Special guest was the OPCW Director-General H.E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü who like the rest of the present enjoyed the “gemütlichkeit und freundschaft” on a not so spring like Dutch afternoon. Germany Permanent Representation to the OPCW
By Henry Arvidsson.
Styled in his native Bavaria’s national dress German Permanent Representative to the OPCW Ambassador Dr. Cristoph Israng received guests for a reception “to celebrate end of winter”.
In his address he pointed out the success of the OPCW in recent years and that he was very proud that his wife was wearing a Bavarian dirndl for the first time. The reception was also accompanied with the music of Hermann Huber world champion on the Styrian harmonica a beautifully crafted instrument that to the layman has the appearance of an accordion.
Special guest was the OPCW Director-General H.E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü who like the rest of the present enjoyed the “gemütlichkeit und freundschaft” on a not so spring like Dutch afternoon.
Special guest was the OPCW Director-General H.E. Mr Ahmet Üzümcü who like the rest of the present enjoyed the “gemütlichkeit und freundschaft” on a not so spring like Dutch afternoon. Statement of the ICC’s Prosecutor in the Central African Republic
ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda holding a Press Conference in Bangui (CAR) on 25 February 2015. ©ICC-CPI
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, at a press conference in the Central African Republic: Our contribution is independent and impartial Justice.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for your interest and for being here. Allow me firstly to brief you on my work and visit to the Central African Republic (“CAR”). I would be pleased to answer your questions following my remarks.
As Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), my mandate is to independently and impartially investigate and prosecute those most responsible for the world’s gravest crimes – namely, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes – where the Court has jurisdiction, and no-one else is doing, or is able to do, justice for the victims.
I seek to establish the truth and to end impunity for mass crimes. By doing so, I hope we can provide some comfort to survivors, restore dignity to lives devastated by atrocity, and honour the memory of those whose lives have been brutally cut short.
My Office has been following, with great concern, the terrible events unfolding in the CAR since 2012. On several occasions, I have publicly expressed this concern and emphasised that I will not hesitate to pursue those found to have committed crimes which fall under the Court’s jurisdiction.
By referring the situation in CAR to the ICC with respect to alleged crimes committed since August 2012, the CAR authorities have demonstrated their commitment to hold those who commit mass crimes accountable, and to do justice for the victims; the men, women and children of the country. They have demonstrated their sagacity in appreciating that durable stability cannot be achieved in the absence of justice. In our work, we have received, and continue to receive, invaluable support from the people of the Central African Republic and their Government.
I just had the honour of meeting with President Catherine Samba-Panza in the capital where we explored how we can further reinforce cooperation to ensure investigations and prosecutions advance as effectively and efficiently as possible.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for this crucial support, as well as for the warm welcome and the hospitality shown to me and my delegation during this visit – my first visit to this hospitable country as ICC – Prosecutor.
Earlier today, I also held meetings with the Prime Minister, the President of the National Council for the Transition, and the Ministers of Justice, Defence and Public Security. These meetings allowed for a fruitful and constructive exchange of views, paving the way for further collaboration between my Office and the Government.
Allow me to explain the next steps in the process. Last year, my Office’s independent analysis of the available information led me to conclude that reasonable basis to believe exist that both the Séléka and the anti-Balaka groups have allegedly committed crimes against humanity and war crimes. Therefore on 24 September 2014, I announced the opening of a second investigation into the situation in CAR. This parallel investigation which will look into the conduct of both sides has already commenced and my investigators have been collecting, and are continuing to collect, evidence.
I know there is great interest to know the details and results of our investigations. Our investigative activities are conducted with utmost respect for confidentiality. This is necessary not only to facilitate evidence gathering and preserve the evidence collected, but also to ensure we don’t put at risk those with whom we interact as part of our investigative work.
We are extremely careful and thorough with our investigations in conformity with my Office’s new Strategic Plan. I wish to also underscore here that, without exception, we conduct our investigations with complete independence and impartiality. We are guided by these same principles as we undertake and advance with our investigations with respect to CAR.
Justice cannot be dispensed hastily. We will continue with our rigorous investigations, and at the appropriate time, identify those who our evidence shows are most responsible for the most serious crimes committed in CAR. We are only guided by the law and the evidence. Those individuals ultimately found to be most responsible on the strength of our evidence will be brought to face justice.
I remain extremely concerned about the precarious security situation in the country and reports of serious violence and ongoing crimes committed against civilians. My Office remains seized of the matter, and continues to monitor such reported incidents as part of its ongoing investigations.
