International Cocoa Farmer’s Organization
ICCFO it’s a new cocoa farmer’s organization which has been formed to promote farmers interest worldwide.
The first ICCFO meeting will take place in The Hague Netherland from the 23rd to 27th of February. 27 farmers will come from cocoa producing countries to take part in this history making event from Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, D.R.C., Togo, Cameroon, Venezuela, Nigeria, Mexico and Indonesia.
For additional information please contact:
Interim Secretariat International Cocoa Farmers Organization (ICCFO)
t/a: Pauwenburg 100
8226 TA Lelystad
Netherland
E: info@iccfo.org W: iccfo.org
International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers: No child should be made to suffer such horrors
Thousands of children around the world continue to be used as soldiers and affected by the horrors of war. Instead of a childhood filled with tranquillity and joy, learning and play, children are far too often the primary victims of armed conflict, where they are trained and forced to kill, rape, pillage, and undertake hard physical labour. Their traumatisation should weigh heavily on our collective conscience, and cannot be left unabated.
The daily reality for these children, boys and girls, is both appalling and traumatic. Thrust into battle zones, they must struggle to survive or perish, often through violent deaths; where they are forced to witness or commit unspeakable acts of violence against others, military or civilian, men, women or children, at times, even against their own families. They may be exposed and fall victim to horrific sexual violence.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) mandates the ICC Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute the crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – crimes which shock the conscience of humanity. The conscription, enlistment and use of child soldiers figure amongst the most reprehensible crimes under the Rome Statute.
There is no such thing in the Rome Statute as lawful conscription of children under the age of 15 into the armed forces or groups, or their enlistment irrespective of whether the child joins voluntarily or through compulsion. Those who recruit children or use them to take active part in hostilities are committing serious crimes and must be held accountable.
The law must be a cornerstone of protection for all children in war zones. On this International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, the world owes it to our children to renew its collective resolve to prevent and end impunity for these crimes. This is not only a moral imperative and a legal duty under the Rome Statute, but necessary to ensure the success of future generations. A crime against a child is an offence against all of humanity.
State Funeral for former German President Weizsäcker
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
On 31 January 2015 former German Federal President, Baron Richard von Weizsäcker passed away in Berlin.
Richard von Weizsäcker was Germany’s first Federal Head of State after reunification, and served between 1990 and 1994. However, he had been in office as President of West Germany since 1984.
A State Funeral was arranged for him at the Berliner Dom on 11 February 2015. The Netherlands was represented highly by HRH Princess Beatrix. The German political establishment included Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, former president Roman Herzog, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the President of the Constitutional Court, Andreas Vosskuhle, and many others.
The late president is best remember for his eloquence, immense popularity and outspokenness in controversial issues. Weiszäcker remains the only German president to our days to have been re-elected uncontested back in 1989.
Von Weizsäcker leaves behind his widow, Marianne (née von Kretschmann), and three adult children.
The Diplomat Magazine presents its deepest condolences to von Weizsäcker’s family as well as to the German Federal State.
A State Funeral was arranged for him at the Berliner Dom on 11 February 2015. The Netherlands was represented highly by HRH Princess Beatrix. The German political establishment included Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, former president Roman Herzog, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the President of the Constitutional Court, Andreas Vosskuhle, and many others.
The late president is best remember for his eloquence, immense popularity and outspokenness in controversial issues. Weiszäcker remains the only German president to our days to have been re-elected uncontested back in 1989.
Von Weizsäcker leaves behind his widow, Marianne (née von Kretschmann), and three adult children.
The Diplomat Magazine presents its deepest condolences to von Weizsäcker’s family as well as to the German Federal State.
Father and son exposition
By Carel Reisch
On the 8th of February the mayor of Wassenaar, Jan Hoekema honored Galerie Patries van Dorst by opening the exposition of father and son Wouter & Julian Stips. The opening speeches of the mayor together with Dutch televisionhost Martine van Os were the start of a very well visited art exposition in the coachhouse of Kasteel de Wittenburg. More than 200 people visited the gallery it was typical Dutch “gezellig” crowded.
For photo album please open
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
WOUTER STIPS (1944)
Wouter’s cheerful, layered paintings and glass sculptures are sold worldwide. After his last exhibition in 2014 in the leading Singer Museum in Laren, Galerie Patries van Dorst is the first to show the latest works by this artist. Works spalling by the spontaneous use of color from the wall, painted in the tradition of the Dutch CoBrA painters, a refined beauty and seemingly childish poetic simplicity.
