Coffee connoisseurs gathered on July 5th, 2023, at the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague for a special tasting event that unveiled the rich and diverse flavors of Ecuadorian coffee. Organized by the Embassy of Ecuador, Pro Ecuador, and Engrano Koffiebranders, this event offered attendees a unique opportunity to savor the distinctive coffee from various regions of Ecuador, shedding light on the country’s long history of coffee cultivation.
Guadalupe Sierra, the founder of Engrano Koffiebranders, a dedicated Ecuadorian living in the Netherlands, led the tasting session. Her deep-rooted family connection to coffee in Ecuador, dating back generations, made her the perfect guide for this exploration of Ecuador’s coffee heritage. Guadalupe’s great-grandfather was credited with introducing coffee to the Galapagos Islands, and today, she is committed to importing, roasting, and marketing Ecuadorian coffee in the Netherlands.
The event commenced with an informative presentation about Ecuador’s history of coffee cultivation. Guadalupe then introduced the five distinct coffees that would be tasted, each representing a unique region of Ecuador: Zamora Chinchipe (Amazon), Chimborazo (Andes), Loja (Andes), ManabĆ (Coast), and the Galapagos Islands.
Guadalupe Sierra guiding the coffee testing at the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague.
Statistical Insights:
– In 2022, Ecuador’s coffee exports reached a total value of 120 million dollars, with 25 million dollars corresponding to green and roasted coffee, while the remainder consisted of coffee extract used for soluble coffee.
– Ecuador successfully exported coffee worth 1.6 million dollars to the Netherlands in 2022.
Group picture awith Ambassador Teran Parral t the Ecudaorian coffee testing.
Diverse Coffee Production:
Ecuador’s unique coffee production capabilities are worth highlighting. It is one of the few countries globally that cultivates both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. The country’s diverse ecosystems enable the cultivation of coffee across various altitudes and even in the extraordinary setting of the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador’s coffee industry has certainly made a statement with this tasting event, showcasing its potential to offer a wide range of flavors and profiles to coffee enthusiasts around the world. As the aroma of Ecuadorian coffee lingers in the halls of the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague, it is evident that the journey of discovering Ecuadorian coffee has only just begun.
A week dedicated to honoring Ecuador, organized by His Excellency Andres Teran Parral and celebrated in The Hague, reached its grand finale with the Ecuador Food Festival. This extraordinary event, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, was a vibrant celebration of Ecuadorian cuisine.
H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador
On September 22nd and 23rd, H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, inaugurated the festival, welcoming a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
Among the distinguished guests were ambassadors from countries such as Cyprus, Panama, Serbia, Netherlands, Cameroon, Greece, Nigeria, Tanzania, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ukraine, and Georgia, along with diplomats representing many countries international organizations, the arts, and the business community. Many Ecuadorians and friends of Ecuador also graced the event with their presence.
Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, H.E. Ms. Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador off Nigeria, Ambassador Teran Parral from Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador off Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and H.E. Ms Elizabeth War Neiman, Ambassador of Panama during the inauguration of the Ecuadorian Food Festival at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
Ambassador Teran Parral set the tone for the evening, saying, āI would like to give you a warm welcome to the fourth edition of the Ecuadorian Food Festival, co-hosted by the Embassy of Ecuador, Diplomat Magazine, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.ā He went on to describe Ecuador’s unique culinary landscape, emphasizing the diversity of ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles that define Ecuadorian cuisine, influenced by the country’s four distinctive regions and the multitude of cultures that coexist within them.
The Ecuadorian Food Festival was a reflection of this diversity, offering a wide array of gastronomic experiences that were not only deeply enjoyable but also novel and enlightening. Ambassador Teran Parral also highlighted the presence of award-winning Ecuadorian wines from the Dos Hemisferios Vineyard and exquisite single-origin coffee from the Ecuadorian Andes, provided by Illimani Coffee.
The key to the festival’s allure was the presence of renowned Chef David Reyes, originally from Quito but currently based in London, United Kingdom. Chef Reyes crafted a special tasting menu that blended traditional Ecuadorian recipes from his childhood home with modern culinary techniques he has mastered while working in London.
The evening’s musical entertainment was provided by āDuo Pudicaā featuring the talented Ecuadorian-Palestinian acoustic bass musician Yussif Barakat and violinist Yumina Ishii from Japan.
āDuo Pudicaā by Ecuadorian-Palestinian acoustic bass musician Yussif Barakat and violinist Yumina Ishii from Japan.
The four-course dinner, prepared by Chef Reyes and Chef Sido de Brabande from the Leonardo Royal Hotel, featured a mouth-watering selection of dishes. The appetizers included Corn with coriander sauce, Chifles (fried plantain chips) with avocado sauce, and Pork croquet with dried roasted corn sauce.