I repeat: these crimes must stop. Those who murder, pillage, rape, or commit other heinous crimes must be held accountable for their reprehensible conduct.
To the people of CAR, I make this pledge: my Office will exert all efforts to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for these egregious crimes and bring a measure of justice to the victims. Additionally, we will support judicial mechanisms at the national level, which in a complementary fashion, investigate and prosecute other perpetrators of mass crimes. What is impermissible is an impunity gap in CAR. From what I have observed during the course of this official visit, there is indeed great cause for optimism that the future of CAR will be built firmly upon the pillars of justice, peace and stability. Thank you for your attention.
Croatian delicatessen in Amsterdam
On the picture H.E. Mr. Māris Klišāns, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia/Presiding the Council of the EU and H.E. Ms. Vesela Mrđen Korać, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia.
Croatian delicatessen products store Embassy.hr opened in Van Baerlestraat 87 in Amsterdam.
In a prestigious location, close to the famous Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Croatian delicatessen products store Embassy.hr was opened on 12 February 2015. Embassy.hr, being the first Croatian concept store in Europe.
The shop aims to introduce and promote rich Croatian gastronomic and enological culture to the Dutch market and at the same time to promote Croatian tourism by combining mobility, ecology, green technology and tourism. The core idea is to provide tailor made touristic tours to Croatia for Dutch visitors.
Besides vintage wines coming from different regions of Croatia, food products are from organic production and the highest quality, such as truffles, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, sweet brandy made of wild fruits, honey and various herbs, just to name a few.
For full photo-album of this event, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650971458956/
Finalist of Masterchef Ms. Bojana Nikodijević and Ms. Tina Kolovrat, owner of the shop.
The shop would integrate education and promotion through gifts and free finger food made up by famous Dutch MasterChefs in order to present possible culinary options in preserving original taste of such an extraordinary products.
Also, multifunctional and modern space offers visitors possibilities to find out more background information about the products, their origin, nutritional values and how they were grown or cultivated. To illustrate, most truffles that can be found in the shop are supplied by Croatian company Zigante, who found the biggest truffle in the world. The truffle of 1.31 kg, found in Istria in Croatia, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
On the picture Zigante truffles.
The owner of the store Mr. Igor Kolovrat has very ambitious plans on presenting Croatia in an innovative and adventurous way. Already at the opening ceremony, famous Croatian rock-cellist Ms. Ana Rucner preformed, who together with Dutch MasterChefs paved the way for the unique and very special experience of Croatia that this shop is planning to offer.
On the picture Mr. Igor Kolovrat, owner of the shop, H.E. Ms. Vesela Mrđen Korać, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian rock-cellist Ms. Ana Rucner, the owner of the Croatian company DOK-ING and business partner Mr. Vjekoslav Majetić.
Also, in March Mr. Kolovrat plans to present Croatian electric scooter, produced by Croatian company DOK-ING, a world leader in robotics, demining machines, firefighting products and producer of luxury electric cars and which will be available for rent in the shop.
With many guests, among whom the owner of the Croatian company DOK-ING and business partner Mr. Vjekoslav Majetić, the opening of the store was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Ms. Vesela Mrđen Korać.
Finalist of Masterchef Ms. Bojana Nikodijević and Ms. Tina Kolovrat, owner of the shop.
The shop would integrate education and promotion through gifts and free finger food made up by famous Dutch MasterChefs in order to present possible culinary options in preserving original taste of such an extraordinary products.
Also, multifunctional and modern space offers visitors possibilities to find out more background information about the products, their origin, nutritional values and how they were grown or cultivated. To illustrate, most truffles that can be found in the shop are supplied by Croatian company Zigante, who found the biggest truffle in the world. The truffle of 1.31 kg, found in Istria in Croatia, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
On the picture Zigante truffles.
The owner of the store Mr. Igor Kolovrat has very ambitious plans on presenting Croatia in an innovative and adventurous way. Already at the opening ceremony, famous Croatian rock-cellist Ms. Ana Rucner preformed, who together with Dutch MasterChefs paved the way for the unique and very special experience of Croatia that this shop is planning to offer.
On the picture Mr. Igor Kolovrat, owner of the shop, H.E. Ms. Vesela Mrđen Korać, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian rock-cellist Ms. Ana Rucner, the owner of the Croatian company DOK-ING and business partner Mr. Vjekoslav Majetić.
Also, in March Mr. Kolovrat plans to present Croatian electric scooter, produced by Croatian company DOK-ING, a world leader in robotics, demining machines, firefighting products and producer of luxury electric cars and which will be available for rent in the shop.