The comparison with CoBrA in the work of Wouter Stips is soon made. He works with the same spirit and energy of the Cobra-artists like Corneille, Karel Appel, Lucebert, Constant, Eugene Brands, Pederson a.o. His works are being collected by Cobra-collectors worldwide. His colorful bright and childlike style is very much his own.
One of the key features of the CoBrA movement was, of course, its multidisciplinary aspect. You could write, compose poetry, draw, paint, produce sculptures; you could even sing. And that is something that you see in the work of Stips.
He seizes every opportunity to manifest his ideas in a material that appeals to him, that arouses his creativity. A thought suddenly arises, ‘Aha, I can make an image out of that’ and then he begins, like a man possessed, to make a series of images, figures or books. And then he continues making pictures lithographs, prints, silk-screen prints, music. This is something intrinsic to Stips to CoBrA, and actually to the open-mindedness of a child as well. It its simple lack of inhibition.
You do what you enjoy, and what you don’t enjoy, you avoid. This is the way he thinks, and lives. When, at a certain moment, he was a successful television and film director, he simply quit that world in order to take up painting again, writing and sculpting full-time. Without hesitating back to his roots; that is something admirable. ( Leo Duppen – past president of the Amstelveen Cobra Museum in “Alle dagen feest”, a book about Stips’ work and worldwide projects )
JULIAN STIPS (1990)
On his 10th year Julian was already modeldrawing with guidance of Catalijn Wouters.
At the age of 17, he was accepted at the HKU Arnhem for fashion designs. He joined among others internship at “Victor and Rolf”, he concluded this prestigious traineeship and then went on a trip for a “mind set”. When back he decided to say goodbye (for now) to the “complex” world of fashion design and first to focus on the free-drawing and illustration commissions.
Galerie Patries van Dorst, exhibits national en international (contemporary)artist. Every 6 weeks there are new exhibitions. Check their website for the current and coming exhibitions. The gallery is beautifully hidden away in the afforested surroundings of Wassenaar on the Wittenburg estate. The art combined with the historic ambience in the coach house and the gardens on the estate of Kasteel de Wittenburg makes a visit worthwhile. Open daily, please call in advance 0650 292 150.
WOUTER STIPS (1944)
Wouter’s cheerful, layered paintings and glass sculptures are sold worldwide. After his last exhibition in 2014 in the leading Singer Museum in Laren, Galerie Patries van Dorst is the first to show the latest works by this artist. Works spalling by the spontaneous use of color from the wall, painted in the tradition of the Dutch CoBrA painters, a refined beauty and seemingly childish poetic simplicity.
The comparison with CoBrA in the work of Wouter Stips is soon made. He works with the same spirit and energy of the Cobra-artists like Corneille, Karel Appel, Lucebert, Constant, Eugene Brands, Pederson a.o. His works are being collected by Cobra-collectors worldwide. His colorful bright and childlike style is very much his own.
One of the key features of the CoBrA movement was, of course, its multidisciplinary aspect. You could write, compose poetry, draw, paint, produce sculptures; you could even sing. And that is something that you see in the work of Stips.
He seizes every opportunity to manifest his ideas in a material that appeals to him, that arouses his creativity. A thought suddenly arises, ‘Aha, I can make an image out of that’ and then he begins, like a man possessed, to make a series of images, figures or books. And then he continues making pictures lithographs, prints, silk-screen prints, music. This is something intrinsic to Stips to CoBrA, and actually to the open-mindedness of a child as well. It its simple lack of inhibition.
You do what you enjoy, and what you don’t enjoy, you avoid. This is the way he thinks, and lives. When, at a certain moment, he was a successful television and film director, he simply quit that world in order to take up painting again, writing and sculpting full-time. Without hesitating back to his roots; that is something admirable. ( Leo Duppen – past president of the Amstelveen Cobra Museum in “Alle dagen feest”, a book about Stips’ work and worldwide projects )
JULIAN STIPS (1990)
On his 10th year Julian was already modeldrawing with guidance of Catalijn Wouters.
At the age of 17, he was accepted at the HKU Arnhem for fashion designs. He joined among others internship at “Victor and Rolf”, he concluded this prestigious traineeship and then went on a trip for a “mind set”. When back he decided to say goodbye (for now) to the “complex” world of fashion design and first to focus on the free-drawing and illustration commissions.
Galerie Patries van Dorst, exhibits national en international (contemporary)artist. Every 6 weeks there are new exhibitions. Check their website for the current and coming exhibitions. The gallery is beautifully hidden away in the afforested surroundings of Wassenaar on the Wittenburg estate. The art combined with the historic ambience in the coach house and the gardens on the estate of Kasteel de Wittenburg makes a visit worthwhile. Open daily, please call in advance 0650 292 150.
