Paul Magnette aux Pays-Bas
Photographie par Axel Delepinne.
Paul Magnette aux Pays-Bas pour sa première mission à l’étranger en tant que Ministre-président wallon.
Le Ministre-président de la Wallonie, Paul Magnette, a effectué une visite aux Pays-Bas les 13 et 14 janvier. Il s’agissait de sa première visite à l’étranger, ce qui montre l’importance accordée aux Pays-Bas par le gouvernement wallon.
Lors de sa mission, il a rencontré le Premier ministre néerlandais Mark Rutte et le Bourgmestre Ahmed Aboutaleb de Rotterdam. Dans la cité portuaire, il a visité le RDM Campus, lieu de formation rassemblant les secteurs de l’enseignement technique secondaire et supérieur, des instituts de recherche et des entreprises.
Le chef du gouvernement wallon a également visité la société Pluriomics à Leiden, qui a récemment annoncé un investissement de 4 millions d’euros dans le Biopark à Charleroi. Cette société est active dans la production des cellules souches utilisées pour le développement des médicaments.
Ces visites et rencontres permettront de renforcer les liens tissés entre les Pays-Bas et la Wallonie.
IWC‘s first monthly meeting in 2015
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The International Women’s Contact The Hague (IWC), held their first monthly meeting for 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on January 12 2015. It was no ordinary monthly meeting as the event’s guest speaker was H.E. Dr Nora Stehouwer-van Iersel.
In her discourse, Dr Stehouwer developed the theme: The Netherlands as a host of International Organizations: Peace and Justice (also profit). The lecture went down well with the 120 plus women in attendance. Stehouwer explained the different roles of 34 international entities and how much these activities contribute to a better world.
It was an informative and interactive lecture with full participation from attendees. One remarked ‘I was not aware of all the activities taking place right here in The Hague. Today’s information has made me proud to be a citizen of The Hague’.
Successful second edition Hague Hotel Eight
Official opening of the Winter Wonderland terrace SPARK The Hague. From left to right, Vincent van Dijk (organizer), Karsten Klein (Alderman) and Jolijn Zealanders (Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague). Photo: Richard Mulder.
Last weekend the second edition of The Hague Hotel Eight place. After the official opening by Councillor Karsten Klein, Hotel Manager Hilton The Hague Jolijn Zealanders and organizer Vincent van Dijk on the terrace of SPARK, the evening began full operations in the different hotels in The Hague.
High wines to live music, from torchlight to diners. This year could meet people with 16 hotels, both budget and vijfsterrren. In total some 700 Hagenezen tonight stayed in one of the hotels that knows the city. More information: www.haagsehotelnacht.nl .
Ambassador Abdullah Alshaghrood has left The Hague
By Baron Henry Estramant.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the OPCW left his Dutch home on 1 January 2015 for Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Alshaghrood has already a rather brilliant diplomatic career behind him, although the Dutch posting was his first ambassadorship since his accreditation on 30 September 2009.
Diplomat Magazine’s team wishes Ambassador Alshaghrood all the best!
Valediction – innovative Michael says goodbye
By Roy Lie.
It was at Rootz Harbor Scheveningen where Michael Luhan, Head of Media and Public Affairs at the OPCW said goodbye last Friday to colleagues, friends and invitees as his seven-year stint at the organisation comes to an end.
Michael Luhan was hailed for his innovative vision and his sense of humanity with one colleague referred to Michael’s surpassing interest and care for war victims when these individuals came to the OPCW.
In his valedictory address, a former OPCW director who specially came over for this event stated that: ‘Michael is a major contributor to the Nobel Prize being bestowed upon the OPCW’. Michael Luhan and his wife will be taking up residence in Geneva with Peter Sawczak taking over in the OPCW role.
In his valedictory address, a former OPCW director who specially came over for this event stated that: ‘Michael is a major contributor to the Nobel Prize being bestowed upon the OPCW’. Michael Luhan and his wife will be taking up residence in Geneva with Peter Sawczak taking over in the OPCW role.