With many guests, among whom the owner of the Croatian company DOK-ING and business partner Mr. Vjekoslav Majetić, the opening of the store was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Ms. Vesela Mrđen Korać.
WISH summit in Doha
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
Under the auspices of Qatar’s First Lady, Qatar Foundation’s Chair, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) took place in Doha 17-18 February 2015 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The summit brought together more than 800 of the world’s leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and innovators in the global health industry to discuss the delivery affordable cancer care, dementia, diabetes, patient safety and well-being in children and young people, amongst other relevant issues.
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser is the mother of Qatar’s reigning Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, second wife of the Amir-Father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Chairperson for Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Her Highness is credited with overseeing the expansion of university education in Qatar, establishing the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and a state-of-the-art medical facility called Sidra.
Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser is Qatar’s face of a modern Arab woman. The lady is particularly committed to champion the cause of education globally. In fact, she started her own campaign, “Education For All”, with the aim of getting an extra 10 million children around the world into school. The cost of this campaign is estimated to be $1bn, a third of which Qatar shall meet. No less than half the country’s overseas aid budget is devoted to education, much of it in places that possess little strategic significance. In 2003, the sheikha was appointed UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.
On the picture from left to right: HRH Lalla Salma of Morocco (Morocco’s First Lady), HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, HRH Princess Ghida Al Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Amongst the foreign royal guests attending the event were Her Royal Highness Lalla Salma of Morocco, the latter kingdom’s First Lady, who was in Qatar paying a private visit to Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Lalla Salma participated in a plethora of other events, including a private tour of the Museum of Islamic Art led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums.
Lebanese-born, Jordanian princess, Ghida Al Talal, attended as well. She has served as Jordan King’s representative at the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level Meeting on non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended in her capacity as a member of the board of the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is currently eighth and last in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, aunt to King Willem-Alexander, sister of former Queen Beatrix.
For more information:
http://www.mozabintnasser.qa/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://wish-qatar.org/about-wish/faqs
http://www.qf.org.qa/
On the picture from left to right: HRH Lalla Salma of Morocco (Morocco’s First Lady), HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, HRH Princess Ghida Al Talal of Jordan and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Amongst the foreign royal guests attending the event were Her Royal Highness Lalla Salma of Morocco, the latter kingdom’s First Lady, who was in Qatar paying a private visit to Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Lalla Salma participated in a plethora of other events, including a private tour of the Museum of Islamic Art led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Museums.
Lebanese-born, Jordanian princess, Ghida Al Talal, attended as well. She has served as Jordan King’s representative at the United Nations General Assembly’s High Level Meeting on non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands attended in her capacity as a member of the board of the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is currently eighth and last in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, aunt to King Willem-Alexander, sister of former Queen Beatrix.
For more information:
http://www.mozabintnasser.qa/en/Pages/default.aspx
http://wish-qatar.org/about-wish/faqs
http://www.qf.org.qa/
Celebration of the Day of Restoration of the Statehood of Lithuania
By Roy Lie.
On the occasion of the Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence, H.E, Mr. Darius Jonas Semaska, Ambassador of Lithuania in The Hague celebrated this memorable day with a saxophone music concert and a painting exhibition.
Mr. Manvydas Pratkelis saxophone, Vitiates Straizys keyboard and Raimonda Griksaite painter.
The celebration took place at the Chancellery on Laan van Meerdrvoort The Hague.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Semaska explained that actually Lithuania is in an extraordinary position, the country has 3 National Days:
16th February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania
11th March – Day of Re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania.
6th July – Day of State (Coronation of King Mindaugas)
Ambassador Semaska quickly invited the musician to start the (Vilnius Jazz) concert.
The guests were entertained with popular pieces such as In a Sentimental mood by Duke Ellington, Au Privave by Charlie Parker and much more. Drinks and snacks were served after the performance. Guest had the opportunity to admire the paintings by Raimonda Griksaite.
The celebration took place at the Chancellery on Laan van Meerdrvoort The Hague.
In his welcome remarks Ambassador Semaska explained that actually Lithuania is in an extraordinary position, the country has 3 National Days:
16th February – Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania
11th March – Day of Re-establishment of the Independence of Lithuania.
6th July – Day of State (Coronation of King Mindaugas)
Ambassador Semaska quickly invited the musician to start the (Vilnius Jazz) concert.
