On the picture H. E. Ireny Comaroschi, Ambassador of Romania.By Ellen Brager.
Last Friday Diplomat Magazine was present at the Romanian Spring Evening organized by the Romanian Embassy. Ambassador Ireny Comaroschi kindly opened the doors of the Residence to members and friends of the Romanian community in The Hague for an evening of celebrations.
The festive mood was set immediately with the gift of a “mărțișor” to all the invitees. According to Romanian tradition the mărțișor, a small pin in the shape of a crocus, is offered on the first of March every year by the men to the women to celebrate the arrival of spring.
The guests then assembled for an award ceremony led by Ambassador Comaroschi inspired by International Women’s Day on March 8. Eight remarkable women were honored for their achievements as Romanians in Holland or for their efforts to promote Romanian culture and increase awareness for Romania in general and for their support to newcomers to the Netherlands. Their activities covered different fields. Representing the arts there were Maria Rus Bojan and Genevieve E.M.O. Momma-Wehry, both professional curators; Kim van Haaster, a movie maker who received a special mention for her documentary “Play no matter what“ depicting life in a rural village in East Romania; and Anita Walsmit Sachs, a botanical illustrator recently selected to record the flora of Transylvania through her paintings.
For a full photo-album on this event, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650855289600/International Women’s Day Awards
Two other awardees, Marianne van Stekelenburg-Hasenbos and Larisa Isabela Melinceanu, were active in facilitating the integration of foreigners into Dutch society, one by supporting the diplomatic community, while the other focused on helping migrants in extreme situations. There also was an award for Brîndușa Gritu, founder of a Romanian law office and a plastic surgery clinic promoting Romanian medicine.
Last but not least, a special introduction was given to Liana Gavrilă Șerbescu, a pianist and piano teacher honored as a developer of children’s musical talents and a promoter of lost and forgotten works by female Romanian composers. Her award was the perfect introduction for the musical treat that followed and that she helped organize.
The stage was cleared and six young musicians – three violinists and three pianists – were introduced to the audience. Diana-Maria Murariu was, with nine years old, the youngest of the violinists. She followed her three-year older sister Ioana-Alexandra Murariu in her love for the violin. Both started playing at the age of five and currently study at the Conservatorium in Amsterdam.
Violinist Diana-Maria Murariu
The third violinist, Silviu Tănasă, started his studies in Romania and moved to the Netherlands when he was nine. Now twenty years old he is an amazing violinist of great promise. The youngest piano player was Sebastien Ratering, born in 2006 and taking lessons since he was six. Radu Ratering, who will turn eleven in August, already has an impressive resumé including a performance next to Lang Lang in the Concertgebouw. His friend Stefan Christian Bele, who just turned twelve in December, is not only an extremely talented pianist, but also a composer whose works have been performed in public and have already earned him a spot in the finals of the Princes Christina Compositie Concours to be held in April.
It was a real delight to listen to so much talent playing works by well-known classical and Romanian composers, as well as a few of Stefan’s own compositions, with a skill and mastery that belied their young age.
In addition to celebrating spring, exceptional women and young talent, the evening also marked the 135th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Romania and the Netherlands. More than enough reasons to raise a glass of excellent Romanian wine.
While the guests mingled they could try some special Romanian specialties such as savory little meat balls called “chiftelute”, and a preparation of spinach in puff pastry by the name of “plăcintă”, as well as chocolates and other typical sweets.
Ellen Brager from Diplomat Magazine talking to pianist Stefan Christian Bele.
When talking to Diplomat Magazine Ambassador Comaroschi stressed that the main purpose of the evening was to celebrate possibilities and promote the future in which she firmly believes, to counter all the negative news with which we are inundated by the media.
She certainly succeeded in showing a Romania to be proud of and in sharing the warmth and hospitality of the Romanian people.