36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in The Hague, hosted a reception on the occasion of his country’s 36th anniversary, which took place at the Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar.
Dr. Alireza Jahangir delivered a speech which is hereto attached.
”In the Name of God, The Compassionate, the Merciful
Excellences, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;
It is a great honor and deep privilege for me, as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to cordially host and receive you distinguished guests on the occasion of 36th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Despite all the ups and downs and imposed crisis, the great Iranian nation has been able to demonstrate their capability in the establishment and fortification of an independent, Islamic and democratic political system under the leadership of late Imam Khomeini and wise guidance of the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, over the past 36 years.
In order to achieve brighter horizons in their progressive direction, people of Iran, by their vast presence in the presidential election in June 2013, voted to the government of prudence and hope of Dr. Hassan Rouhani with the approach of constructive interaction with the world and other countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following the long and historic relationship between Iran and the Kingdom of The Netherlands, which date back to four hundred years ago, under Dr. Rouhani’s foreign policy and the widespread welcome of international community toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, new and tangible developments have occurred in our bilateral relationship in the political , economic and cultural areas.
In January 2014, president Rouhani and Prime Minister Rutte had talked and conferred about bilateral, regional and international issues on the sideline of Davos Forum. Exchange delegations in political and economic arena have followed up and in particular visits of Dutch Nationals tourists to my country to see and enjoy Islamic architecture, beautiful and diverse nature, delicious foods, culture and historic sites and get acquitted with the well-known Persian civilization have almost been tripled last year.
With regard to trade and economy between the two countries in 2014, the Kingdom of the Netherland enjoyed the fourth economic partner of Iran in European Union.
Distinguished Guests,
Please allow me to brief you shortly about the latest developments in the negations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and p5+ 1 on my country’s peaceful nuclear program.
As you are well aware, the two sides ( Iran and p5+ 1 ) have made a significant progress over the last 15 months by concluding the Joint Plan of Action on 24 November 2013 in Geneva and holding several rounds of intense negotiations to reach to a comprehensive agreement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown its firm belief in constructive engagement and exhibited its good faith in seeking mutually beneficial win -win solution and open new horizons to collectively address much more serious and pressing regional and global challenges in particular violence and terrorism which are threatening our children future across the world.
In conclusion, I want to appreciate for your presence and wish you all the best.
Thank you very much.”
For pictures please open the link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following the long and historic relationship between Iran and the Kingdom of The Netherlands, which date back to four hundred years ago, under Dr. Rouhani’s foreign policy and the widespread welcome of international community toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, new and tangible developments have occurred in our bilateral relationship in the political , economic and cultural areas.
In January 2014, president Rouhani and Prime Minister Rutte had talked and conferred about bilateral, regional and international issues on the sideline of Davos Forum. Exchange delegations in political and economic arena have followed up and in particular visits of Dutch Nationals tourists to my country to see and enjoy Islamic architecture, beautiful and diverse nature, delicious foods, culture and historic sites and get acquitted with the well-known Persian civilization have almost been tripled last year.
With regard to trade and economy between the two countries in 2014, the Kingdom of the Netherland enjoyed the fourth economic partner of Iran in European Union.
Distinguished Guests,
Please allow me to brief you shortly about the latest developments in the negations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and p5+ 1 on my country’s peaceful nuclear program.
As you are well aware, the two sides ( Iran and p5+ 1 ) have made a significant progress over the last 15 months by concluding the Joint Plan of Action on 24 November 2013 in Geneva and holding several rounds of intense negotiations to reach to a comprehensive agreement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown its firm belief in constructive engagement and exhibited its good faith in seeking mutually beneficial win -win solution and open new horizons to collectively address much more serious and pressing regional and global challenges in particular violence and terrorism which are threatening our children future across the world.
In conclusion, I want to appreciate for your presence and wish you all the best.
Thank you very much.”
For pictures please open the link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/
New In-House Scanning service for Diplomats
Diplomatic Card Company introduces In-House Scanning service for diplomats.
Special Report from Diplomat Magazine. Diplomatic Card Company (DCC) specializes in advanced services for diplomats such as a Tax-Free Fuel service and a VAT-service. The company’s main goal is to make the Diplomat’s stay in the Netherlands as comfortable and as hassle-free as possible, by reducing the administrative paperwork to a minimum for the diplomat. Diplomat Magazine had a chat with Manolis Arvanitis, General Manager at Diplomatic Card Company, to explain the In-House Scanning service DCC is providing. “With our fuel card and VAT-free card, diplomats are already able to fuel up VAT- and Tax-free and to purchase goods VAT-free if the amount exceeds the minimum of € 225.00 per quarter. In addition, diplomats and international organisations asked us if we could develop a service system in order to take care of the handling of the VAT-reimbursement of their small tickets and invoices. Before, this reimbursement process was very complicated and time consuming,” Arvanitis explains. “We looked into it with our IT-department and developed a new service which we called In-House Scanning. After the Ministry of Finance approved the principle, we could finalise the system, which is now fully operational.”
“The In-house Scanning completely unburdens the diplomats and their staff from the reimbursement process,” Arvanitis continues. “DCC developed the system and takes care of the complete installation at the Diplomat’s or International Organisations’ office after which the Diplomat can get rid of the paperwork by the simple push of a button. They only have to scan their small tickets and they are automatically processed. With this service there is no more need to send invoices or small tickets back and forth in order to get the VAT back. This is not only easier for the diplomats, it also reduces the risks of losing documents. With the In-house Scanning system administration is reduced to a minimum and diplomatic staff is now able to work on more useful matters. Moreover, like with the VAT-free card, we reimburse the diplomat within 48 hours after approval”.
“User-friendliness and safety are the main focal points in our services and we make use of the latest technology to put these into practice. We also attach great importance to dialogue and personal contact with our clients and other stakeholders. We try to involve them as much as possible to develop the best services fit for diplomats”.
For additional information visit: http://www.diplomaticcard.com/nl/ or contact Diplomatic Card at: Call our Card Centre +31 76 54 87 344
or email info@diplomaticcard.nl Ottawa receives German Chancellor at the Hill
By: Eugene Matos De Lara
Photographer: Brendon Dawson
I had the pleasure of attending the press conference delivered by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel, upon her arrival to Parliament Hill from Washington D.C. In the magnificent parliamentary press room adorned with German and Canadian flags, Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the German Chancellor to Canada.
The session focused mainly on the mutual decision to tackle issues in the Ukraine as well as diplomatic relations with Russia.
“Unfortunately, to this point in time Putin has rejected diplomatic means, he seeks to move his agenda forward through military violence,” said Harper.”We have provided a whole range of aid to our friends in Ukraine…we’ll look at all options, but obviously we’ll proceed extremely cautiously in partnership and in collaboration with all of our allies.” Meanwhile, Merkel noted that Germany and Canada have been cooperating on the issue and that she is grateful today’s diplomatic tour has resulted in Canada and the United States’ support in pushing for a diplomatic solution in the Ukraine.
Moreover, the discussion of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis will continue during the G7 meeting in Munich this coming June.
The press room was filled with both Canadian and German news reporters who all took turns asking both leaders questions ranging from issues with ISIS to domestic concerns. In addition, Canada’s encouragement of youth involvement in politics was seen by the large presence of the University of Ottawa Campus Conservative group thatsat in the second row during the welcoming conference.
Dutch government promotes sustainable business in Bangladesh
Dutch SMEs that would like to undertake international corporate social responsibility can make use of various services that are made available by the Dutch government. Entrepreneurs were given an overview of the latest developments and opportunities in the rapidly developing country at a well-attended networking event in the Bangladesh House in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, on January 28. Also an investment fund of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was presented which SMEs can use to finance their trade initiatives.
The network gathering had been organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague and the Netherlands Bangladesh Business Platform. This platform is an initiative of the Dutch Embassy in Bangladesh and Nyenrode Business University. The activities of the Business Platform include organizing trade missions for Dutch SMEs. The platform’s website, www.nbb.org, provides information and research reports on doing business in Bangladesh. At the networking event Dutch entrepreneurs were able to meet diplomats from Bangladesh, to discuss best practices and to exchange experiences.
Opportunities SMEs
Through the Business Platform SMEs can benefit from government programs and the extensive network of the helpful embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Which recently was awarded with the Fenedex Embassy Price from various business organizations. Due to excellent information availability and relatively low investment thresholds, trade missions to Bangladesh are a great opportunity for SMEs. SMEs often don’t have the expertise to carry out the process to international trade on their own. The involvement of dignitaries creates opportunities and results in contracts to be signed more quickly. The Dutch SMEs possess much knowledge where Bangladesh companies can benefit from and with which Dutch companies can make profit – for example in the field of IT, logistics, agro-food and water management.
Investment fund
The Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) has been presented at the networking event. This financing fund has been set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is designed to support SMEs who do business with developing countries and emerging markets such as Bangladesh. These entrepreneurs often make a major contribution to the economic and social improvement in these countries. Through a revolving fund the DGGF offers tailor made financing to complement private investments or when entrepreneurs aren’t able to get financing through banks.
