Ambassador Sagbo Kodjo has served as Ambassador based in Brussels since October 2004, representing the Togolese Republic vis-à-vis Belgium, the European Union, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, The Holy Siege as well as the OPCW. Until June 2014 he was also Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Belgium, the ACP (African-Caribbean-Pacific) Diplomatic corps in Belgium, and Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Belgium. Albeit the oldest serving ambassador until his departure, Belgium still follows the old practice of granting the deanship of the diplomatic corps to the Nuntius Apostolicus.
Lamentably Ambassador Sagbo was not able to bid farewell to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands because the latter was already on holidays, but did manage to meet HM The King of the Belgians as well as HRH The Grand Duke of Luxemburg for a farewell audience.
Certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx. Brussels, Certificate of Merit to Ambassador of Togo
Direct from Brussels, Belgium.
Baron Henri Estramant presented the Certificate of Merit on behalf of Diplomat Magazine to parting Ambassador H.E. Félix Sagbo Kodjo at the premises of his embassy in Brussels on 30 July 2014.
The entire embassy staff attended the ceremony of bestowal.
Ambassador Sagbo Kodjo has served as Ambassador based in Brussels since October 2004, representing the Togolese Republic vis-à-vis Belgium, the European Union, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, The Holy Siege as well as the OPCW. Until June 2014 he was also Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Belgium, the ACP (African-Caribbean-Pacific) Diplomatic corps in Belgium, and Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Belgium. Albeit the oldest serving ambassador until his departure, Belgium still follows the old practice of granting the deanship of the diplomatic corps to the Nuntius Apostolicus.
Lamentably Ambassador Sagbo was not able to bid farewell to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands because the latter was already on holidays, but did manage to meet HM The King of the Belgians as well as HRH The Grand Duke of Luxemburg for a farewell audience.
Certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx.
Ambassador Sagbo Kodjo has served as Ambassador based in Brussels since October 2004, representing the Togolese Republic vis-à-vis Belgium, the European Union, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, The Holy Siege as well as the OPCW. Until June 2014 he was also Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Belgium, the ACP (African-Caribbean-Pacific) Diplomatic corps in Belgium, and Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Belgium. Albeit the oldest serving ambassador until his departure, Belgium still follows the old practice of granting the deanship of the diplomatic corps to the Nuntius Apostolicus.
Lamentably Ambassador Sagbo was not able to bid farewell to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands because the latter was already on holidays, but did manage to meet HM The King of the Belgians as well as HRH The Grand Duke of Luxemburg for a farewell audience.
Certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx. Chinese People’s Liberation Army in The Hague
By Roy Lie A. Tjam.
The 87th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is marked in The Hague. Around 200 invitees attended the 87th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on 31 July. The venue was the aula of the Chinese Embassy in the Scheveningse Bosjes and the reception’s host was Defence Attache Senior Colonel Wang Jiangang. The reception was one of the most outstanding this year due to the serene and hospitable atmosphere during the event.![W020140801573536842159[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/W0201408015735368421591.jpg?fit=500%2C332&ssl=1)
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Morocco Celebrates
The Kingdom of Morocco celebrates.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, and his charming wife hosted a very well-attended reception on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the Throne. Among the many guests were not only members of the civil society, business community and fellow-members of the Diplomatic Corps, but also a number of prominent Dutch Moroccans, who, each in their own unique way, had made their mark in Dutch Society. These Dutch Moroccans have excelled in the fields of Journalism, literature, Higher Education, Police, business and entertainment. To name just a few, there was the famous comedian Najib Amhali, who has regularly performed on Dutch television. Another guest was Mrs. Rahma el Mouden, an impressive lady who started her own company seventeen years ago with just seven employees and now runs a hugely succesful business employing 400 people. Highlight of the reception was the beautiful and lavish dinner Buffet with an endless array of delicious Moroccan dishes to choose from. Praise goes to the Embassy Chef, who had prepared all the delicacies and to Mrs. Bellouki who had overseen and guided the entire preparation. 