By Andrew van Esch .On Friday 13 March 17:30 – 20:30h, THIN meets again and you are invited!After some time of absence on the social calendar, The Hague International Network has woken up again but in a different world! We are happy that we have found a great partner, the NH Hotel WTC The Hague. They have agreed to host and partially sponsor this illustrious network event in The Hague for 2015.From this year onward we will be meeting at a fixed location, NH Hotel WTC.The location is easily accessible and appropriate for an international ‘crowd’ The focus will still be on the international professionals of The Hague: diplomats, those working at international organizations, international companies. But of course also the Dutch professionals are very welcome as long as they work within the international community or have strong ties with it.We start at 17:30 the first half hour drinks are free and sponsored by the NH Hotel. As of 18:00 hours the drinks are at your own expense. Snacks will be offered by the hotel. After the Drinks you can enjoy a THIN-special in the restaurant of the NH Hotel.Let’s make The Hague International Network a hugh success….registers now!R.S.V.P.: thin@daesch.comOnly those that have registered by email will be admitted to the event.Address: Prinses Margrietplantsoen 100, Den Haag
The Director-General delivered a keynote address at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum, which took place in Minneapolis on 6-9 March. The work of the OPCW featured prominently at this year’s Forum in photo exhibits and a dialogue session devoted to future challenges for chemical disarmament.In a broad-ranging speech, “A Disarmament for Peace”, Ambassador Üzümcü noted the “vital and intuitive link between disarmament and peace.” He outlined the impact that a comprehensive approach to disarmament can have on peace creation, noting that “disarmament is no more just the absence of weapons than peace is the absence of war.” The Director-General also emphasised the importance of education in creating a “bulwark that sees scientists working instinctively for peace.”In the course of the forum, Ambassador Üzümcü met President Jimmy Carter and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global campaign to permanently eliminate these weapons. Since its entry into force in 1997 the Convention has become the fastest growing arms treaty in history with 190 States Parties, and 85 percent of all declared chemical arsenals have been destroyed under OPCW verification – an unprecedented achievement in the annals of disarmament. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace.
Exhibition about body modifications in the widest sense, across time and cultures.The Body Art exhibition can be seen from 20 March to 30 August 2015 in the Tropenmuseum.
Body modifications like tattoos, piercings and make-up can be seen every day on the street. The body, and in particular the skin, serves as a canvas to give form to yourself, to transform and show who you are. It is an important means of expressing identity. With Body Art the Tropenmuseum presents an exhibition about body modifications in the widest sense, from make-up and tattoos to implants below the skin and surgical changes. Across time and cultures. The central question is – why do people alter their body?
Six possible answers
Never before has there been an exhibition in the Netherlands about body modifications in the widest sense which focuses on the question, why? The Body Art exhibition in the Tropenmuseum introduces the visitor to six possible answers. Contemporary work by the world-famous artist ORLAN and photos by Krijn van Noordwijk are alternated with personal stories and top pieces from the Tropenmuseum’s own collection and from, for example, the MAS in Antwerp and the Museum der Kulturen in Basel.
Today, 8 March 2015, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) joins many around the world in marking International Women’s Day and reaffirms its commitment to accountability for perpetrators of sexual and gender-based crimes. One woman subjected to violence is one too many. Women bear the brunt of sexual and gender-based crimes in conflicts around the world with alarming frequency and violence. Putting a stop to the culture of discrimination that allows sexual and gender-based crimes to persist requires our collective efforts. We cannot and must not remain silent. Our collective voice to speak up for the victims, our will to act, our resolve to end the cycle of violence against women and our commitment to hold perpetrators accountable through a robust and credible judicial process must remain firm and unabated. The Rome Statute is the most comprehensive international treaty in its recognition of the different forms of sexual and gender-based crimes as the most serious crimes under international law, including rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, forcible prostitution and gender-based persecution. To date, charges for sexual and gender-based crimes have been brought in 70 per cent of the cases at the ICC. The investigation and prosecution of such crimes is a key priority for the ICC Office of the Prosecutor. In 2014, the Prosecutor adopted a comprehensive Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes which guides the Office’s work in fighting against impunity for such heinous crimes. By investigating and prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence where the Court has jurisdiction and national judicial systems are unable or unwilling to do so, the ICC contributes to the prevention and deterrence of such crimes. On this International Women’s Day, the Court calls for greater support from states and other stakeholders worldwide and urges them to declare with one voice that sexual and gender-based crimes will no longer be tolerated, and that we will relentlessly pursue those who tear violently at the social fabric of society through such egregious crimes. Ending sexual and gender-based crimes must be a top priority for the international community. The challenges are certainly many, but through our collective efforts, we must prevail.
Schilderswijk Mothers wins Kartiniprijs Municipality of The Hague
The Hague, March 8, 2015
850 visitors celebrated International Women’s Day in the Louwman Museum in The Hague, with the central theme “Roadmap2Freedom. None other than Jörgen Raymann opened the event with the presentation of the City of Pearls. The various workshops include Annemarie van Gaal, Blackbird Moistra, Jens van Tricht, KaatBulbs and rapper Diggy Dex were very popular.