Princely heirs presented to the populace
By Mete Erdurcan .
The Sovereign Prince of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlène summoned all their Monégasques subjects and other residents of the tiny principality to the court of the Princely Palace in Monaco to present their newly born twins, HSH The Countess of Carladès, Gabriella and HSH The Hereditary Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux, Jacques.
7 January 2015 was declared a public holiday in Monaco for all sectors, so the country’s inhabitants could officially celebrate the birth of the much-desired heirs to the Monégasque throne expected to continue Europe’s oldest still reigning dynasty, the Grimaldi.
As members of a princely ruling house both heirs are styled “Her/His Serene Highness”. Although The Countess of Carladès as the eldest daughter Princess Gabriella has been title is older than her brother by two minutes it is Prince Jacques who becomes the heir apparent by virtue of the semi-Salic law which gives preferences to males over females. Hence he became upon birth The Hereditary Prince of Monaco, and was later granted the traditional title “Marquis de Baux” in a similar fashion as “Prince/Princess van Oranje” for the Dutch heir apparent. If he accedes to the Monésgasque throne, he ought to be known under the regnal name of Jacques II.
Pictures copywright “Palais Princier” (http://palais.mc/fr/phototheque/4-presentation-des-enfants-princiers.html)
Pictures copywright “Palais Princier” (http://palais.mc/fr/phototheque/4-presentation-des-enfants-princiers.html) Prosecutor of the ICC, opens examination of the situation in Palestine
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, opens a preliminary examination of the situation in Palestine
Today, Friday, 16 January 2015, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, opened a preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine.
The Prosecutor’s decision follows the Government of Palestine’s accession to the Rome Statute on 2 January 2015 and its declaration of 1 January 2015, lodged under article 12(3) of the Rome Statute – the Court’s founding treaty – accepting the jurisdiction of the ICC over alleged crimes committed “in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, since June 13, 2014.”
Upon receipt of a referral or a valid declaration made pursuant to article 12(3) of the Statute, the Prosecutor, in accordance with Regulation 25(1)(c) of the Regulations of the Office of the Prosecutor, and as a matter of policy and practice, opens a preliminary examination of the situation at hand. Accordingly, the Prosecutor has opened a preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine. The Office will conduct its analysis in full independence and impartiality.
A preliminary examination is not an investigation but a process of examining the information available in order to reach a fully informed determination on whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation pursuant to the criteria established by the Rome Statute. Specifically, under article 53(1) of the Rome Statute, the Prosecutor must consider issues of jurisdiction, admissibility and the interests of justice in making this determination. The Office gives due consideration to all submissions and views conveyed to the Office during the course of a preliminary examination, strictly guided by the requirements of the Rome Statute in the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate.
There are no timelines provided in the Rome Statute for a decision on a preliminary examination. Depending on the facts and circumstances of each situation, the Office will decide whether to continue to collect information to establish a sufficient factual and legal basis to render a determination; initiate an investigation, subject to judicial review as appropriate; or decline to initiate an investigation.
Background and legal analysis
The Office previously conducted a preliminary examination of the situation in Palestine upon receipt of a purported article 12(3) declaration lodged by the Palestinian National Authority on 22 January 2009. The Office carefully considered all legal arguments submitted to it and, after thorough analysis and public consultations, concluded in April 2012 that Palestine’s status at the United Nations (UN) as an “observer entity” was determinative, since entry into the Rome Statute system is through the UN Secretary-General (UNSG), who acts as treaty depositary. The Palestinian Authority’s “observer entity”, as opposed to “non-member State” status at the UN, at the time meant that it could not sign or ratify the Statute. As Palestine could not join the Rome Statute at that time, the Office concluded that it could also not lodge an article 12(3) declaration bringing itself within the ambit of the treaty either, as it had sought to do.
