In a letter to his counterparts, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif briefed them on the latest developments in the negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the P5+1 Group on Iran`s peaceful nuclear program.Iranian Foreign Minister said, “My delegation has engaged in these talks with the firm mandate and strong political will to reach a comprehensive agreement. We have clearly demonstrated that we are prepared to accept a rational and fair agreement based on mutual respect and interest, in the same manner as we resist and reject arbitrary, degrading and unlawful demands. We have tried to be creative and innovative and have offered solutions.”He added, “In our Joint Plan of Action, we envisaged a common goal for these negotiations: To reach a mutually-agreed long term comprehensive solution that would ensure Irans nuclear program will be “exclusively peaceful” and “would produce the comprehensive lifting of all UN Security Council sanctions, as well as multilateral and national sanctions related to Irans nuclear program.”
Zarif said, “Achieving the first objective is not difficult, because Iran does not want or need nuclear weapons. In our view, nuclear weapons are obsolete tools of the past, incapable of providing external security or internal stability. This is especially the case for Iran, which is content with its size, geography, natural resources and human capital, and has not started a single war in the past three centuries. A sober strategic assessment will show that nuclear weapons are detrimental to Irans security.
He added, “Iran also has a solid track record of opposing all WMDs on religious grounds. Ayatollah Khamenei, like his predecessor Imam Khomeini, declared that all WMDs are strictly forbidden by Islam. For this reason, Iran did not use chemical weapons even in retaliation when Saddam Hussein gassed our troops and civilians on a scale not seen since the First World War.”
Part of the letter said, “Moreover, “practical limits” envisaged by JPOA preclude arbitrary limits, which seek to shrink Irans enrichment to a token program. Such is neither practical nor realistic.”
Iranian Foreign Minister pointed out, “The second objective envisaged by JPOA, namely the lifting of all sanctions, is an essential component of any agreement. But some members of P5+1 have become increasingly reluctant to abandon this counterproductive, illegal and inhuman instrument of coercion even at the expense of putting in jeopardy the entire process that provides certainty and assures transparency. Obsession with sanctions has not only obstructed a comprehensive long-term agreement, but also prevented the West from regaining the confidence of the Iranian people even after the adoption of JPOA. While Iran has shown its good faith by completely fulfilling its part of the bargain under the deal, the US and EU have adopted more measures to maintain and strengthen the sanctions regime than to live up to their sanction-easing commitments.”
Iranian Foreign Minister concluded, “I am confident that a comprehensive agreement is imminently within reach. It requires foresight, political will and recognition of realities by our negotiating partners as well as the audacity to make the right choice benefitting the entire global community rather than succumbing to the whims of vocal, but increasingly unpopular, pressure groups and special interests.”
43rd National Day of Bahrain
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The newly accredited ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to The Netherlands, Ms Alice Samaan, hosted a reception on the eve of Bahrain’s National Day in London where she is based to celebrate her homeland’s 43rd National Day.
Bahrain’s National Day is celebrated on 16 December every year. Celebrations in the country reminisce the population of the foundation of the modern state in 1783 by Sheikh Ahmed the Conqueror of the clan of Khalifa, which still rules over the islands (Al Khalifa). The date also commemorates Bahrain’s accession as a full UN Member State 43 years ago as well as 15 years of reign for His Majesty King Hamad II of Bahrain.
Celebrations throughout the kingdom are arranged by the country’s Ministry of Culture led by Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa since 2008. These are presided over in Manama by the country’s monarch, his uncle and Prime Minister Prince Khalifa as well as Crown Prince Salman. King Hamad II is normally escorted by other two sons, Colonel Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his younger brother Major Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Albeit diplomatic relations between Bahrain and The Netherlands are handled by the former’s mission in London, consular matters are dealt with through Bahrain’s embassy in Brussels. The Royal Dutch Embassy in Kuwait City handles relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
2014’s festivities were ceremoniously concluded with a concert by the Tree of Life, a major touristic attraction for being the only tree in the midst of the desert.
President Kagame and Dutch minister Ploumen discuss trade partnerships
President Paul Kagame met recently with the visiting Dutch minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen with whom he discussed existing and potential partnerships between the two countries. The discussions revolved around bilateral trade and diplomatic cooperation, officials said.
Speaking to reporters, Ploumen said her government wanted to go beyond the traditional aid relationships and partner with the country toward sustainable economic development. Ploumen is heading a high-level Dutch delegation, mainly composed investors who said they came to explore investment opportunities in Rwanda.
The delegation includes senior executives from at least 30 Dutch companies with interests in agribusiness, logistics, energy, hospitality, horticulture, real estate, among others.
“For us to be able to forge strong economic partnerships with Rwanda, we must get to know each other, establish contacts which we believe will result into strong economic ties,” Minister Ploumen said.
She urged Kigali to invest in small and medium enterprises saying such businesses help fast-track economic growth. “We are impressed with the ongoing investments being made in terms of exploiting of methane gas in Lake Kivu and other infrastructure projects; this we believe is key to the country’s economic growth.” The aim of this mission is to facilitate new alliances and identify new opportunities that will benefit the two countries, she added.
Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who attended the meeting, held at Village Urugwiro, said: “Government presented to the Minister and the delegation the various investment opportunities but also discussed with Dutch Minister on how to scale up investments in the coun-try’s airport projects and horticulture.”
We believe this is an opportunity for both governments which will help fast track economic development, Mushikiwabo added.
Claver Gatete, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, said that strengthening economic ties with the Kingdom of Netherlands was important for the country’s devel-opment.
“We want to move away from foreign aid dependency and it’s through building trade partnerships and promoting investment that we will reach this goal,” he said.
The Netherlands is known for land reclamation and is one of the world’s leading exporters of agriculture produce
The Martin Luther King Tribute
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Dinner
Sunday January 25th 5:30 p.m. Hotel Den Haag – Wassenaar (formerly De Bijhorst) Zijdeweg 54 (just off the A-44 at the Bridge) 2245BZ Wassenaar Adults – €30 Children to 12 – €15When one thinks about the Civil Rights Movement, there are no words. A people who were enslaved and freed and then forced to live in segregation or de-facto segregation said we can, we must be free, but the force we use will be “Soul Force.” Dr. King led that movement and the hundreds of thousands who followed him, shared his belief in non-violence and his love and commitment to the United States of America and the dignity of people everywhere.
He did something so American when America is at its best, its most principled and idealistic. He asked, in fact, he forced the nation to begin living out “the true meaning of the Dream” articulated in the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.”
Though he was assassinated on a spring Memphis evening, the 4th of April 1968, the Movement he led still inspires and challenges the way we live and what we teach our children.
Four days after his death, Rep. John Conyers called for the creation of a national holiday honoring Dr. King. In 1983, President Reagan signed legislation designating the third Monday of January as Martin Luther King Day. The first commemoration in the United States was in 1986. Here in the Hague, we have held a Tribute to Dr. King every year.
Over the years many people who were part of the Civil Rights Movement have joined us. This year, we are honored to bring back Professor Timuel Black.
“Tim” from the Southside of Chicago, turned 96 years “young” on December 7th. When I first spoke to him, he remarked “I’m old, but I’m never too old to keep on trying.” Recently, he was honored at the Library of Congress and this fall, he received an Honorary Degree from the University of Chicago, his alma mater. His papers are in the Du Sable Museum of Black History in Chicago. He is an Oral historian and the author of several volumes entitled “Bridges of Memory.” He is a former high school teacher and administrator, professor of anthropology and sociology and Dean of Wright Junior College in Chicago. He is also a Jazz historian.
Furthermore, he is a veteran of WWII – Normandy Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, the Liberation of Buchenwald and of Paris. As a soldier in the segregated US Army, he was profoundly affected by the discrimination he experienced and the human devastation he witnessed in the Buchenwald death camp. He resolved then to devote his life to peace and justice.
On the Liberation of Buchenwald, he said, “ If this could happen here, it could happen anywhere. It could happen to me. It could happen to black folk in America. I guess more than any single event, it was this sight that crystallized my determination to do as much as I could to bring about some sanity in a very insane world.”
Professor Black was the organizer of the March on Washington from Chicago and a colleague and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He helped elect Carol Mosely- Braun, the first and only Black woman to the US Senate and Harold Washington, the first Black Mayor of Chicago. President Obama met with him at the Medici, a University of Chicago coffee house, to discuss his future in politics. At 96, he is still writing, publishing and speaking out. He is a man with a message that neither age nor distance can silence.
We are honored to bring Professor Timuel Black back to The Netherlands.
Reverend Harcourt Klinefelter and Lois Mothershed Pot will also join us. Reverend Klinefelter worked for Dr. King for three years, until his death. After he finished his studies at Yale Theological Seminary, he went down South to find him and became his Public Relations director. He used to sit in the kitchen with him and Coretta!
Lois Mothershed Pot grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her “baby” sister Thelma Mothershed was one of the Little Rock Nine, the young kids who were able to integrate Central High School only after the intervention of President Eisenhower and the National Guard. Lois was the first African-American President of the National Christian Students Union and the first Black student in her university.
We hope you will take time out and bring your children to the 30th Tribute to Dr. King. Adrienne West with David Cameron, Liat Alkan and ‘The Close Shaves” a chorale group from the American School will sing songs of the Movement – “Let Us Break Bread Together, “ “Oh Freedom” and other songs Dr. King would have loved. Jimmy Yarnell and a combo will play jazz and, as always, young people, the “Bearers of the Torch” will speak. Finally, Timothy Broas, the US Ambassador will read the President’s Proclamation for Martin Luther King Day and share his own thoughts and feelings.
So much has changed since Dr. King and all those who first marched with him and “sat-in” with him and went to jail with him demanded the rights guaranteed to every American – indeed every human being. However, we know that today, there is much to be done. Given the events of the last few months, it is more evident and urgent than ever!