Zagreb – Rijeka 2016, 3rd European universities games
On Friday July 25, Ambassador of Croatia, H. E. Vesela Mrden Korac hosted a promotional dinner event on the 3rd European Universities Games to be held in Zagred – Rijeka from July 24 2016 in Rotterdam at ‘Staal restaurant’ in the presence of the President of the Croatian Academic Sport Federation, Mr. Zrinko Čustonja, the President of the European University Sport Association Mr. Adam Roczek and the Minister of Science, education and Sport of the Croatian Republic Mr. Vedran Mornar. 
The Croatia delegation featured their enthusiasm, professionalism and innovation with more than 100 delegates from the European commission, European University Sport Association, and representatives from cities and universities from all Europe.
Goran Šprem introduced the theme “Historical and cultural heritage, sport and extreme tourism for youth” and Godan Kožulj made a presentation of the project “European Universities Games Zagreb-Rijeka 2016“showing their determination to make of the European University Games a huge success in terms of innovation, facilities and participation. Anti doping proofs will be implemented as well as special sport competitions. Both cities Zagreb – Rijeka will share the games to promote tourism and a better understanding of the country. 
Mr. Damir Boras dean of the University of Zagreb, the largest one in Croatia, promised that the 3rd games in Croatia will be a memorable experience. European University Games is the largest European multisport student event. Actually the European University Games are held in Rotterdam, featuring 10 sports. The closing speech was presented by the Minister of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia Mr. Vedran Mornar. 
MH-17
By Peter Knoope.
On Monday 21 July a sad gathering took place in Nieuwegein to commemorate the victims of the terrible tragedy in Ukraine with flight MH17. The Netherlands is in grief and agony. Everybody in the Netherlands seems to know someone who is directly affected by this terrible loss. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Frans Timmermans, made a strong statement in the UN Security Council last night in which he called for respect for human dignity and justice.
(Embed the following video: http://nos.nl/l/677806 OR http://nos.nl/video/677806-emotionele-toespraak-timmermans-vnveiligheidsraad.html) Credit to NOS.nl
With the status of The Hague as the city of peace and justice there is no other option than to bring those who can be held accountable for this tragic event to justice. Meanwhile, there is the hope that the relevant authorities will do everything possible to bring the remains of the victims to the Netherlands. The Dutch government has been requested to coordinate the efforts accordingly. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those who are in grief. They will need our moral and material support and assistance over the coming years. Seeing the remains back in the Netherlands to bury the loved ones and see justice done will help to alleviate some of the pain.
On Monday 21 July a sad gathering took place in Nieuwegein to commemorate the victims of the terrible tragedy in Ukraine with flight MH17. The Netherlands is in grief and agony. Everybody in the Netherlands seems to know someone who is directly affected by this terrible loss. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Frans Timmermans, made a strong statement in the UN Security Council last night in which he called for respect for human dignity and justice.
(Embed the following video: http://nos.nl/l/677806 OR http://nos.nl/video/677806-emotionele-toespraak-timmermans-vnveiligheidsraad.html) Credit to NOS.nl
With the status of The Hague as the city of peace and justice there is no other option than to bring those who can be held accountable for this tragic event to justice. Meanwhile, there is the hope that the relevant authorities will do everything possible to bring the remains of the victims to the Netherlands. The Dutch government has been requested to coordinate the efforts accordingly. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those who are in grief. They will need our moral and material support and assistance over the coming years. Seeing the remains back in the Netherlands to bury the loved ones and see justice done will help to alleviate some of the pain.
3rd Certificate of Merit
On Monday 28 July, 2014, Diplomat Magazine celebrated its third Certificate of Merit to parting ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Pierre Henri Menat Ambassador of the French Republic and Frank J. S. Geerkens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium. The event took place at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in the presence of diplomats, friends and dignitaries invited for the occasion. Ambassadors were allowed to bring their spouses, other colleague ambassadors, members of their family and their diplomatic staff to this private ceremony at Carlton.
Diplomat Magazine will keep this tradition of recognizing Head of Diplomatic Missions who are returning back to their countries and have exceptionally contributed to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Mrs. Bonnie Klap, Chief Editor of Diplomat Magazine was our MC and speaker, Mr. Roy Lie, Editor, Mrs. Anna Mistretta, Events coordinator and Mrs. Eva Mennes, Travel Editor, were part of our protocol team.