On 29 November 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 67/19 granting Palestine “non-member observer State” status in the UN with a majority of 138 votes in favour, 9 votes against and 41 abstentions. The Office examined the legal implications of this development for its own purposes and concluded, on the basis of its previous extensive analysis of and consultations on the issues, that, while the change in status did not retroactively validate the previously invalid 2009 declaration lodged without the necessary standing, Palestine would be able to accept the jurisdiction of the Court from 29 November 2012 onward, pursuant to articles 12 and 125 of the Rome Statute. The Rome Statute is open to accession by “all States,” with the UNSG acting as depositary of instruments of accession.
On 2 January 2015, Palestine deposited its instrument of accession to the Rome Statute with the UNSG. As outlined in the Summary of Practice of the Secretary-General as Depositary of Multilateral Treaties, “the Secretary-General, in discharging his functions as a depositary of a convention with an ‘all States’ clause, will follow the practice of the [General] Assembly in implementing such a clause […].” The practice of the UNGA “is to be found in unequivocal indications from the Assembly that it considers a particular entity to be a State.” In accordance with this practice and specifically UNGA Resolution 67/19, on 6 January 2015, the UNSG, acting in his capacity as depositary, accepted Palestine’s accession to the Rome Statute, and Palestine became the 123rd State Party to the ICC. It was welcomed as such by the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Likewise, on 7 January 2015, the Registrar of the ICC informed President Abbas of his acceptance of the article 12(3) declaration lodged by the Government of Palestine on 1 January 2015 and that the declaration had been transmitted to the Prosecutor for her consideration.
The Office considers that, since Palestine was granted observer State status in the UN by the UNGA, it must be considered a “State” for the purposes of accession to the Rome Statute (in accordance with the “all States” formula). Additionally, as the Office has previously stated publicly, the term “State” employed in article 12(3) of the Rome Statute should be interpreted in the same manner as the term “State” used in article 12(1). Thus, a State that may accede to the Rome Statute may also lodge a declaration validly under article 12(3).
For the Office, the focus of the inquiry into Palestine’s ability to accede to the Rome Statute has consistently been the question of Palestine’s status in the UN, given the UNSG’s role as treaty depositary of the Statute. The UNGA Resolution 67/19 is therefore determinative of Palestine’s ability to accede to the Statute pursuant to article 125, and equally, its ability to lodge an article 12(3) declaration.
T.M.C. Asser Instituut Announces New President of its Governing Board
The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ernst Hirsch Ballin as the Institute’s President and a member of the Board of Directors effective as of 1 January, 2015. Professor Hirsch Ballin replaces Professor Michiel Scheltema, who has presided over Asser’s Governing Board since 1998.
Professor Hirsch Ballin brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience to his new role.
He is Professor of Human Rights Law at the University of Amsterdam and Professor of Dutch and European Constitutional Law at Tilburg University and has served as the Minister of Justice in the Netherlands three times, in the period 1989 – 2010.
Professor Ballin will lead and steer the Asser Institute together with the new Academic Director, Prof. Dr. Janne Nijman, Professor of History and Theory of International Law at the University of Amsterdam, and the Executive Director, Ann O’ Brien, MBA. Professor Nijman has published widely on international law issues and is also a member of the editorial board of the Netherlands Yearbook of International Law and of the Grotiana Journal and a board member of the Royal Netherlands Society of International Law.
Non- Executive Board members are Prof. Dr. Edgar Du Perron, Dean of the Law Faculty of the University of Amsterdam and Prof. Dr. Suzan Stoter, Dean of the Law Faculty of the Erasmus University, Rotterdam.
Professor Hirsch Ballin studied Law at the University of Amsterdam and was awarded his doctorate with ‘cum laude’ honours in 1979 with a thesis on Public Law and Policy. He has worked at the Law faculty at Tilburg University since 1 July 1981, with interruptions during periods when he held public offices. He is a former President of the Judicial Division of the Dutch Council of State. In 2006, he was elected to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Since last year, he is also a member of the Advisory Council on International Affairs and of the Scientific Council for Government Policy.