Kartiniprijs been awarded to Schilderswijk Mothers by Councillor Karsten Klein. Photographer: Roy Strik.
The Hague Women’s Day celebration was concluded by Councillor Karsten Klein with the installation of the new Auditing Committee Emancipation and the presentation of the Kartiniprijs. This municipal emancipation prize was won by Project Schilderswijk Mothers. For more information see www.8maartfestival.nl
The celebration is an initiative of the municipality of The Hague in cooperation with Stichting Sarita, PEP Hague, Kaabassi Foundation, COC Haaglanden and Foundation Yasmin.
By Baron Henry Estramant.Winter Youth Olympic Games shall be held for a second time in the Norwegian city of Lillehammer in 2016. The competition which is due to last ten days, encompasses over one thousand young athletes aged between 15 and 18 years old, hailing from 70 countries, and competing in the same number of events. A ceremony to countdown 365 days to the event was arranged on 12 February 2015 under the auspices of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, who is a member of the National Advisory Committee to Lillehammer 2016. The ceremony itself was held at Lilletorget with the unveiling of the countdown clock by HRH Crown Prince Haakon and ice hockey player Carl Erik Kråbøl (14). Norwegian Minister of Culture, Thorhild Widvey, addressed the crowd, followed by OMEGA’s President Mr Stephen Urquhart, who was representing the International Olympic Committee.Crown Prince of Norway unveils countdown for Lillehammer 2016.The countdown in Lillehammer happened only a couple of weeks after the demise of an avid sporter within the extended Norwegian Royal Family, Johan Martin Ferner (22 July 1927 – 24 January 2015), husband to Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, the King’s youngest sister. Johan Martin Ferner himself had won a silver medal during the 1952 Summer Olympics held at Helsinki. At the time of his nuptials to Princess Astrid on 12 January 1961 the latter had to forfeit her royal status, and is thereinafter styled within Norway simply as “Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner”. Princess Astrid served as Norway’s unofficial “First Lady” after the demise of her mother, Crown Princess Märtha in 1954, and continued in that role until 1968 when his brother Harald married the incumbent Queen Sonja. For her services to the kingdom, Princess Astrid was accorded an annual life pension in 2002 by the Norwegian government. She participates in all major events of the Royal Court including the annual reception for the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Norway. Norway’s Royal Couple, Princess Astrid and Johan Martin FernerBetween 23 and 27 February, Norway’s Royal Couple, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, left the winter theme behind to embark on their very first State Visit to the Commonwealth of Australia. The visit had an economic focus to promote Norwegian business interest Down Under. For more information: Lillehammer 2016: http://en.lillehammer2016.no/Norway’s Royal House. www.royalcourt.no/nyhet.html?tid=125735&sek=27262
On the picture Bhutan’s Royal Couple and India’s FS Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
ByBaron Henri Estramant.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Secretary since 29 January 2015 made his maiden voyage to the neighbouring Kingdom of Bhutan. Foreign secretaries in India are appointed by the Minister of External Affairs on basis of their expertise to deputise for them. The incumbent Minister, Sushma Swaraj, only second female to hold the post since 26 May 2014, appointed Jaishankar at the end of January. He has served as Indian ambassador to the USA (2013-2015), China (2009-2013), Czechia (2001-2004) as well as High Commissioner to Singapore (2007-2009).
In Bhutan FS Jainshankar was received in audience on 1 March by Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and The Druk Gyaltsuen but likewise by His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The appointment of Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar came only a few days after the 66th “Republic Day”, which this year for the first time hosted a US American President, Barack Obama, as “Chief Guest” for the military parade and celebrations that took place in Delhi.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and 4th Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan
During the 66th “Republic Day” celebrations this year one of the highest civilian honours, the “Padma Vibhus”, was bestowed upon His Highness The Aga Khan IV by India’s President Pranab Mukherjee.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards recognise individual achievements in a wide range of disciplines. The Aga Khan IV, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini (b. 13 December 1936) is the hereditary “Imam of Nazari Ismailism”, a branch of Shia Islam which has about 15 million adherents. He is founder and chairman of the “Aga Khan Development Network”, one of the largest private development aid organisations worldwide.