It is fitting that the motto of Martin Luther King Day is “Make this a Day on, not a day off!” And by making each day a day on, the words of the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement will become reality “We can and we shall overcome some day.”
Join us for a simple dinner, the kind Dr. King would have enjoyed. Listen to people who were there, lto the singing and the music and wisdom of the young. Roberta Enschede
Sponsored by OAR – Overseas Americans Remember, Anneke Beeuwkes, Roberta Enschede, Michele Fiszbajn, Jessie Rodell
Further Information: Roberta Enschede 070-5118409 robertaenschede@yahoo.com Reservations: oarinnl@yahoo.com MLK RES.
A special thank you to the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy and Delta Airlines for helping us to bring Professor Timuel Black back to the Netherlands for the 30th Anniversary of the Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Diplomat’s Christmas carol singing at the Plein!
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports 3FM Serious Request and their campaign to stop violence against women and girls in armed conflict
Join us for an international fund raising and Christmas carol singing at the Plein in The Hague on December 24 at 13.00
3FM Serious Request is a nationwide Dutch charity initiative collecting money for ICRC projects. This year, they support victims of violence against women and girls in conflict situations under the motto “hands of our girls”.
Help us contribute to 3FM Serious Request by getting together the international and diplomatic community of The Hague in an international choir to sing international Christmas carols – including a multilingual version of “Silent Night”.
We hope to welcome you all and to combine our voices to raise awareness and money for the cause. This initiative will only be successful with your active involvement and that of your family, colleagues, and friends. The more voices the merrier!
Worldwide one in five women is sexually abused in her life. Sexual violence is a humiliating weapon in conflict. Reintegration of victims is important both from a humanitarian point of view and because women often stand at the basis of recovery.
In the framework of Serious Request, three DJs live in a glass house for six days on a juice-only diet. The Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, closed the doors of the house on December 18. Bert Koenders, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit the DJs on the evening of the 24th.
Emirati courts in mourning
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The amiri courts of Fujairah and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates decreed three days of mourning following the demise of Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The lady passed away on 13 December 2014 in the Emirate of Fujairah. She was the mother of the incumbent Amir of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (b. 1948). Likewise sister of the Amir of Ajman, His Highness Humaid II bin Rashid Al-Humaid Al Nuaimi (b. 1931). Sheikha Fatima’s father was the late Amir of Ajman, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, who ruled the emirate for 54 years between 1928 and 1981. He founded the Ajman Police in 1967. The Personal Representative of the UAE’s President, HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent a telegram of condolences to the amirs of Fujairah and Ajman. The latter is a common courtesy practiced among the courts of all Gulf ruling houses. Flags were flown half-masted for three days as a sign of mourning in Ajman and Fujairah. The industry of Fujairah consists of cement, stone crushing and mining. The emirate has established its own Free Trade Zone as well as the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA) back in 2006. Ajman is the smallest of the emirates surface-wise. Ajman Port and Ajman Free Zone are major contributors to the emirate’s economy. A new international airport is expected to be completed by 2018 after budget of 571 millions dollars was approved by the emirate’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi on 14 September 2014.Diplomat printed magazine
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Thaw in Cuba-US relations
By Emma Moore
Both the US and Cuba have signalled the most significant change in their diplomatic relations for decades. The US has stated that it wishes to open an Embassy in Havana, as well as improving trade links and lifting travel restrictions between the two nations. The US embargo against Cuba dates back to 1960.
The move follows a recent exchange of prisoners between the US and Cuba, including US contractor Alan Gross.
The Cuban President Raul Castro noted the difference in opinions between his country and the US but welcomed proposals to move relations forward. The two presidents are expected to meet at the Summit of the Americas in Panama in April 2015.
107th Bhutanese National Day
By Baron Henri Estramant.
The mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan in Brussels hosted a reception to mark the country’s 107th anniversary of unification into a single kingdom. The Châtelain Boutique Hotel was the venue of the successful celebration which welcomed visitors from The Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, ambassadors of friendly countries as well as governmental officials.
17 December marks the unification of Bhutan through the coronation of King Ugyen Wangchuck as first “Druk Gyalpo” (Dragon King). Large celebrations are held throughout the country including a public address to the nation by The King from Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
Bhutan’s current monarch is the world’s youngest (34), His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck since 2006. His retired progenitor, the 4th Druk Gyalpo is still widely revered albeit he is much discreet since his abdication. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck now serves as “The King Father”. He is attributed with being the master mind behind the Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bhutan in Brussels is responsible for relations to Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, the UK (though there are no official relations between the two countries as Bhutan does not entertain them with the Great Powers), Germany, the EU, the OPCW and international organisations based in the aforementioned countries.
Head of Mission since 2012 is HE Ambassador Sonam Tshong. The mission moreover oversees an Honorary Consulate in The Hague headed by Mr Cornelis Klein.
Spouses Christmas Lunch by Cyprus
The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to the Kingdom of the Netherlands organized Spouses Special Christmas Lunch on December 3, 2014.
The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus wishes a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to all Diplomat Magazine’s readers!