About the T.M.C. Asser Instituut
The T.M.C. Asser Instituut (founded in 1965) is the Netherlands unique, inter-university research centre focusing on fundamental and applied research in the areas of public and private international law, European Law and International and European sports law. Core activities also include publishing, postgraduate education/ PhD candidate guidance, executive training, and knowledge dissemination and valorisation of research output on a national and international level.
Throughout the year 2015 the Institute will celebrate its 50th anniversary, notably with a series of topical symposiums, an edited volume and a stakeholder meeting at the end of the year.
Connect with Asser on Twitter (@TMCAsser), and LinkedIn.
Contact Information:
T.M.C. Asser Instituut
Ann O’ Brien
+31 (0)70 3420 339
a.obrien@asser.nl
400 years of good relations
Text and photo: Henry Arvidsson.
The 400th Anniversary year of Dutch – Swedish diplomatic relations ended with a bash for 230 guests hosted by Swedish Ambassador Håkan Emsgård.
The Haags Bureau Binnenstad had helped finding the perfect location in the former Maison de Bonneterie which soon will become the home of Swedish fashion retailer H&M. A musical quiz modeled on the popular Dutch show “Ik hou van Holland” with music ranging from Abba to Eurovision winner Loreen as well as Swedish art and “hapjes” made for a “gezellig” evening. A suitable beginning to centuries of continued good relations.
The Haags Bureau Binnenstad had helped finding the perfect location in the former Maison de Bonneterie which soon will become the home of Swedish fashion retailer H&M. A musical quiz modeled on the popular Dutch show “Ik hou van Holland” with music ranging from Abba to Eurovision winner Loreen as well as Swedish art and “hapjes” made for a “gezellig” evening. A suitable beginning to centuries of continued good relations.
Certificate of Merit Awarded to Departing Ambassador of Thailand
Farewell.
By Ann Daly.
On Tuesday, January 6, at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel, His Excellency Dr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Netherlands was awarded a Certificate of Merit by Diplomat Magazine. His Excellency has served as the Ambassador to the Netherlands since presenting Letters of Credentials to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in August, 2009 and to the Director General of the OPCW a month later in September, 2009.
Prior to being appointed as Ambassador, Dr. Plasai was the Director-General, Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs from September 2007 to May 2009. He also served as Director-General of Department of International Economic Affairs during 2006-2007. This year marks the 28th anniversary of his distinguished career in Thai Diplomatic Service, which began in the Department of Political Affairs in 1987.
His other overseas posts were as First Secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy in London and as Minister Counselor for legal affairs at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. While serving as the Thai Ambassador to The Hague, he also acted as the agent of the Kingdom of Thailand in the case concerning the interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the case concerning the “Temple of Preah Vihear” (Cambodia v. Thailand) before the International Court of Justice.
During his tenure in The Hague, Ambassador Plasai has successfully brought investors and friends of Thailand in the Netherlands together as never before, through various kinds of activities, which resulted in increased awareness among the Dutch people and business community of investment opportunities and attractive business climate in Thailand as well as Thailand’s charms as tourist destination.
Thailand offers tourists diverse cultural experiences from outstanding culinary programs to traditional folkloric dance and music. The country’s friendly hospitality continues to attract some 200,000 Dutch visitors per year. With respect to tourism, while recognizing the importance of statistics, Ambassador Plasai also attaches high importance to sustainable development and responsible tourism, including protection of the rights of both humans and animals.
Ambassador Plasai’s dedication to the promotion of Thai culture among the local communities has also won him trust and genuine support from various groups of Thai people residing in the Netherlands who have generously supported his efforts. Among those memorable events organized by Ambassador Plasai were the “Thailand Grand Festival”, an annual event held in summer, featuring various Thai cultural experiences through the food as well as traditional and contemporary performances.