From aid to trade The relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands shifts from traditional development aid to sustainable trade and investments, as declared by Nyenrode’s Professor International Business Strategy, Désiree van Gorp: ‘Research shows great opportunities for Dutch companies in the food production and processing, water management, logistics and IT outsourcing. Due to strong economic growth Bangladesh is less dependent on development projects. Bangladesh offers increasing opportunities for a sustainable economic relationship. Outsourcing with care for people, planet, and profit is a good example of the Dutch agenda for aid, trade, and investments.’
Opportunities SMEs
Through the Business Platform SMEs can benefit from government programs and the extensive network of the helpful embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Which recently was awarded with the Fenedex Embassy Price from various business organizations. Due to excellent information availability and relatively low investment thresholds, trade missions to Bangladesh are a great opportunity for SMEs. SMEs often don’t have the expertise to carry out the process to international trade on their own. The involvement of dignitaries creates opportunities and results in contracts to be signed more quickly. The Dutch SMEs possess much knowledge where Bangladesh companies can benefit from and with which Dutch companies can make profit – for example in the field of IT, logistics, agro-food and water management.
Investment fund
The Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) has been presented at the networking event. This financing fund has been set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is designed to support SMEs who do business with developing countries and emerging markets such as Bangladesh. These entrepreneurs often make a major contribution to the economic and social improvement in these countries. Through a revolving fund the DGGF offers tailor made financing to complement private investments or when entrepreneurs aren’t able to get financing through banks.
From aid to trade The relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands shifts from traditional development aid to sustainable trade and investments, as declared by Nyenrode’s Professor International Business Strategy, Désiree van Gorp: ‘Research shows great opportunities for Dutch companies in the food production and processing, water management, logistics and IT outsourcing. Due to strong economic growth Bangladesh is less dependent on development projects. Bangladesh offers increasing opportunities for a sustainable economic relationship. Outsourcing with care for people, planet, and profit is a good example of the Dutch agenda for aid, trade, and investments.’
Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community
From Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
The diaspora plays an important role in Suriname’s ambitions for further economic development. At a seminar in The Hague on 7 February 2015, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin appealed via skype to the diaspora community to contribute to the future development of his country: “Suriname needs you to strengthen its position in the Latin American region. Agriculture, infra, ICT, water management and tourism are priority sectors in which we want to invest your knowledge and expertise.”
The well-attended event, organized by the Government of Suriname in cooperation with IOM, was the launch of an appeal by Suriname to engage its worldwide diaspora community. The diaspora has the knowledge, expertise and the financial network Suriname effectively needs to strengthen the country’s development.
IOM’s Director General William Lacy Swing stressed diasporas become more important with their contributions to growth in skills and knowledge, trade and investment. “In this era of unprecedented mobility we should remove obstacles and foster fluidity between states. This encourages our transnational citizens to stay engaged in both home and host countries.”
To engage the diaspora community, the Embassy of Suriname in the Netherlands will match the availability of the diaspora community in the Netherlands with the needs identified in Suriname. A special website will be set up by the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs.![images[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images1.png?fit=208%2C170&ssl=1)
![images[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/images1.png?ssl=1)
Dutch Ministers of Foreign affairs and OPCW’s decision
Diplomat Magazine’s news on MINBUZA.
Foreign minister Bert Koenders has expressed support for the decision by the member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to condemn the use of chlorine gas in Syria as a violation of international law. He is also pleased with the OPCW’s statement that the perpetrators of the attacks must be held accountable.
‘This is the first time that the OPCW’s Executive Council has reached a consensus on issuing a condemnation. This is a positive development that we can build on,’ said Mr Koenders.
The minister had previously expressed his concern about Syria’s repeated and systematic use of chlorine gas as a weapon, arguing that such actions contravene international agreements and cannot be allowed to go unpunished. The European Union has also condemned the use of chlorine gas by the Syrian regime.
The use of chlorine gas (or any other chemical substance) as a weapon is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Syria has been a party since October 2013. It is also a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2118.
The Netherlands has called on the OPCW to do more to expedite the process of dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons programme. There are a number of former production facilities that must be destroyed, and Syria still has to submit a final report. While satisfied with the destruction of the chemical weapons stocks in Syria, Mr Koenders also stresses the importance of completing the final steps in the process.
‘We have to monitor Syria closely until we are convinced that the chemical weapons programme there has been completely eliminated,’ said Mr Koenders.