Cape Ray in Germany. “I wish to acknowledge, once again, the valuable contributions made by the States Parties involved in this extraordinary effort, especially in carrying out destruction of Category 1 chemicals in a rapid, effective and safe manner,” the Director-General said. The Special Coordinator for the OPCW-UN Joint Mission, Ms Sigrid Kaag, also addressed the Executive Council meeting and praised the international efforts to disarm Syria. “This operation has been an exemplary model of multilaterism at work,” Ms Kaag said. “We all have shown what can be achieved when all international partners work together towards a common goal.”

International Artists at Embassy Festival

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Direct from the Embassy Festival in The Hague. With the arrival of Paco Rentería, the second edition of The Hague’s Embassy Festival is experiencing an outright first. Never before has the legendary Mexican flamenco virtuoso set foot on Dutch soil, making this a unique event for those who love the flamenco and related musical genres. Rentería is partly responsible for the soundtracks belonging to films such as ‘The Legend of Zorro’ and ‘Desperado’, has shared the stage with stars including Luciano Pavarotti and Carlos Santana, but is above all known for his virtuoso guitar skills. Besides Paco Rentería, a host of international artists will be making an appearance at the (free entry) festival on Saturday, 6 September on the city’s Lange Voorhout, an intimate cultural event offering a day of music, art, culinary delights, dance and children’s activities. The musical programme offers festival goers a broad spectrum of genres spanning from pop to classical, spread out over two podiums. Recently joining the contemporary stage is Denmark-born Alex Vargas, who debuted last year in the Netherlands at the prestigious Songbird Festival. Vargas is a true singer-songwriter whose soulful, passionate music and voice evokes the sounds of greats such as Steve Winwood and Robert Palmer. King Dalton (BE) is of an entirely different order. This immensely talented band, with former members which include the likes of Zita Swoon, plays groovy, catchy, somewhat elusive folk blues with distinct references to country. Also playing the contemporary stage are LuzazuL (PT / NL), NO blues (NL) and the aforementioned Paco Rentería (MX). Highlighting the classical podium is star soprano Gudrun Sidonie Otto (D), hailed as one of the most exciting new singers of her generation. After appearances at leading European opera stages she will be performing the musical trip ‘Around the World’ alongside pianist Stefan Haselhoff at the Embassy Festival. A slightly firmer sound will be charged by the Cannonball String Band ft. Mike Bailey (GB / IE / US). Bailey is a world-class violinist and along with the other Cannonball men, he delivers a steaming set of improvisations on Irish and Scottish melodies, as well as bluegrass numbers. Audiences can also enjoy divergent and awe inspiring performances by flutist Felicia van den End (NL), accordionist Marieke Grotenhuis (NL), guitarist and composer Josué Amador (MX), award-winning flutist Elisabeth Champollion (D), chamber orchestra Ardesko (AU/NL/FI/CZ), spoken word artist Anja Sicking (NL) and singer-songwriter Veerle Winkelmolen (NL). The Embassy Festival kicks off on Saturday, 6 September at 12:00 with a musical tour performed on two outdoor stages. The Creative Arena will accommodate the cultural expressions of many different countries such as Irish dance performed by Chairde Kilkenny School Of Irish Dance and Desi Bhangra, a lively form of music and dance from the Punjab region. All the while, the International Market will offer the best and most typical international cuisine and beverages. At the Kids Compound the youngest of visitors can train their sense of rhythm by participating in a Brazilian Capoeira workshop, or they can use their imagination and creativity to create a new world. With the presence of the many embassies, NGOs and multinationals the city of The Hague enjoys continuous interaction with the rest of the world, giving itself every right to call itself an international city. The second edition of the Embassy Festival presents visitors with a beautiful compilation of international culture that can be seen, heard, tasted and experienced. Embassy Festival is organised by Prooost, the organisation behind the annual Life I Live Festival in The Hague. EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2014 | 12:00 – 20:00 LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ENTRY MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM  

Destruction of Syrian Chemicals

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Statement by the OPCW Director-General on the Destruction of Syrian Chemicals Aboard the MV Cape Ray
In an unprecedented undertaking, the U.S. Maritime Vessel Cape Ray has completed destruction of its entire consignment of 600 metric tonnes of Category 1 chemicals from the Syrian Arab Republic. This ends a crucial stage in the complex international maritime operation to remove and destroySyria’s chemical weapons stockpile. I wish to congratulate and thank theUnited States, the crew aboard theCape Ray, and our OPCW inspectors and demilitarisation experts for this remarkable achievement. The Cape Ray’s consignment included the most dangerous chemicals inSyria’s arsenal: 581 metric tonnes of DF, a binary precursor for sarin gas, and 19.8 metric tonnes of ready-to-use sulfur mustard (HD). They were neutralised with two Field Deployable Hydrolysis Systems (FDHS) on theCape Ray, which reduced their toxicity by 99.9 percent in line with the requirements of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Furthermore, the operation was successfully completed weeks ahead of the 60-day schedule theU.S.had estimated would be needed, and OPCW inspectors aboard the ship verified that no chemicals of any kind escaped into the sea or otherwise impacted the environment. The Cape Ray will now transport the effluent from the hydrolysis operations to Finland and Germany, where it will be offloaded for disposal at land-based facilities.