Kyrgyzstan marks the country’s Independence Day

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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. u043Au0430u043Cu0431u0430u0440u043Au0430u043D 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.u043Fu0440u0438u0435u043C  

Kenya Celebrates 51st Jamhuri Day

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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.Untitled-1 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 JamhuriDay3showcasing 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.Kenay Jamhuri Day 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.JamhuriDay1  

Special National Day of Thailand for H.E. Dr. Virachai Plasai in The Hague

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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. IMG_1735 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. Untitled-4

National Day Reception by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea

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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. WB-KE-11-web
In the picture Ambassadors of India and Ambassador of  Korea.
 
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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.  WB-KE-010-web    

Au revoir Eugenio

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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/  Embajador de Irak y Eugenio 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 y embajadora de Kosovo Mayor de Wassenaar con Eugenio   Con Arwin Paulides Eugenio, yo con los Embajadores de Oman y Rwanda eugenio con Maria Teresa Infante Embajadora de Chile Stephan van der Meulen y Eugenio Walid Akoum y Eugenio Con Anne O'Obrien Asser, Eugenio y xxx Eugenio y Eelco Dystra Eugenio y Crownw Plaza

CSP-19 Convened at the World Forum The Hague

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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. IMG_1002 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. Untitled-4 Untitled-7          

Meeting of German-speaking foreign ministers

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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.  

Unveiling of Cyrus Cylinder replica at the peace palace

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Unveiling of Cyrus Cylinder replica at the peace palace
H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Sectary General of The Hague Academy of International Law , Prof Yves Daudet, unveiled replica of Cyrus Cylinder at the Peace Palace in The Hague with the presence of the presidents of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Judge Tomke, International criminal court (ICC), Judge Song, Iran-United States Claims Tribunal(IUSCT), Judge van Houtte and  Secretary Generals of the Hague Conference on Private International Law ( HCCH),       Dr. Bernasconi , Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), Mr. Siblesz and several ambassador and Dutch officials. Clay cylinder, as a gift of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran was presented to peace palace and was placed in the Building of the Hague Academy of International Law. Ambassador Jahangiri , at this ceremony , delivered his speech and noted that the Cyrus Cylinder is known as the heritage of tolerance and peaceful coexistence , respect for human dignity and freedom of religions, repatriation of displaced people and humane treatment of the Babylonians which was reflected on the clay Cylinder,  has led many scholars to call it the first Charter of Human Rights. He emphasized that both Athenian Democracy and Cyrus’ Proclamation would be only two drops in the vast ocean of human rights aspirations. Only then could the ambiguity surrounding the universality of human rights be removed. In his speech, Prof Yves Daudet mentioned that “The universal nature of human rights has already been presented in Cyrus’ text, which has thus become a real common property of humankind. Thanks to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for her gift to the Carnegie Foundation and The Hague Academy of International Law which we are happy to house the sight of the splendid Cyrus Cylinder on our premises. He added that what is fascinating us, is that the themes were developed by Cyrus at that time when they were already well-established in Persian culture but were still totally unknown in western culture. These themes were the abolition of slavery (which took so long in the west) and the right for freed slaves to return home, the free choice of religion and its practice, the free choice of a profession, property rights, and the restoration of despoiled or destroyed goods. Mr. Hoogstraten, General Director of the Carnegie Foundation at his speech stated that we are very glad to receive this gift, knowing that it has an important and even unprecedented historical meaning and describes the situation which the declaration was issued. As we know in this declaration “A King whose military power was basically unlimited, lays down some rules for the conduct of himself as the ruler. He agrees with the principle of respect for diversity in religions. He frees the prisoners, he sends the conquered people back to their homeland. It should be noted that The Peace Palace is often called the seat of international law because it houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law, and the extensive Peace Palace Library.    

ICC’s statement on the Human Rights Day

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ICC’s statement on the Human Rights Day
Statement of the President of the International Criminal Court on the Occasion of Human Rights Day On 10 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), naming the ‘inherent dignity’ and the ‘equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family’ as the ‘foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’. This ground-breaking text laid out rights that apply regardless of race, religion, gender or socio-economic status. Since then, the international community has been striving to implement these ideals in a concrete way, adopting various legal instruments to this effect. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), adopted in 1998, reflects the values of the UDHR, and the ICC’s activities serve to defend some of the essential rights enumerated by the Declaration. The ICC has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, meaning that it can investigate and prosecute, for instance, violations of the right to life and liberty and violations of the prohibition of torture and slavery. By creating an international criminal court of last resort to deliver justice when national systems are unwilling or unable genuinely to do so, the Rome Statute aims at providing a consistent and comprehensive answer against impunity for the most serious international crimes. The ICC is now in its 13th year of existence and has never been busier. 122 States have ratified the Rome Statute – almost two-thirds of the world’s sovereign nations. The ICC’s caseload is constantly expanding and breaking new ground. Final convictions were issued this year against individuals for attacking and killing civilians and the use of child soldiers. Almost 10,000 victims have been represented in proceedings and over 110,000 have been assisted by the Trust Fund for Victims. As such, the ICC’s activities are having a significant impact not just on individuals prosecuted before the Court, but also on the tens of thousands of direct victims and millions of people in the affected communities and societies. The ICC is thus truly helping to realise the UDHR’s vision by ending impunity, preventing future crimes and providing justice to victims. This mission would however be better fulfilled if all States ratified the Rome Statute, thereby allowing it to achieve true universality. Human Rights Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the progress that has been achieved since the adoption of the UDHR; but also on what remains to be done. In the wake of WWII, the Universal Declaration was drafted by visionaries. As one of the most recent additions to the mechanisms that seek to make this vision a reality, the ICC is helping to uphold human rights and dignity, and to deliver a credible promise of greater respect for and adherence to human rights everywhere.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issues non-compliance finding for Libyan Government

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ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issues non-compliance finding for Libyan Government
Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi Case: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issues non-compliance finding for Libyan Government and refers matter to UN Security Council On December 10th  2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a finding of non-compliance by the Government of Libya with respect to the non-execution of two requests for cooperation transmitted by the ICC, and decided to refer the matter to the Security Council of the United Nations. The Chamber found that Libya has failed to comply with the requests by the Court: (i) to surrender Saif Al‑Islam Gaddafi to the Court; and (ii) to return to the Defence of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi the originals of the documents that were seized by the Libyan authorities from the former Defence counsel for Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi in June 2012 in Zintan, and to destroy any copies thereof. The Chamber stressed that both outstanding obligations are of paramount importance for the exercise by the Court of its functions and powers under the Rome Statute and that the non‑compliance by Libya effectively prevents the Court from fulfilling its mandate, including its duty to protect the rights of the parties and the interests of victims. The Chamber recognised that throughout the proceedings, Libya demonstrated in several respects its commitment to the Court and made genuine efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue. The Chamber also noted the volatile political and security situation in Libya and stated that it was sensitive to the serious difficulties that Libya is currently facing. The Chamber emphasized that its decision was only based on the objective failure to obtain cooperation. It was not intended to sanction or criticize Libya but solely to seek the assistance of the Security Council to eliminate the impediments to cooperation.
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