“I am personally impressed by the success of Diplomat Magazine and how its projects are so well organized for the benefit of the Diplomatic corps. I have no doubt that in fifty years from now, diplomats will still talk and remember the achievements for the diplomatic community of this magazine “, said to Diplomat Magazine one of the most active and friendly ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Full photo-album of this event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157646012260004/
Please click here to access our series of recognition ceremonies to parting ambassadors at Carlton: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/?s=recognition+certificate
For information about our next recognition ceremony to parting ambassadors please contact us at: diplomatmagazinenl@gmail.com 
ICC statement on Libya
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, in relation to the escalating violence in the Situation in Libya
As Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC or the Court), I am deeply troubled by the escalating violence in the Situation in Libya. Recent reports of alleged attacks carried out against the civilian population and civilian objects in Tripoli and Benghazi are a cause for great concern. Such deplorable acts of violence must immediately cease.
Pursuant to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1970 (2011), my Office may exercise its jurisdiction over any act of genocide, crime against humanity or war crime committed within the territory of Libya since 15 February 2011. Ever since the referral by the UNSC, my Office has brought cases before the Court’s judges based on the evidence collected; continued its investigative activities and has closely monitored the situation on the ground.
I hereby call upon all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from targeting civilians or civilian objects, or committing any criminal act that may fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC. I further urge all parties to the conflict to be vigilant and to take all necessary measures to prevent the commission of such crimes.
As I have previously stated in different fora, we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction in Libya irrespective of their official status or affiliation. I reiterated this Office policy during a recent meeting I had with the Minister of Justice of Libya, Mr Salah al-Marghani on Friday, 18 July 2014 in The Hague.
My commitment and that of my staff to the pursuit of justice, without fear or favour, for the victims of mass crimes in Libya remains firm and steadfast.
Au revoir Ambassadors at Carlton
Au revoir Ambassadors Ménat and Geerkens.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions in enhancing the bilateral ties between their countries and The Netherlands and their support for the Diplomatic Community, for their contribution to Diplomat Magazine, the parting Ambassadors H.E. Pierre Ménat of France and H.E. Frank Geerkens of Belgium, received the Certificate of Merit from Diplomat Magazine at Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
Ambassador Ménat, who recently also received the prestigious ‘Ridder Groot Kruis’ from His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, will be returning to France to enjoy his retirement after having served in the Foreign Service for 32 years. 
Ambassador Geerkens will also return to his home country Belgium, where he will take up an exciting new job in the semi-private sector.
The following dignitaries were present: H.E. Ambassador Nassima Baghli, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Arwin Paulides, General Manager of Carlton Ambassador Hotel and other distinguished guests.
Click here for full set of pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157646012260004/
It is interesting to note that the certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx.
Ambassador Geerkens will also return to his home country Belgium, where he will take up an exciting new job in the semi-private sector.
The following dignitaries were present: H.E. Ambassador Nassima Baghli, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Arwin Paulides, General Manager of Carlton Ambassador Hotel and other distinguished guests.
Click here for full set of pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157646012260004/
It is interesting to note that the certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx.
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony
Statehood Day of Montenegro
By Baron Henri Estramant.
To celebrate the Statehood Day of Montenegro (Dan državnosti) the Montenegrin mission resident in Brussels provided the national costume of their homeland to dress up the iconic Manneken Pis in the historic city centre of Belgium’s capital. The Mannekin Pis wore it on 10 July 2014 from 9 am to 4 pm.
Later in the evening HE Ambassador Vesko Garčević co-hosted a concert followed by a diplomatic cocktail in the premises of his embassy. The Embassy of Montenegro resident in Belgium is also accredited to The Netherlands, Luxemburg and the OPCW. Montenegro has an honorary consul in Maastricht.
Statehood Day on 13 July does not celebrate the independence of Montenegro, but rather commemorates the day in 1878 wherein the Berlin Congress recognised Montenegro as the twenty-seventh independent state in the world. Moreover the revolt in 1941 that Montenegrins staged against the Nazi occupiers.
Montenegro regained independence on 21 May 2006 after a successful referendum on the matter which dissolved the Union of Serbia and Montenegro. The country lost its sovereignty to Serbia towards the end of 1918 after the dethronement of King Nikola I of Montenegro. The latter was the only victorious loser of the Great War as he was deposed in spite of being ruler of one of the Allied states.