The Aga Khan IV’s heir is his eldest son, HH Prince Rahim (b. 12 October 1971); his wife, HH Princess Salwa is due to deliver their first child in the upcoming weeks.
From 4 to 6 March 2015, a 60 heads strong delegation of business leaders led by Luxembourg’s Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna paid a visit to Doha, State of Qatar.
Luxembourg for Finance organised the mission as well as a seminar for around 100 finance professionals in Qatar wherein The Grand Duchy was promoted as a prime financial centre in Europe. The latter event was opened by The Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg as well as Minister Pierre Gramegna. The minister also held high-level meetings with Doha Bank and company representatives to discuss possible expansion plans to Europe. TRH The Hereditary Grand Duchess and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, and Pierre Gramegna
Moreover the mission focused on expanding research on computer security, the use of data centres hosted in Luxembourg as well as the development of Fintech services. The meetings followed an earlier visit on 4 February of Qatari Minister of Information, Technology and Communication, Dr Hessa bint Sultan Al Jaber, to Prime Minister Xavier Bettel at the Hôtel de Bourgogne. Above all the talks were focused on reinforcing cooperation in the areas of satellite technology and data protection in the framework of “Digital Lëtzebuerg”. The Luxembourgian dignitaries were also welcomed at Qatar Foundation chaired by HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, The Amir of Qatar’s mother. Mr Jassim Telefat, Group Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Capital Projects and Facilities Management, received the delegation to the Visitors’ Centre. The European dignitaries were introduced to the foundation through a comprehensive presentation that described the organisation’s different educational institutes, science and research centres, and community development initiatives. After the presentation, the princely visitors were shown an impressive 3D scale model of the current educational and research buildings. Other prominent meetings included audiences with His Highness The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim, his deputy since 11 November 2014, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Minister of Economy, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, The Minister of Finance, HE Mr Ali bin Sherif Al Emadi as well as The Minister of Information, Technology and Communication, HE Dr Hessa bint Sultan Al Jaber. At the end of the economic mission the Luxembourgian royals were seen off at at Hamad International Airport by HE The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, his son-in-law, and Ambassador to Belgium, (non-resident) Luxembourg and the EU, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim bin Thani Al Jassim Al Thani as well as Royal Dutch Ambassador to Qatar, Ms Yvette van Eechoud. The Dutch embassy oversees Luxembourgish interests in Qatar as the Grand Duchy has a non-resident ambassador based in Abu Dhabi.
By Baron Henri Estramant.A million tourists visited the Emirate of Fujairah in 2014, the fifth largest Emirate in the UAE with a population of around 160,000 inhabitants. The tourism sector in the emirate of Fujairah is promising continuous growth year after year; its most important change was linked to the increase in the number of resorts and hotels, which have doubled to suit all budgets. Fujairah Museum alone drew in last year ca. 40,000 visitors from outside the emirate, which is a record for the most relevant museum. Saeed Al SamahiAccording to Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities’ Director Mr Saeed Al Samahi “the number of hotel rooms is expected to soar to nearly 5,000 rooms over the next three years in order to meet the growing demand for private rooms in the seasons of holidays and vacations as well as the spring”. During the next two years he is looking forward to the activation of the new laws and regulations relating to tourism as Mr Samahi stated during an interview for Al Khaleej newspaper. The Emirate of Fujairah is an oasis of nature which appeals to all the tourists who want to enjoy the charm of attractive, calm, beaches and magnificent towering mountains. Its cultural and natural heritage is rich, including Fujairah Fort which is one of the most important places frequented by foreign tourists and visitors from within the UAE, the Fujairah Museum, Heritage Village, Al Badiyah Mosque (oldest extant in the UAE), Al Butna Castle, the natural reserves of Wurayah as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is the second largest mosque in the country. Fujairah International Airport serves the emirate. HH The Crown Prince of FujairahFujairah is ruled by the Sharqiyin Clan (Al Sharqi), led by His Highness The Amir of Fujairah, Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (b. 25 Sept 1948) since 1974. His heir apparent is his eldest son by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum, His Highness The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi married to HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of the incumbent Vice President of the UAE and Emir of Dubai. Executive authority is vested on His Highness The Amir of Fujairah who chairs His own government but is restricted in power by the observance and precedence of federal laws. For more information: Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority: http://www.fujairahtourism.ae/Fujairah Museum: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/united-arab-emirates/the-east-coast/fujairah/sights/museums-galleries/fujairah-museum