Chifles, fried plantain chips of Ecuador
These were followed by three types of ceviche as starters: Palm hart and mango ceviche, Prawn ceviche, and Hominy ceviche. The main courses included Encocado (Fish with coconut sauce and basmati rice), Hornado (Slow-cooked pork with potato cakes, mote, and salsa), and Seco (Lamb stew with cassava and pickled red onion).
The highlight of the evening was the raffle, offering two tickets for a trip from Amsterdam to Quito via Air Europa, which stops over in Madrid. Other prizes included wine from Dos Hemisferios vineyard and an Ecuadorian handmade toquilla straw hat.
The winners were overjoyed, also all those who had the privilege of experiencing the flavors of Ecuador over the course of these three daysāa taste of happiness, a taste of Ecuador.
Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral. the Ambassador of Ecuador.
The Charge d’ affaires of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara, has recently left the Netherlands after serving for 10 years to return to his Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Caracas. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Diaz Lara demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dedication to his duties, even during challenging times. Despite facing adversity, he remained steadfast and resolute in his representation of his beloved country, Venezuela.Ā
Diplomat Magazine held a private farewell ceremony dedicated tohim at the Leonardo Royal Hotel on September 22, 2023 and awarded Diaz Lara a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding achievements and remarkable efforts strengthening friendship and diplomatic bilateral ties with the Netherlands for nearly a decade.
H.E. Antonio Polosa, IOM Chief of Mission during his speech.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassadors, colleagues, friends, the diaspora, and other well-wishers. The sequence of the Merit Ceremony involved introducing the Certificate of Merit.
āOver the course of his 10 years of dedicated service, Mr. Diaz Lara has played a key role in promoting strategic diplomatic engagement and fostering a strong, enduring friendship between these two nations. He has also worked tirelessly to support international organizations and the Venezuelan community. We express our gratitude for his invaluable support to the Diplomatic Corps and the media.ā
Wilhen Diaz Lara and Ambassador Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission. Wilhen Diaz welcoming Kassandra E. Gomez Pineda, First Secretary Consul, Embassy of Nicaragua.
The national anthems of Venezuela and the Netherlands were played before inviting Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara to stand near the Venezuelan flag. H.E. Mr. Antonio Polosa, the Chief of Mission for IOM, delivered a speech thanking Wilhem. A quote from his speech is provided below.
ā I am honored to speak to you today about our friend and colleague, Wilhen Nehomar Diaz Lara, who has been awarded a Certificate of Merit for his exceptional and lengthy service in various areas. His professionalism and dedication have greatly improved the relationship between Venezuela and the Netherlands.
H.E. Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria, H.E. Ms Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Wilhen Diaz and H.E. Dr Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania.
Wilhen never neglected to promote strategic diplomatic engagements and strengthen friendly relations with many diplomatic representatives in the Netherlands.
As for International Organizations, he contributed consistently by interacting with most of those institutions, including mine (IOM), with a high level of professional support and a distinctly human touch!
Worth mentioning, Wilhen also acted for a long period of time as an Alternate Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the OPCW and more recently as an Alternate Representative Assembly States Party of the Permanent Mission for Multilateral Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the International Criminal Court.
Ambassadors and countries representatives attending the Ceremony of Merit.
I have known Wilhen since my arrival here in The Hague to assume my duties as Chief of Mission (COM) of the International Organization for Migration ā IOM Mission in The Netherlands 5 years ago. In fact, he was one of the first fellow diplomats I met in late 2018. What started as a regular professional interaction soon developed into a friendship, as often happens in our hectic and convulsive diplomatic life of āprofessional migrantsā.
In my capacity as Chief of Mission of IOM in the Netherlands, we deal with irregular migrants in difficult, vulnerable situations on a weekly basis. On some occasions, it happened that there were also Venezuelan nationals in such a situation, and I can only express my utmost admiration for the competent professionalism and caring humanity showed by Wilhen, seeking the best possible option for the migrant safe and dignified return, sometimes including family members.
H.E. Ambassador Mr. Calixto Ortega Rios.
It is no wonder Wilhen is so much valued and appreciated among the Venezuelan community in the Netherlands. You leave many friends behind, but rest assured many will continue to be your friends, and so will I!
While saddened by his departure, allow me to conclude these humble remarks by wishing our dear friend Wilhen all the best in life and a successful career continuation in any capacity assigned to himā
The next speaker at the ceremony was H.E. Ambassador Mr. Calixto Ortega Rios, the Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the OPCW. He praised and thanked Wilhen for his ten-year service, he also took the opportunity to talk about Venezuela to the audience.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, presented Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara with a Certificate of Merit and a colourful bouquet of flowers.
Wilhen Diaz and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
Mr. Wilhelm expressed his words of thanks. His complete speech now follows.
