66th Anniversary of the abolition of the Armed Forces in Costa Rica
The newly appointed Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Sergio Ugalde, explained the importance his country gives to the abolition of the Armed Forces.
“On 1 December 2014, Costa Rica celebrated the 66th anniversary of the abolition of the Armed Forces. Since 1948, Costa Rica has entrusted its national security to international law and diplomacy, and its foreign policy has focused on sharing that experience and pursuing a world committed to the rule of law and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means.
At its core, our policy strives to convince all nations that peace and disarmament are a centerpiece of the realization of all human rights, and that along with the principles of freedom and democracy, the force of reason must prevail as a safeguard for future generations. The abolition of the military is one of those exceptional steps that led Costa Rica to become a fairer more educated society, able to meet the most pressing needs of its population, focusing on human development rather than strengthening its military capabilities.
Costa Ricans have reaped the benefits of a decision which marked its development as a nation. The resources that would otherwise have gone to the maintenance and purchase of military weapons are directed to causes that seek greater prosperity for the people, particularly education, health services and the protection of the environment.
That fundamental decision made on December 1, 1948, and enshrined in the 1949 Constitution, currently in force, has forged generations of Costa Ricans who have never seen a war tank or a war plane on their territory. Costa Ricans do not aspire to carry a rifle and truly hope never dying in a battle field as a result of armed conflict. Yet, to achieve this high objective, it is fundamental that just not the Costa Ricans, but all peoples of the world, are given the conditions to renounce the use of force, effectively rendering military apparatuses ineffective. Through the unilateral renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling disputes, Costa Rica has privileged international law to preserve its national interests, its sovereignty and its democratic institutions. The country is acutely aware that much still needs to be done in the strengthening of International Law, but it notes with optimism that much has been achieved, thanks to respected legal institutions such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Costa Rica continues to share with the international community its experience as a disarmed democracy, and it hopes that this experience will contribute to universal peace and security, principles that guide our foreign policy and it remains convinced that this experience might one day to be enjoyed by all nations and peoples.”
Ambassador Sergio Ugalde
Ambassador Sergio Ugalde has almost 20 years of practice in the field of International Law. He graduated from the University of Costa Rica and holds a Magister Iuris from the University of Oxford. In his capacity as legal advisor to the last five Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, he has represented his country in the International Court of Justice as part of the Legal Team and, for the last five years, as Co-Agent. He has also been appointed as Special Ambassador for matters in foreign policy and international cooperation. Together with former President of Costa Rica, Ms Laura Chinchilla, Ambassador Ugalde taught a course on the Inter-American Human Rights System at the University of Costa Rica and has written numerous articles on subjects such as international security and International Law. He is a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and has been recently appointed Ambassador of Costa Rica to The Kingdom of The Netherlands.
ICC rejects Côte d’Ivoire’s challenge
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejects Côte d’Ivoire’s challenge to the admissibility of the case and reminds the Government of its obligation to surrender Simone Gbagbo
On December 11. 2014, the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire’s challenge to the admissibility of the case against Simone Gbagbo before the Court, and reminded Côte d’Ivoire of its obligation to surrender Simone Gbagbo to the Court without delay.
A challenge to the admissibility of a case before the ICC is granted if the case is being genuinely investigated or prosecuted by a State which has jurisdiction over it, unless the State is unwilling or unable genuinely to carry out the investigation or prosecution. For a case to be declared inadmissible, the national investigation and/or prosecution must cover the same individual and substantially the same conduct as alleged in the proceedings before the Court.
After a thorough assessment of the documentation made available to the Chamber, in accordance with article 17(1)(a) of the Rome Statute, the Chamber concluded that Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic authorities were not taking tangible, concrete and progressive steps aimed at ascertaining whether Simone Gbagbo is criminally responsible for the same conduct that is alleged in the case before the Court.
Accordingly, Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected the admissibility challenge. Having found the case against Simone Gbagbo admissible before the ICC, the Chamber reminded Côte d’Ivoire of its obligation to surrender Simone Gbagbo to the Court without delay.
The decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber may be appealed, in accordance with article 82 of the Rome Statute.
World Day against Violence and Extremism
In an int’l conference on world against Violence and Extremism (WAVE):
10 Iranian strategies to combat terrorism and extremism in the region and world / President proposes Dec 18 as World Day against Violence and ExtremismPresident Hassan Rouhani stressed the importance of enhancing efforts by all governments and peace-loving movements to optimize coordination, interaction, understanding, cooperation and zeal worldwide to fight violence and extremism.
He made the remarks here on Tuesday in his opening speech to the international conference on World against Violence and Extremism (WAVE).
President Rouhani said governments should orchestrate policies to push aside extremist groups.