The guests were entertained with popular pieces such as In a Sentimental mood by Duke Ellington, Au Privave by Charlie Parker and much more. Drinks and snacks were served after the performance. Guest had the opportunity to admire the paintings by Raimonda Griksaite.
“Small change, big difference”
From left to right. Linda Bakewel (Rooms Division Manager Hilton The Hague), Onno Maas (board member Ronald McDonald House Den Haag), Susanne Keulaerds (house manager Ronald McDonald House The Hague) and Jolijn Zeeuwen (Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague).
Guests Hilton The Hague donate € 1,250 to Ronald McDonald House Hague. The Hague, February 24, 2015 Hilton The Hague has handled over a cheque of 1,250€ to the Ronald McDonald House in The Hague. During the past three months, the hotel has collected donations from guests coming from all over the world, one euro donation per check-out. This is part of the Small Change, Big Difference ‘campaign from Hilton The Hague. The Ronald McDonald House in The Hague, supports parents with premature babies from the Juliana Children’s Hospital. “What a nice gesture! We are very pleased with the involvement of Hilton The Hague and her guests at our Ronald McDonald House”, said Susanne Keulaerds, house manager Ronald McDonald House The Hague. Ronald McDonald House Hague For more information: www.kinderfonds.nl/huis-den-haag/Lubanga case
Appeals Chamber to issue its judgment regarding the reparations for victims on 3 March 2015.
On 3 March 2015, at 11h30 (Hague local time), the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver, in open court, its judgment on the appeals against the Trial Chamber’s “decision establishing the principles and procedures to be applied to reparations” in the case against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.
On 7 August 2012, Trial Chamber I decided, for the first time in proceedings at the ICC, on the principles that are to be applied to reparations for victims in the context of the case against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, who was found guilty, on 14 March 2012, of the war crimes of enlisting and conscripting children under the age of 15 years and using them to participate actively in hostilities. He was sentenced on 10 July 2012 to a total of 14 years of imprisonment, and, on 1 December 2014, the Appeals Chamber confirmed, by majority, the verdict declaring Mr Lubanga guilty and the decision sentencing him to 14 years of imprisonment.
Trial Chamber I ordered that proposals for reparations, as advanced by the victims themselves, are to be collected by the Trust Fund for Victims and presented to a newly-constituted Trial Chamber I for approval, and reparations will then be implemented through the resources of the Trust Fund for Victims that are available for this purpose. The Legal Representatives of the victims, as well as Mr Lubanga, appealed the decision on reparations for victims.
Celebrating Sri Lanka’s 67th anniversary in The Hague.
On the occasion of the 67th National Day of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Buddhi Keerthi Athauda, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted a reception at his residence on February 19, 2015.
Head of diplomatic missions, representatives from international organizations and friends were the invitees of this well attended event.
For full photo-album please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/![16592017891_42b07b70c9_o[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/16592017891_42b07b70c9_o1.jpg?fit=335%2C400&ssl=1)
Sri Lanka has known a turbulent past; however, the country is enjoying a soaring economy. Sri Lanka’s relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is reflected by cultural exchanges and an increasing bilateral trade.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972; it was part of the Netherlands (1656-1797). Reminiscence of this epoch can still be found with Dutch names like; oliebol, burgers and a town called Leiden. Ambassador Keerthi Athauda was honored to showcase life music and Sri Lankan best cuisine.
Ambassador Athauda is leaving soon the Netherlands after brilliantly serving his country in the Netherlands since June 2011. The team of Diplomat Magazine wishes him all the best back home.
![16592017891_42b07b70c9_o[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/16592017891_42b07b70c9_o1.jpg?ssl=1)
Sri Lanka has known a turbulent past; however, the country is enjoying a soaring economy. Sri Lanka’s relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is reflected by cultural exchanges and an increasing bilateral trade.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972; it was part of the Netherlands (1656-1797). Reminiscence of this epoch can still be found with Dutch names like; oliebol, burgers and a town called Leiden. Ambassador Keerthi Athauda was honored to showcase life music and Sri Lankan best cuisine.
Ambassador Athauda is leaving soon the Netherlands after brilliantly serving his country in the Netherlands since June 2011. The team of Diplomat Magazine wishes him all the best back home.
Volvo Ocean Race Pit Stop in The Hague
By Catherine A. Dailey.
In just over four months, The Hague will host seven Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) teams during a three day “pit stop,” in the ninth and final leg of a grueling nine month and 38,739 nautical mile (Nm) ocean sailing event covering four oceans and 11 ports on five continents.