ā Allow me a few words of gratitude to all those present who during these almost 10 years of exercising my diplomatic career in this destination, I will always keep the pleasant memories.
Always thanks to the Director of Diplomat Magazine, Mayelinne de Lara and to your team as well.
Dear Antonio, thank you for your noble and appreciated words and for all the professional support you have given us to resolve situations and also for your friendship.
I have had the honour of representing my country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from which I have had good and pleasant moments. Our bilateral relations, which are more than 100 years old, characterize a high level of importance, with the Kingdom being our European neighbor just a few kilometers from the islands of Aruba, CuraƧao and Bonaire, whose strategic importance of cooperation is indispensable.
Our Peace Diplomacy has been, and I am sure it will continue to be, our cornerstone of our daily work.
H.E. Mr. AgustĆn VĆ”squez GĆ³mez, Ambassador of El Salvador.
During my (long) stay in the Embassy of Venezuela in The Hague we have always maintained the exercise of our functions in accordance with our great pillar of operation, respect for International Law in its breadth, emphasizing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
With great pride I can mention that we have managed to optimize our Consular function for the attention of our citizens, which is the greatest wealth of my country.
Our current Office, which moved in 2014, has also been in operation for almost 10 years. The natural closeness with our population has increased to levels that had not previously been seen, providing facilities that allow Venezuelans to feel at home when they visit us.
Today we continue to focus on strengthening relationships by offering energy and environmentally friendly solutions through the development of cooperation and the promotion of gas projects and environmentally friendly raw materials.
Venezuela has considerably increased its exports of hydrobiological products, cocoa and rum, among other items to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is an important partner and we are very happy to have contributed to these relationships.
Wilhen Diaz Lara, Charge d’affaires of Venezuela.
I want to say, dear friends,
Next Monday, I will conclude a professional stage of experiences and knowledge as part of the long road that remains to be traveled. Thank you very much for your splendid and I would love to maintain contacts with many of you and meet in the future in this small diplomatic world.ā
The solemn yet vivacious Ceremony of Merit for Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara concluded with a photo session and reception, including the cutting of a cake with Venezuelan colours.
Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara has departed the Netherlands, he has nevertheless left indelible footprints!
To mark the 59th anniversary of Malta’s Independence, Ambassador Mark Anthony Pace of Malta hosted a splendid reception. The event saw the presence of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats representing various nations, members of the business community, heads of international organizations, individuals from the cultural sphere, Maltese and esteemed friends of Malta.
Adding a harmonious touch to the celebration, cellist Daniel Xuereb and violinist Kurt Falzon, both talented young musicians from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, graced the occasion with their musical interpretations performing both the national anthems of Malta and the Netherlands. Their music selection included classical melodies and traditional Maltese folk songs, enriching the cultural experience.
Cellist Daniel Xuereb and violinist Kurt Falzon.
Ambassador Pace, in his address, began by expressing his unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives during the war of aggression, which is now entering its second year. He acknowledged the courage and sacrifices made by the people of Ukraine and affirmed Malta’s solidarity as an elected member of the UNSC.
During his speech Ambassador Pace extended his respectful salutations to the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Pace noted that next year would mark a significant milestone for Malta ā the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union. He highlighted the economic benefits Malta has reaped from EU membership and underscored the shared values of peace, security, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights that unite EU member states.
In this context, Ambassador Pace paid tribute to the Netherlands for its longstanding commitment to the international rules-based order, hosting key institutions and international tribunals. He expressed gratitude to the representatives of these institutions present at the reception and assured them of Malta’s steadfast support for their tireless work in upholding international peace and justice.
The historic embassy of Malta represented more than ever the spirit of a remarkable and storied nation. The room was alive with the gentle murmur of conversations, the uplifting music, and the clinking of glasses, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all in attendance.
On 5 July 2022, an amended version of the āWork Where You Wantā Act was adopted by the Lower House. Employers will have more room to reject a request than was included in the original legislative proposal. They no longer need to demonstrate that there are substantial business interests. Instead, they may reject a request if they feel that their interests outweigh those of the employee. To make such a weighing possible, employees will have to substantiate properly their requests, just as employers will have to do when rejecting a request.
These adjustments were not sufficient for the Senate. On 26 September 2023, the legislative proposal was rejected. The parliamentary groups mainly questioned the need for the law. After all, employees can already request a change of workplace under the Flexible Work Act. The employer then needs to consider the request for a change in workplace and consult with the employee if the request is rejected. Moreover, social partners and employers can agree on this in a collective agreement.
Therefore, to include in the law that the employer must be able to indicate that their interests outweigh the interests of the employee did not seem to add much to some parliamentary groups. They felt that such an addition would create more regulatory burden for employers. According to parties in the Senate, employers and employees can simply agree on workplace adjustments themselves. No new legislation is needed for that.