President believed the universal enthusiasm shown to the idea of a world free of violence and extremism and the fact that it was adopted almost unanimously with world countries indicates the necessity and significance of anti-violence attempts worldwide.
Though extensive economic cooperation and political interaction led to reducing amount of violence and extremism in significant parts of the world, he added, it unfortunately persisted in other parts of the world like the Middle East, claiming lives of tens of people every day.
President Rouhani highlighted the need for the governments to cooperate in a bid to bring about a world free of violence.
President proposed December 18 as the World Day against Violence and Extremism.
President Rouhani proposed the date because it coincides with the anniversary of a UN General Assembly resolution last year.
President put forward ten strategies to launch an immediate fight against terrorism.
He said allocating a day to highlight the notion will make the bloods shed unfairly remembered and the global will to fight violence and extremism get a new life each year.
He said the countries which have initiated, organized and financially supported terrorist groups should distance themselves now from them and stop their direct and indirect assistance to these groups.
He said such groups should also aid with the victim countries by providing financial, information and military assistance to them.
He noted that Iraq and Syria have suffered extreme losses due to the assistance provided to the terrorists, making it necessary for certain countries to financially compensate for the damages.
Stressing that terrorists recruit their forces from among unemployed and deprived people, President Rouhani underscored the necessity of establishing an international fund to generate jobs and help development process in countries which have fallen victims to terrorism.
He also said religious schools should be established with the objective of correcting the wrong extremist and violent notions followed by the terrorists and also to promote the true image of beneficent Islam in the world.
He pointed to the need for a global campaign to confront misuse of cyber space and social networks by terrorists.
He said countries which are located on the terrorist’s mobility route should have stronger political will and devise better mechanisms to stop easy movement of terrorists.
President went on to stress the need for the international community to try to make amendments in the United Nations structure especially in the Security Council and its use of veto mechanism which in times poses serious threat to the global peace and security.
This very mechanism, President Rouhani added, has been quite ineffective and practically paralyzed the international organization.
The inefficiency of the UN Security Council seriously undermines international peace and security, encourages aggressions, disappoints victims and paves the way for violent actions, he added.
He urged the international community to use determination and firm will to start initiation of a process for rehabilitation of the UN from its periodical paralysis.
He finally hoped that the WAVE conference in Tehran could come up with effective and practical ways to promote the culture of peace and coexistence as well as the spirit of fighting violence and extremism in the world
Kyrgyzstan marks the country’s Independence Day
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic (based in Brussels) to The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, the EU, the French Republic, to the international organisations in the latter countries, Permanent Representation to UNESCO, organised a reception at the Gothic City Hall of Brussels to mark the country’s independence day.
The reception was held to celebrate the Indepedence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic from the Soviet Union on 31 August 1991. Back then the country was name Kirghizia.
The well-attended event included a magnificent exhibition held at the marriage hall including pictures of Kyrgyz landscapes, flora and fauna, and of the Kyrgyz citizenry in their daily lives. Moreover musical performances and delicacies typical of Kyrgyzstan.
Though the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan is located in Brussels, there is a Honorary Consulate in Utrecht.
The Head of Mission, H.E. Ambassador Asein Isaev, is yet to present his credentials in The Netherlands as he only did so in Belgium on 2 July 2014.
The well-attended event included a magnificent exhibition held at the marriage hall including pictures of Kyrgyz landscapes, flora and fauna, and of the Kyrgyz citizenry in their daily lives. Moreover musical performances and delicacies typical of Kyrgyzstan.
Though the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan is located in Brussels, there is a Honorary Consulate in Utrecht.
The Head of Mission, H.E. Ambassador Asein Isaev, is yet to present his credentials in The Netherlands as he only did so in Belgium on 2 July 2014.
Kenya Celebrates 51st Jamhuri Day
By Muthoni Muchiri. Photography M. Muchiri.
H.E Mrs. Rose Makena Muchiri marked Kenya’s 51st Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Worldhotel Bel Air The Hague. This prolific event welcomed various dignitaries, distinguished guests as well as a sizeable number of the Kenyan Diaspora. It was particularly pleasing to note the large turn out of Kenyan students present from various universities in the Netherlands.
The night commenced with a speech from the Ambassador in which she extended a warm welcome to all, with specific mention to the Kenyan Diaspora and the important role they play in the development process and growth of the community. She strongly encouraged their continued input towards the development agenda through the Diaspora Web Portal; all while a myriad of images 
showcasing Kenya’s natural beauty and diversity were displayed across screens around the room.
After the formalities were completed guests were treated to local delicacies from mouthwatering samosas to a Kenyan favorite, nyama choma – barbequed meat, leaving no dish untouched. The festivities continued with the Ambassador leading guests to the dance floor where they sang and shuffled the night away. The ‘Independence Day’ celebrations were topped off with news received earlier that day declaring that charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta had officially been withdrawn at the International Criminal Court.