The international community in The Hague remembers fondly “The Khon”, magnificent Thai classical masked dance drama based on the universally known epic “Ramayana”. The Khon presentation organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, with support from the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture of Thailand, was a unique opportunity to see performances by The Royal Thai Dance Troupe in the Netherlands. The Royal Thai Dance Troupe is recognized as Thailand’s top performing arts group, which until only very recently, performed solely in the royal court or staged for the public by royal command.
In his brief speech after being awarded the Certificate of Merit, Ambassador Plasai recalled that his most memorable personal experience as the Thai Ambassador to the Netherlands occurred at the time of the Royal Succession Celebration (Troonswisseling) from the then Her Majesty Queen Beatrix to the then His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander, when he had a very rare opportunity to serve both His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand who visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands to attend the ceremony, at the same time, in addition to an opportunity to witness the historical passing of the throne.
Although Ambassador Plasai will be leaving the Netherlands soon, his calm, generous and creative personality will certainly be missed.
Diplomat Magazine and all the staff have very much enjoyed working closely with Ambassador Plasai. On behalf of the team of Diplomat Magazine, we would like to extend to him our best wishes for a successful and bright future as well as good health.
Prior to being appointed as Ambassador, Dr. Plasai was the Director-General, Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs from September 2007 to May 2009. He also served as Director-General of Department of International Economic Affairs during 2006-2007. This year marks the 28th anniversary of his distinguished career in Thai Diplomatic Service, which began in the Department of Political Affairs in 1987.
His other overseas posts were as First Secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy in London and as Minister Counselor for legal affairs at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. While serving as the Thai Ambassador to The Hague, he also acted as the agent of the Kingdom of Thailand in the case concerning the interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the case concerning the “Temple of Preah Vihear” (Cambodia v. Thailand) before the International Court of Justice.
During his tenure in The Hague, Ambassador Plasai has successfully brought investors and friends of Thailand in the Netherlands together as never before, through various kinds of activities, which resulted in increased awareness among the Dutch people and business community of investment opportunities and attractive business climate in Thailand as well as Thailand’s charms as tourist destination.
Thailand offers tourists diverse cultural experiences from outstanding culinary programs to traditional folkloric dance and music. The country’s friendly hospitality continues to attract some 200,000 Dutch visitors per year. With respect to tourism, while recognizing the importance of statistics, Ambassador Plasai also attaches high importance to sustainable development and responsible tourism, including protection of the rights of both humans and animals.
Ambassador Plasai’s dedication to the promotion of Thai culture among the local communities has also won him trust and genuine support from various groups of Thai people residing in the Netherlands who have generously supported his efforts. Among those memorable events organized by Ambassador Plasai were the “Thailand Grand Festival”, an annual event held in summer, featuring various Thai cultural experiences through the food as well as traditional and contemporary performances.
The international community in The Hague remembers fondly “The Khon”, magnificent Thai classical masked dance drama based on the universally known epic “Ramayana”. The Khon presentation organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, with support from the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture of Thailand, was a unique opportunity to see performances by The Royal Thai Dance Troupe in the Netherlands. The Royal Thai Dance Troupe is recognized as Thailand’s top performing arts group, which until only very recently, performed solely in the royal court or staged for the public by royal command.
In his brief speech after being awarded the Certificate of Merit, Ambassador Plasai recalled that his most memorable personal experience as the Thai Ambassador to the Netherlands occurred at the time of the Royal Succession Celebration (Troonswisseling) from the then Her Majesty Queen Beatrix to the then His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander, when he had a very rare opportunity to serve both His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand who visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands to attend the ceremony, at the same time, in addition to an opportunity to witness the historical passing of the throne.
Although Ambassador Plasai will be leaving the Netherlands soon, his calm, generous and creative personality will certainly be missed.
Diplomat Magazine and all the staff have very much enjoyed working closely with Ambassador Plasai. On behalf of the team of Diplomat Magazine, we would like to extend to him our best wishes for a successful and bright future as well as good health.