What is the situation now?
Under the Flexible Work Act, employees can request the employer in writing for a change of working hours, working time and place of work. The condition is that the employee has been employed for at least six months by an employer with 10 employees or more. With regard to a request for adjustment of working hours and working time, the employer may only reject a request for adjustment of working hours and working time if compelling business or service interests oppose this. This condition does not apply with regard to a request for a change in place of work.
Is it possible to deviate from the Flexible Work Act?
The Flexible Work Act does not apply to employers with fewer than 10 employees. It is possible to deviate from this Act if a collective agreement is applicable to the employment contract. In addition, employees may agree in writing with the works council ā or in its absence with employee representatives ā to deviate from the law for a maximum period of 5 years.
Points for attention
Working from home has become quite common. It is therefore expected for employers to continue to receive homeworking requests. Therefore, it is useful for employers to make clear arrangements with employees in advance about such requests for different work locations. So it is good to lay down arrangements on working from home in employment regulations or staff handbook, for example.
Even if employees are working from home, you as an employer must still fulfill your duty of care and hence ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This applies, regardless of whether the legislative proposal has been rejected by the Dutch Senate.
Employment lawyer
Do you have any questions about working from home or any other questions concerning employment law? Please contact us! priscilla.deleede@russell.nl
In September 2023, the Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague hosted a spectacular series of activities in order to promote the economy, business and gastronomy of Ecuador. The week-long series of events, was a evidence to Ecuador’s rich culture, business potential, and gastronomic delights. His Excellency Ambassador Andres Teran Parral presided over these festivities, which included an Investors & Buyers Dinner and an enlightening presentation titled “Ecuador Open to Business” by Juan Carlos Yepez, Counsellor and Head of the Commercial Section at PRO ECUADOR.
Ambassador Andres Teran Parral, addressing his guests at the Investors & Buyers Dinner.
The highlight of the week was the “Ecuador Open to Business” dinner, held on September 20, 2023. The event gathered more than 30 investors and importers from diverse sectors, ranging from well-known companies like Heineken, Nutreco, Holex, Sail Ventures, RVO, to representatives from the banking and finance sector, including FMO, CFC, ING, Rabobank, KVK, and NL in Business. Additionally, participants included importers of flowers, coffee, fruits, and vegetables, such as Trading Organic, Inti Harvest, Favorita BV, ILLIMANI, IFE Frozen Fruits, as well as notable representatives from the tourism sector, including Air Europe. Diplomatic staff, including the Consul and Honorary Consuls of Ecuador in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, also graced the occasion.
One of the most pleasant surprises of the evening was the introduction of Ecuadorian wines, a hidden gem relatively unknown to many attendees. During the reception and dinner, three exceptional wines, Armonia (Cabernet Sauvignon), Paradoja (Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec) and the Enigma (Chardonnay) from Bodegas Dos Hemisferios, took center stage. Dos Hemisferios Winery, located in the town of San Miguel del Morro, Guayas, Ecuador, charmed everyone with its unique wines, influenced by the region’s radiant days, cool nights, chalky soil, and constant sea breeze. This revelation underscored the strong potential of Ecuador’s wine industry.
Juan Carlos Yepez, “Ecuador Open to Business”
Ambassador Teran Parral, in his opening remarks, emphasized Ecuador’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with the Netherlands, highlighting the country’s open-for-business stance. He noted that the Netherlands had become Ecuador’s second-largest destination for exports, with $665 million dollars worth of products exported in 2022. He also announced upcoming negotiations for a double taxation treaty, which would further boost investments and service exports between the two nations.
Juan Carlos Yepez’s presentation, “Ecuador Open to Business,” provided a comprehensive overview of Ecuador’s economic landscape. He highlighted Ecuador’s advantages, including a dollarized economy, low inflation, tax incentives, infrastructure development, highly qualified human resources, and an impressively low inflation rate of 0.65%. Yepez outlined priority sectors for investment, such as agroindustry, aquaculture, the orange economy, IT services, tourism, energy, real estate, infrastructure, and transport.
However, the crowning moment of the celebration was the Investors & Buyers Dinner, where Ecuadorian chef David Reyes, hailing from Quito, showcased his culinary mastery. He crafted a sumptuous menu featuring authentic Ecuadorian dishes, allowing guests to savor the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage. The dinner was a gastronomic journey, characterized by warmth, abundance, and flavors that transported guests directly to Ecuador. The four-course dinner featured a range of succulent dishes, including appetizers like Corn with coriander sauce, Chifles (fried plantain chips) with avocado sauce, and Pork croquet with dried roasted corn sauce. It was followed by three types of ceviche, three main courses, and three delectable desserts, all accompanied by Ecuadorian coffee from Illimani.
Ecuador’s week of activities in The Hague, orchestrated by the Embassy of Ecuador, transcended mere diplomacy. It exemplified Ecuador’s openness to international collaboration and investment while showcasing its cultural richness, culinary excellence, and the potential of its emerging wine industry.
This event will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable and fruitful gathering for all who had the privilege to participate, a true celebration of the Ecuadorian soul.
New winter exhibition in Dutch National Museum of Antiquities
This winter, the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden) is going back in time over a thousand years with the grand overview exhibition ‘The Year 1000’. The middle of the Middle Ages, the period 900-1100, often seems an episode in history where nothing happened. But for what is now the Netherlands, these are in fact times of great changes in landscape, construction, climate, language and society.
The exhibition takes visitors on a colourful time journey through the landscape of this medieval world, with the year 1000 as its final destination. The journey brings visitors close to the people of this time at the imperial residence in Nijmegen, the cathedral of Utrecht, the treasuries of Maastricht, the Rome of a thousand years ago and the wealth of Byzantium.
Viking horn – Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek-Maastricht-F-2008-IV-63 / Dutch National Museum of Antiquities
On display are over four hundred archaeological finds, artefacts and manuscripts from the Netherlands and far beyond. A starring role is reserved for the ‘power couple’ Empress Theophanu and her husband Otto II. āThe year 1000′ is an exhibition for young and old and will be on display from 13 October 2023 through 17 March 2024.
In the period 900-1100, a ‘Netherlands’ emerged that is still recognisable today, with dykes around reclaimed land, a fortress after every river bend and church towers on the horizon. The Netherlands is ruled by bishops and belongs to the ‘Holy Roman Empire’. These are also the centuries when Eastern and Western knowledge are widely exchanged: music notation, the number 0 and chess are new arrivals in the Netherlands. At the end of the millennium, the end of the world was expected. People saw omens in solar eclipses, floods and comet appearances. But in the end … nothing happened. The exhibition tells the stories of these medieval people, about their daily lives, their ideas about the world and expectations of the turn of the millennium.
Almost all important Dutch archaeological finds from the period 900-1100 can be seen in ‘The year 1000’. On display are, among other things, a Viking drinking horn from the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht and the famous Egmond Gospels from the KB, National Library of the Netherlands, swords, ship’s timbers, gold jewellery including the recently found treasure find from Hoogwoud, coin hoards, books full of precious stones, the pectoral cross of Saint Servatius, the oldest chess pieces in the Netherlands and a wooden ladder from a well.
Astrolabium – Kassel-Hessisches-Landesmuseum – Dutch National Museum of Antiquities
Besides Leiden’s own collection, there are numerous loans from the Netherlands and abroad. These include important pieces from international collections such as the Castello Sforzesco (Milan), the National Museum of Finland (Helsinki) and the Landesmuseum Kassel. In addition, there are loans from more than forty Dutch museums, heritage institutions and private collections including the National Numismatic Collection (Amsterdam), Museum Catharijneconvent (Utrecht) and the Fries Museum (Leeuwarden).
Extras
To accompany the exhibition, curator Annemarieke Willemsen wrote the book āHet jaar 1000ā (ā¬24.95, NL). In addition, there will be lectures, guided tours and events including a medieval chess tournament. Young and old can explore the exhibition together with a blacklight tour (from 4 years old, NL) or get started with a ‘Year 1000 discovery tour’ (from 8 years old, NL).
Fibula – Photo RMO
Triptych on Early Middle Ages completed
The content of the exhibition and exhibition book is based on the three-year research project ‘The Year 1000’, led by Dr Annemarieke Willemsen. With the exhibition ‘The Year 1000’, Willemsen completes a triptych on the archaeology of the Early Middle Ages. About the centuries preceding the year 1000, she made the successful exhibitions ‘Dorestad ā Medieval metropolis’ about the Carolingian period (8th-9th centuries, in 2009) and ‘Golden Middle Ages’ about the Merovingian period (5th-7th centuries, in 2014). As with the previous exhibitions, this third one features an international congress (24-27 January 2024): The Fourth Dorestad Congress ‘Dorestad and Everything After’, focusing on new finds and research on the 10th-11th centuries in Europe.
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Collaboration and thanks
The exhibition was made possible thanks to the Mondriaan Fund, the Nico Nap Foundation, Friends Association RoMeO, the Elizabeth Huss Fund and Labrys Reizen. The National Museum of Antiquities is supported by the Vriendenloterij.
Ljubljana/Ulcinj September 30 -International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] awarded a special award “for a special contribution to the affirmation of minority communities” to the Prime Minister of MontenegroĀ Dr. Dritan AbazoviÄ.
The award was presented to him by the honorary president of the International Institute IFIMES Stjepan MesiÄ, former president of the Republic of Croatia. President MesiÄ emphasized the role and contribution of Prime Minister AbazoviÄ in Montenegro and the Western Balkans in consolidating democracy and developing a multi-ethnic society and affirming minority communities and strengthening peace and stability in the region. As a young and recognizable politician and a distinguished intellectual, he contributed to the strengthening of the European path of Montenegro, which aspires to become the next member of the EU. Dr. AbazoviÄ is a convinced European, who contributes to cooperation in the region and beyond, and from Montenegro sends positive messages and stories to Europe and the world.
The International Institute IFIMES believes that it is necessary to highlight the role of Prime Minister AbazoviÄ, who emphasizes that the institutional future of the countries of the region is membership in the EU. Economically, commercially and culturally, these countries will always be tied to the region, which is why regional cooperation is of exceptional importance. There are individuals who, through their work, have become an inspiration and role model for many. They are recognizable for their dedication, courage and perseverance, one of them is Dr. Dritan AbazoviÄ. That is why it is our honor to present them with recognition and to express our gratitude for everything they have done for their fellow citizens, states, region, the world and a better future for all of us.
The director of the institute Dr. Zijad BeÄiroviÄ also addressed those present at the award ceremony. He emphasized, among other things, that we live in multi-ethnic societies with numerous differences. However, it is necessary to manage all these differences and find the most optimal solutions. He cited examples of mono-ethnic and multi-ethnic states, and as it turns out – multi-ethnic states are the most successful if they know how to manage differences, for example the USA. Montenegro has every chance of becoming a strong and responsible leader in the Western Balkans.
Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Dritan AbazoviÄ thanked for the recognition and in his ceremonial speech emphasized the role of Montenegro in regional and international relations and emphasized that his country will continue to play an active role in the region through the process of cooperation, reconciliation, coexistence, strengthening of multi-ethnic harmony and economic prosperity in the Western Balkans and in Southeastern Europe and also on the international stage with the additional affirmation of minority communities.
In doing so, it is important to speed up the process of European integration, which will lead to all the countries of the region becoming full members of the EU. Montenegro remains a reliable and strong ally in NATO. Each country and their politicians must do their homework by creating a general consensus on the path to joining the EU. The process of cooperation, reconciliation, creation of a welfare society, intensive fight against crime and corruption, EU membership and strengthening of regional cooperation can only bring good and progress to the entire region.
[1]Ā IFIMESĀ –Ā International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has Special Consultative status at ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018 and itās publisher of the international scientific journal āEuropean Perspectivesā.
Earlier this year, the American investment consulting group the Hindenburg Initiative Research and Reporting made headlines by releasing a research report claiming the prominent Indian entrepreneur Gautam Adani’s company, the Adani Group, of fraud and stock price manipulation. This report sent shockwaves through the financial sphere. Subsequently, companies linked to Adani experienced a prolonged dip in their stock prices, causing the combined market capitalization of these publicly listed entities to drop by more than USD 150 billion at its lowest ebb. Swiftly responding to this crisis, the Adani Group took proactive steps to reduce its debt and actively sought investments from foreign entities, notably securing support from the Qatar Sovereign Fund. These astute maneuvers resulted in a noteworthy resurgence in the market valuation of Adani Group companies, witnessing an uptick of approximately USD 40 billion.
However, after the dust seemed to settle, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published a new investigative report in August, revealing that Nasser Ali Shaban Ahli from the United Arab Emirates and Chang Chung Ling from Taiwan had been trading Adani Group stocks worth hundreds of millions of dollars for years. OCCRP noted that these two individuals had long-standing business dealings with the Adani family, serving as directors and shareholders of Adani Group companies. They also had significant connections with companies under Vinod Adani, the brother of Gautam Adani. OCCRP’s documents showed that Chang and Ahli had spent years trading Adani stocks through offshore shell companies to obscure their tracks and earn substantial profits. As of March 2017, Chang and Ahli’s offshore companies had invested USD 430 million in Adani company stocks, constituting 100% of their investment portfolios.
Simultaneously, both individuals were paying Vinod Adani’s companies for investment advice through their management firms. These allegations further fuel suspicions of internal corruption within the Adani Group. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has initiated a review of the group, and the latter announced its withdrawal from a series of infrastructure projects launched by the Indian government. As it stands, this massive conglomerate is embroiled in a predicament with an uncertain future. However, a review of the Adani Group’s development journey reveals that Indian companies like the group have already posed a significant challenge to the continuous advancement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The group’s more remarkable achievements perhaps lie in competition with China. In July 2022, a consortium led by the Adani Group won the privatization tender of the Haifa Port in northern Israel and completed the acquisition of the port along with the local logistics company, Gadot, for USD 1.15 billion. Adani Group also outbid China in a tender for the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka. In August 2016, under pressure from India, Sri Lanka changed the permanent land use rights given to China in the Colombo Port City project from 20 hectares to a 99-year lease. In summary, large Indian multinational corporations like Adani will continue to be key competitors to China’s BRI in the present and future, with their impact expected to persist and strengthen.
To begin with, Indian enterprises are poised to receive substantial backing from Western nations, led by the United States, on a global scale. Within the Western world, China’s perceived role as the foremost geopolitical challenge has spurred actions aimed at constraining and managing its ascent. This has evolved into an unwavering strategic priority for the U.S. The European Union’s “risk mitigation” strategies, coupled with strategic maneuvers by Japan, South Korea, and various Southeast Asian nations, underscore the collective determination of the U.S. and its allies to actualize this overarching strategy. Given India’s active engagement in geopolitical competition with China, it emerges as an ideal ally for the U.S. to advance its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Earlier this year, the U.S. and the EU solidified their economic, trade, and technology collaborations with India through a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding. These agreements significantly bolstered economic, trade, and technological relations. In particular, the U.S. has granted India access to pivotal domains such as aircraft engine technology. It is conceivable that India will continue to receive an array of technology transfers and support from the West in the foreseeable future, especially in critical sectors such as energy transition. This will further elevate India’s standing and competitiveness in the technological arena, positioning it favorably in the ongoing technological rivalry with China.
Furthermore, many nations situated along the BRI regions are displaying a noticeable degree of caution regarding China, primarily due to geopolitical considerations. Consequently, they are increasingly open to embracing Indian influence as a means to hedge against potential risks stemming from heavy economic and trade reliance on China.
Illustrating this shift, in May of this year, Karan Adani, the CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), a subsidiary of the Adani Group, convened a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi to deliberate on investment opportunities in Vietnam. Following the meeting, a statement issued by the Vietnamese government expressed the country’s willingness to create a conducive environment for Indian enterprises, including the Adani Group, to invest within its borders. There was a particular aspiration for the Adani Group to lead investments in Lien Chieu Port, situated in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang. In addition, the statement highlighted the Adani Group’s commitment to long-term investments in various sectors within Vietnam, encompassing ports, logistics, energy, and technology. The potential total investment could reach up to USD 10 billion in the future.
Evidently, in countries that China traditionally views as integral to the BRI, there is now a discernible shift toward perceptions of geopolitical competition. Many of these nations are actively seeking enhanced collaboration with India across diverse sectors, spanning physical infrastructure to financial development. This transformation is poised to bolster the presence and influence of Indian businesses within these domains while contributing to the gradual displacement of Chinese counterparts from relevant sectors.
The fundamental trajectories of the Indian and Chinese domestic economies imply that Indian businesses will pose a formidable challenge to China’s BRI. According to a report by a research team from Nankai University, private enterprises in China accounted for over half of the total investment in the BRI, making them the driving force in this endeavor. However, since 2016, both of its annual count of investment projects and the total investment volume have witnessed a consistent decline. By 2022, both figures had fallen to less than half of their historical peaks.
China’s annual investment in BRI has also been on the wane. While the shift of investment priorities plays a part, there is still the constraining impact of broader economic trends on available public and private financial resources. Following the conclusion of pandemic-related lockdowns, the lackluster performance of the Chinese economy suggests that state-owned and private enterprises alike are gradually finding it more challenging to secure the financial means required to support their foreign investment and financing endeavors. Additionally, the ongoing trend of an aging population is placing additional strain on the Chinese economy. In contrast, India not only exhibits a robust economic trajectory but also boasts a younger demographic profile, signifying a more promising overall outlook. Consequently, Chinese companies like the smart device maker Xiaomi, despite encountering challenges in India, continue to maintain a presence in the country. This trend extends to various international giants that are also in the process of relocating their supply chains to India. India’s vast and dynamic market provides Indian businesses with a solid domestic foundation to underpin their global expansion ambitions, fostering greater confidence in sustaining competitive strategies against China.
Currently, the Adani Group, closely tied to the Indian government, has essentially completed the establishment of a railway and port infrastructure network spanning from the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, to the Balkan Peninsula. This development has also effectively created a situation where Chinese companies face increased competition, a trend that is expected to persist and potentially intensify in the future. This situation is unlikely to bode well for BRI projects.
As of the end of August this year, the financial controversy surrounding the Adani Group is still ongoing, with international media continuously reporting on it. If these allegations are substantiated, it will undoubtedly deal another significant blow to the Adani Group’s stock price and may even lead to internal issues. Nevertheless, the gap left by Adani in India’s domestic market is likely to be filled by other Indian corporate giants, and the void in the international arena will also be occupied by different Indian enterprises. Several factors favoring Indian companies are expected to persist in the long term. Even if Adani ceases to be a dominant player, other Indian companies will continue to wield significant influence globally.
The impact of disinformation on human rights is a growing concern in contemporary society. Disinformation, defined as the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, has become increasingly prevalent due to advancements in technology and the ease with which information can be disseminated. This phenomenon poses substantial threats to the enjoyment of basic human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to a fair trial.
One of the primary ways in which disinformation affects human rights is by undermining freedom of expression. Disinformation campaigns aim to manipulate public opinion by spreading false or misleading information that often aligns with specific agendas or biases. This hinders individuals’ ability to access accurate information and form reliable opinions, thus undermining their freedom of expression. When people are exposed to disinformation, they may unknowingly promote falsehoods, unknowingly contribute to the spread of disinformation, or self-censor out of fear of backlash for expressing dissenting views.
One of the most significant impacts of disinformation on human rights is its ability to create division and hostility among different groups in society. Disinformation campaigns often target vulnerable populations, such as ethnic or religious minorities, to fuel discrimination and prejudice. This can result in the erosion of the right to equality, as marginalized communities face increased marginalization and hostility.
Moreover, disinformation can also undermine freedom of expression and access to information. When false information is widely circulated, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to discern truth from fiction. This can lead to self-censorship and a reluctance to engage in open and honest discussions, ultimately restricting freedom of expression.
What is disinformation for the United Nations?
The United Nations reports verbatim that there is no universally accepted definition of disinformation. No one definition may be sufficient on its own, given the multiple and different contexts in which concerns over disinformation may arise, including with regard to issues as diverse as electoral process, public health, armed conflicts, or climate change. UNDP Europe and Central Asia, on the other hand, indicates various types of the concept of disinformation. The narratives, in fact, list the differences between: Disinformation, Misinformation, Malinformation and Hate speech.
What are the differences?
The disinformation concerns false information and deliberately created to harm a person, social group, organization, or country. Misinformation is, on the other hand, referred to false information, but not created with the intention of causing damage.
Malinformation is an information based on real facts, but manipulated to harm a person, organization, or country. And finally the Hate Speech is āany kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language about a person or a group based on who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factors. This is often rooted in prejudice, and generates intolerance and hatred and, in certain contexts, can be demeaning and divisiveā and even lead to offline harm or violence.
What effects in war?
Misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech (MDH) can have significant harmful effects on populations affected by conflict and humanitarian operations. These forms of communication, often spread through social media and other online platforms, can exacerbate existing tensions, intensify violence, hinder peacebuilding efforts, and undermine humanitarian action.
One of the main ways MDH is harmful to these populations is by fueling and escalating conflicts. In conflict zones, false or misleading information can spread quickly, leading to a breakdown of trust and inciting violence between different groups. Disinformation campaigns can manipulate narratives and mislead people about the causes or perpetrators of the conflict, further polarizing communities and deepening divisions. This can make it more challenging for humanitarian organizations to provide assistance and protection to those in need.
MDH can also hinder peacebuilding efforts by spreading hatred and sowing discord among communities. Hate speech can further marginalize already vulnerable groups, leading to discrimination, exclusion, and even violence. It can amplify existing prejudices and stereotypes, making it harder for people to come together and find common ground for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Furthermore, MDH can undermine humanitarian action by spreading false information about aid organizations, their intentions, and their activities. This can lead to mistrust and reluctance among affected populations to seek and accept assistance, creating barriers to delivering much-needed aid and support. Additionally, disinformation campaigns can spread rumors and misinformation about public health issues, vaccination campaigns, or other essential services, which can have detrimental effects on public health and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
To mitigate the harmful effects of MDH in conflict and humanitarian situations, it is crucial to promote media literacy and critical thinking skills among affected populations. Providing accurate and timely information through reliable and trusted sources can help counteract the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Collaborations between humanitarian organizations and local communities can also play a vital role in identifying and debunking false or harmful narratives.
Countering disinformation
Seventy-seventh session of the provisional agenda on āPromotion and protection of human rights: Human Rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedomsā,clearly indicates the current useful tools for countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. One of the key paragraphs in the published report āState approaches to tackling disinformationā.
In this narrative it is literally reported that the States have a crucial role to play in combating the impacts of disinformation, both with regard to their own actions and relating to their duty to protect against human rights abuses by third parties, including business enterprises. Addressing the multifaceted phenomenon of disinformation is a complex task. Human rights and freedom of expression standards, developed over time, provide suitable guidance for the challenges raised by disinformation, establishing normative signposts for a well- informed citizenry to engage in democratic processes. By creating the conditions for human rights, pluralism and tolerance to flourish, States can help reduce the risks associated with disinformation.
An extremely necessary tool for the protection and safeguarding of human life and dignity that should be strengthened by governments to prevent targeted psy-operations from drag the world into a third world war