At the end of the night guests received a vibrant bouquet of Kenyan roses courtesy of Sian Roses, in addition to a variety of Kenyan magazines and dvds.
The chilly weather outside was no match to the warmth and joyfulness that engulfed the room that evening. Congratulations to Ambassador Rose Makena Muchiri and her delightful team for organising such a lively and memorable evening.
The night commenced with a speech from the Ambassador in which she extended a warm welcome to all, with specific mention to the Kenyan Diaspora and the important role they play in the development process and growth of the community. She strongly encouraged their continued input towards the development agenda through the Diaspora Web Portal; all while a myriad of images 
showcasing Kenya’s natural beauty and diversity were displayed across screens around the room.
After the formalities were completed guests were treated to local delicacies from mouthwatering samosas to a Kenyan favorite, nyama choma – barbequed meat, leaving no dish untouched. The festivities continued with the Ambassador leading guests to the dance floor where they sang and shuffled the night away. The ‘Independence Day’ celebrations were topped off with news received earlier that day declaring that charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta had officially been withdrawn at the International Criminal Court.
At the end of the night guests received a vibrant bouquet of Kenyan roses courtesy of Sian Roses, in addition to a variety of Kenyan magazines and dvds.
The chilly weather outside was no match to the warmth and joyfulness that engulfed the room that evening. Congratulations to Ambassador Rose Makena Muchiri and her delightful team for organising such a lively and memorable evening.
Special National Day of Thailand for H.E. Dr. Virachai Plasai in The Hague
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor.
On the evening of the 4th of December H.E. Dr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, invited to a reception at Worldhotel Bel Air in The Hague on the occasion of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 87th birthday.
The reception was well frequented by ambassadors, investors and friends of the Southeast Asian nation. Accompanied with traditional Thai music, performed by the Thai Music Circle in The Netherlands, the guests enjoyed a rich buffet of original Thai dishes, ranging from spicy papaya salat to coconut noodles and flavourful, authentic snacks.
In his speech H.E. Dr. Plasai outlined the bright future that lies ahead of Thailand. He described the Situation in the country as calmed down. The aim is now to return to democracy by performing political, economic and educational reform. H.E. Dr. Plasai stressed the attractiveness of Thailand as a country of investment, which regardless of recent unrest, remains on a high level. The country offers the unique opportunity to combine business with pleasure. This might also explain the high number of Dutch tourists that visit Thailand. About 200.000 Dutch tourists visit the Kingdom every year and enjoy the world-known hospitality of Thai people. However, H.E. Dr. Plasai underlined not the importance of numbers, but the quality of tourism. In Thailand’s case the main focus lies on sustainable and responsible tourism that respects Human and Animal Rights.
As a token of Dutch-Thai friendship H.E. Dr. Plasai and his mother combined the traditional spicy papaya salad with Dutch herring; a unique, yet tasty symbol of the friendship between the two kingdoms. A friendship for which the ambassador was very grateful. Unfortunately this reception has been the last national day celebration of Thailand for H.E. Dr. Plasai in The Netherlands, as he will leave the country in the near future.
On behalf of the team of Diplomat Magazine I wish H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej good health and a long life.
As a token of Dutch-Thai friendship H.E. Dr. Plasai and his mother combined the traditional spicy papaya salad with Dutch herring; a unique, yet tasty symbol of the friendship between the two kingdoms. A friendship for which the ambassador was very grateful. Unfortunately this reception has been the last national day celebration of Thailand for H.E. Dr. Plasai in The Netherlands, as he will leave the country in the near future.
On behalf of the team of Diplomat Magazine I wish H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej good health and a long life.
National Day Reception by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor.
The mythological background of Korea’s national day takes us back over 4000 years to the 3rd of October 2457 B.C. On this day Hwanung descended to earth to become the Supreme Divine Regent in the valleys and mountains of the Korean Peninsula. In a cave close to the regent’s seat lived a tiger and a bear. One day, Hwanung offered both of them to become human, if for 100 days they stayed in the cave and ate only twenty bulbs of garlic, which Hwanung gave them. Being too impatient and hungry the tiger left the cave before the 100 days were over and only the bear remained. After 100 days Hwanung transformed the bear into a beautiful woman. As she grew lonely, Hwanung gave her a son, called Dangun. In the year 2333 B.C. Dangun founded Gojoseon, the first kingdom of Korea, in a simple ceremony on Mani Mountain. This kingdom is being regarded as the first Korean state and the 3rd of October is now the National Day of the Republic of Korea, celebrating the foundation of Gojoseon.
In the picture Ambassadors of India and Ambassador of Korea. 