The twelfth edition of the Volvo Ocean Race opened in Alicante on October 11, 2014 and is now a little more than two weeks into Leg 4 of an approximate 10,000 Nm journey from Sanya (China) to Auckland, the “City of Sails.”
On June 19, the seven teams, including the Dutch “Team Brunel,” competing in the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race, will sail into the harbor of Scheveningen during the colorful The Hague Volvo Ocean Race Festival (June 18, 19 and 20).
The announcement was made at the Worldhotel Bel Air earlier this month at a press conference held on Sunday, February 8. Special guest, Mr. Roy Heiner, an engineer, life long sailor and three times Volvo Ocean Race competitor briefly explained the race to invited guests and members of the press.
Heiner served as Technical Director aboard the winning “Team ABN AMRO” in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race and, since 1996, has directed “Team Heiner”, his sailing academy and “water sports” event organization based in Lelystad. Describing the race as the “Mt Everest” of sailing, Heiner further remarked that the Volvo Ocean Race is important as a source of inspiration for young people, whom, it is hoped, will develop an interest in sailing and the world of competitive water sports. Brunel, sponsor of the Dutch race team “Team Brunel,” is presenting the event.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is the official and preferred hotel partner during the event. Following the press conference, guests were treated to a Chinese inspired brunch in recognition of the February 8 start of Leg 4, Sanya to Auckland.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is providing accommodation to most of the members of the seven teams in the 2014-2015 VOR campaign before their final race to the finish in Gothenborg, Sweden.
“Sensational” is the only word to describe the announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race Festival The Hague. Karsten Klein, the city’s “Wethouder SEZH” (city economy, care and harbors) also spoke briefly at the press conference. His efforts, on behalf of the city, have been instrumental in welcoming the VOR teams to The Hague.
Klein, Frans Sluyters, the “founding father of the North Sea Regatta” and the team at Stichting North Sea Regatta, together with many other volunteers have been working closely with Brunel and the VOR management, to host the world’s most prestigious sailing event in our “international city on the sea” this June.
Diplomat Magazine readers are invited to follow the event by reviewing the three day program of events now posted at Brunel’s “Volvo Ocean Race Festival Den Haag” official website (www.oceanracefestivaldenhaag.com). The event is open to the public and most day activities are free of charge. Tickets for the evening concerts programs are on sale now and may be ordered in advanced via the event website.
It is a unique opportunity to experience a premier sail event and the festival will feature a sail simulator, dive tank, catamaran demos, kids academy, and much more. Some 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.
The Hr. Ms. Groningen, the Royal Dutch Navy’s SAR (search and rescue) and patrol ship will be in port and open to the public for visitation during the event.
16 nationalities are represented among the seven teams, including Dutch men and a woman on at least three boats. For the second time, an all women team will be among the teams competing.
A link to the official website for each of the seven teams can be found on the “Teams” page of the Volvo Ocean Race website (www.volvooceanrace.com).
A brilliant promotional film clip titled, “Ready to Race” produced for Team SCA, the all women team and posted on YouTube is especially inspiring. Readers may also enjoy watching the various virtual 360° tours of the new one design “Volvo Ocean 65” boat, by Farr Yacht Design, used for the first time in the 2014-2015 race, which can be viewed on Team SCA’s official and highly informative website.
Don’t miss the clever promotional film clip titled, “Just Another Day At The Office” (YouTube) to get in the ocean race spirit!
For a photo album, please click here:
The announcement was made at the Worldhotel Bel Air earlier this month at a press conference held on Sunday, February 8. Special guest, Mr. Roy Heiner, an engineer, life long sailor and three times Volvo Ocean Race competitor briefly explained the race to invited guests and members of the press.
Heiner served as Technical Director aboard the winning “Team ABN AMRO” in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race and, since 1996, has directed “Team Heiner”, his sailing academy and “water sports” event organization based in Lelystad. Describing the race as the “Mt Everest” of sailing, Heiner further remarked that the Volvo Ocean Race is important as a source of inspiration for young people, whom, it is hoped, will develop an interest in sailing and the world of competitive water sports. Brunel, sponsor of the Dutch race team “Team Brunel,” is presenting the event.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is the official and preferred hotel partner during the event. Following the press conference, guests were treated to a Chinese inspired brunch in recognition of the February 8 start of Leg 4, Sanya to Auckland.
The Worldhotel Bel Air is providing accommodation to most of the members of the seven teams in the 2014-2015 VOR campaign before their final race to the finish in Gothenborg, Sweden.
“Sensational” is the only word to describe the announcement of the Volvo Ocean Race Festival The Hague. Karsten Klein, the city’s “Wethouder SEZH” (city economy, care and harbors) also spoke briefly at the press conference. His efforts, on behalf of the city, have been instrumental in welcoming the VOR teams to The Hague.
Klein, Frans Sluyters, the “founding father of the North Sea Regatta” and the team at Stichting North Sea Regatta, together with many other volunteers have been working closely with Brunel and the VOR management, to host the world’s most prestigious sailing event in our “international city on the sea” this June.
Diplomat Magazine readers are invited to follow the event by reviewing the three day program of events now posted at Brunel’s “Volvo Ocean Race Festival Den Haag” official website (www.oceanracefestivaldenhaag.com). The event is open to the public and most day activities are free of charge. Tickets for the evening concerts programs are on sale now and may be ordered in advanced via the event website.
It is a unique opportunity to experience a premier sail event and the festival will feature a sail simulator, dive tank, catamaran demos, kids academy, and much more. Some 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.
The Hr. Ms. Groningen, the Royal Dutch Navy’s SAR (search and rescue) and patrol ship will be in port and open to the public for visitation during the event.
16 nationalities are represented among the seven teams, including Dutch men and a woman on at least three boats. For the second time, an all women team will be among the teams competing.
A link to the official website for each of the seven teams can be found on the “Teams” page of the Volvo Ocean Race website (www.volvooceanrace.com).
A brilliant promotional film clip titled, “Ready to Race” produced for Team SCA, the all women team and posted on YouTube is especially inspiring. Readers may also enjoy watching the various virtual 360° tours of the new one design “Volvo Ocean 65” boat, by Farr Yacht Design, used for the first time in the 2014-2015 race, which can be viewed on Team SCA’s official and highly informative website.
Don’t miss the clever promotional film clip titled, “Just Another Day At The Office” (YouTube) to get in the ocean race spirit!
For a photo album, please click here:
100 years of Bhutanese coverage in National Geographic
From the Office of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen of Bhutan.
On 17 February 2015, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen (Dragon Queen Consort of Bhutan) attended National Geographic Society’s celebration marking 100 years of coverage of Bhutan by its magazine.
Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty said that the essence of what was observed of Bhutan by the magazine a hundred years ago still remains. “In 1914, John Claude White’s fluent observations of our country, detailed in the April issue of the National Geographic Magazine,
unveiled the intricacies of our unfamiliar and mysterious land and people to the rest of the world,” Her Majesty said. “Bhutan has, across the century, made unique progress as a Nation. We have continually fortified the values of our traditions and cultural heritage.”
“Today, we move forward on the philosophy of “Gross National Happiness” and strive for sustainable development. We are bound by duty to ensure the resilience of our cultural values and our pristine natural environment, which remains indispensable in our pursuit of collective happiness. In Bhutan, we are always guided by our past; our rich traditions and culture, so fundamentally important for our future, binds us across time and generations.”
Her Majesty commended the National Geographic society for their noble efforts, since its inception in 1888, to explore and bring to light the human and physical geography of our world.
The National Geographic magazine in 1914 published an article in its April edition, written by John Claude White, a political officer of British-India stationed in Sikkim. Accompanied by fabulous images, the article, titled “Castles in the Air: Experiences and Journeys in Unknown Bhutan” documented White’s experiences in Bhutan, which he visited between 1905 to 1907. The coverage was historically significant, as it provided insights into Bhutan from a foreign perspective, and for the first time, presented images of a largely unknown Bhutan to the western world.
On 21 February 2015, The Gyaltsuen’s husband’s, His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, fêted his 35th birthday. India’s Prime Minister hail the monarch’s birthday through tweeter.
Later this year large celebrations are expected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyapo, King-Father Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955.
The National Geographic magazine in 1914 published an article in its April edition, written by John Claude White, a political officer of British-India stationed in Sikkim. Accompanied by fabulous images, the article, titled “Castles in the Air: Experiences and Journeys in Unknown Bhutan” documented White’s experiences in Bhutan, which he visited between 1905 to 1907. The coverage was historically significant, as it provided insights into Bhutan from a foreign perspective, and for the first time, presented images of a largely unknown Bhutan to the western world.
On 21 February 2015, The Gyaltsuen’s husband’s, His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, fêted his 35th birthday. India’s Prime Minister hail the monarch’s birthday through tweeter.
Later this year large celebrations are expected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyapo, King-Father Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was born on 11 November 1955.