In the picture Ambassador of Kosovo and Korean’s Ambassador.Although the mythological foundation of Korea has been a rather simple ceremony, the reception by H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, didn’t lack splendour. On the 3rd of December 2014 His Excellency received fellow ambassadors, colleagues, partners and friends at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Scheveningen. On this occasion the Letter of Credence, accrediting H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe for his new post in The Hague, have been presented.
On behalf of Diplomat Magazine we wish H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe an enjoyable, fruitful and memorable stay in The Netherlands.
In the picture Ambassadors of India and Ambassador of Korea. 
In the picture Ambassador of Kosovo and Korean’s Ambassador.Although the mythological foundation of Korea has been a rather simple ceremony, the reception by H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, didn’t lack splendour. On the 3rd of December 2014 His Excellency received fellow ambassadors, colleagues, partners and friends at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Scheveningen. On this occasion the Letter of Credence, accrediting H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe for his new post in The Hague, have been presented.
On behalf of Diplomat Magazine we wish H.E. Jong-Hyun Choe an enjoyable, fruitful and memorable stay in The Netherlands.
Au revoir Eugenio
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Many friends and acquaintances attended a party yesterday to say farewell to Eugenio Matos, a wonderful personality who all agree made a significant contribution to the diplomatic community of The Hague.
Eugenio Matos has been a key driving force behind the scenes at Diplomat Magazine, overseeing the creation of the project from its humble beginnings with a handful of volunteers in 2013, to the supervision of the first published paper edition in November 2014. Invitation sent to the diplomatic corps: http://en.calameo.com/read/000733685963056495f49
COMPLETE PHOTO-ALBUM. CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157649715337682/
Eugenio Matos has been a driving force behind the scenes at Diplomat Magazine, overseeing the creation of the project from its humble beginnings with a handful of volunteers in 2013, to supervision of the first published paper edition in November 2014.
The Ambassador for the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Vestine Nahimana, speaking at the event expressed her gratitude for the assistance her mission received from Eugenio Matos and Diplomat Magazine. Eugenio was showered gifts as a token of the friendships he has made during his assignment in the Netherlands.
Eugenio Matos has been a driving force behind the scenes at Diplomat Magazine, overseeing the creation of the project from its humble beginnings with a handful of volunteers in 2013, to supervision of the first published paper edition in November 2014.
The Ambassador for the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Vestine Nahimana, speaking at the event expressed her gratitude for the assistance her mission received from Eugenio Matos and Diplomat Magazine. Eugenio was showered gifts as a token of the friendships he has made during his assignment in the Netherlands.
CSP-19 Convened at the World Forum The Hague
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention inaugurated its Nineteenth Session (CSP-19) concluded on Monday, 5 December 2014 at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague.
The opening of the conference was done by the OPCW Director-General Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Croatia’s Ambassador to the OPCW H.E Ms. Vesela Mrden, was elected Chairperson for the CSP-19. Ms.Angela Kane read a statement on behalf of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.
Subsequently the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders delivered an address. In the debate that followed on this Monday morning, the first day of the conference; South Africa, Russia, Qatar, Malaysia among others delivered a part.
Noticeable was the speech delivered by the Ambassador of Malaysia H.E. Ms. Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib. Without equivocation she echoed her country’s discontentment with certain situation within the organization that needed attention. The organization she said should be back on track, it is being side tracked, back track and there is a forming of an “ Executive club” . Its should not matter whether a country is big or small, there should be equity. The CSP-19 conclude on December 5 2014.
Subsequently the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders delivered an address. In the debate that followed on this Monday morning, the first day of the conference; South Africa, Russia, Qatar, Malaysia among others delivered a part.
Noticeable was the speech delivered by the Ambassador of Malaysia H.E. Ms. Fauziah Binti Mohd Taib. Without equivocation she echoed her country’s discontentment with certain situation within the organization that needed attention. The organization she said should be back on track, it is being side tracked, back track and there is a forming of an “ Executive club” . Its should not matter whether a country is big or small, there should be equity. The CSP-19 conclude on December 5 2014.
Meeting of German-speaking foreign ministers
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor and Baron Henri Estramant. Picture’s copyright FDFA
The foreign ministers of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein recently participated in an informal meeting in Berlin (26-27 November 2014).
The rationale behind such meetings is the shared German language, and the notion of unity that comes with it. The ministers listened to the first “poetry slam” to promote the German language (ironic enough with an English-language name). The contributions by various German-speaking artists might have sounded to non-German speakers rather like a modern music creation. Changing between fast, slow, high and low, the artists knew how to use their mother tongue that unites the four European countries and plays an important role in diplomacy as the most spoken native tongue spoken in Europe.
Host this year was Germany. The meeting repeats annually, and allows the ministers to discuss issues of mutual interest as well as of the international arena.
In 2015 Switzerland is to host the meeting in Neufchâtel; hometown of Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter.