Ambassador Franz Josef Kremp at the ICC
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Franz Josef Kremp invited Ambassadors and Legal Advisors of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the occasion of the 48th meeting of the Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law to introduce the German candidate in the 2014 elections for Judge at the ICC Judge Professor Bertram Schmitt, Judge at the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof). The event was splendid and an important group attended. Diplomat Magazine is honored to have covered this event. 
Tanzania Investment Forum
Anjali Singh, Assistant- Editor.
On September 15th the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in collaboration with the South-African-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce ( SANEC), hosted a well-attended Investment Forum at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Forum was supported by Shell International BV and Rabobank International. The main objective of the Forum, which is a follow-up of the visit of Minister Ploumen to Tanzania last February, is to invite the Dutch Business-community to invest in Tanzania.
His Excellency Mr. Wilson Masilingi, Ambassador of Tanzania, welcomed the participants. The keynote speaker and guest of Honor was Dr. Titus Mlengeya Kamani, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development of Tanzania, who spoke on behalf of Hon. Bernard K. Membe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania. His Excellency Mr. Jaap Frederiks, Ambassador of The Netherlands to Tanzania, held a speech on behalf of HE Mrs. Ploumen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Cooperation of The Netherlands. As became clear throughout the Forum, there are ample reasons to invest in Tanzania, such as a peaceful and stable democracy, a market-driven economy and a number of investment-incentives, such as tax-exemptions.
Moreover there is a wealth of natural resources and the mining-sector is expected to double between 2010 and 2015. In short the message was: âCome and reap the rewards.â AÂ MoU was signed between the Southern-Africa â Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The Forum was concluded with a Networking Lunch, hosted by Ambassador Masilingi of Tanzania.
His Excellency Mr. Wilson Masilingi, Ambassador of Tanzania, welcomed the participants. The keynote speaker and guest of Honor was Dr. Titus Mlengeya Kamani, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development of Tanzania, who spoke on behalf of Hon. Bernard K. Membe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania. His Excellency Mr. Jaap Frederiks, Ambassador of The Netherlands to Tanzania, held a speech on behalf of HE Mrs. Ploumen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Cooperation of The Netherlands. As became clear throughout the Forum, there are ample reasons to invest in Tanzania, such as a peaceful and stable democracy, a market-driven economy and a number of investment-incentives, such as tax-exemptions.
Moreover there is a wealth of natural resources and the mining-sector is expected to double between 2010 and 2015. In short the message was: âCome and reap the rewards.â AÂ MoU was signed between the Southern-Africa â Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The Forum was concluded with a Networking Lunch, hosted by Ambassador Masilingi of Tanzania.
Our 2nd Diplomatic Excursion, a huge success
The second Diplo Tour of Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Drs. Eva Maria Mennes, art historian from EVA Artproductions Foundation and Mrs. Sonia Meijer, from Direct Languages Center
By Drs. Eva Maria Mennes.
The one day Diplomatic Excursions from The Hague to North Holland â IJmuiden and Haarlem on Saturday on September 13th was a very interesting and beautiful trip. Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, their families and friends went by luxury Coach to the cruise terminal of Ijmuiden, where a reception committee was already standing waiting for us. The lock that gives access to the harbor of Amsterdam, well to see from the 5th floor was the beautiful background of a reception that was hosted by the energetic Mayor of Velsen, Mr. Franc Weerwind.
FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THIS EVENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647324536309/
He informed us about the enlargement of the lock which is planned in the coming years to allow bigger tankers and cruise ships into the harbor of Amsterdam. Cava and small sandwiches were served and we saw a short introduction video on the region of Velsen and IJmuiden. Water management is one of the special points of interest of the region. Then we moved on to Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, the 105 years old largest private home of the Netherlands of the 19th century.
Nowadays it is a 5 star hotel with the restaurant âDe Vrienden van Jacobâ, that holds a Guide Michelin star. Here we were welcomed in the most luxurious way by the management with champagne, delicious snacks and oysters. A delicious two-course lunch was served. The Deputy Commissioner to the King Drs. Tj.P.J. Talsma gave a very interesting power point presentation on the province of North Holland and members of the Business Club of Haarlem and the Country Estate enjoyed just like we the delicious food of chef Alain in the most beautiful antique room. Afterwards Drs. Eva Maria Mennes stressed in her speech that the ambassadors are invited to present the art of their country in the next years Sculpture Garden. Before leaving Duin & Kruidberg and on a short walk through the park she gave a short explication on the work of the different artist of five countries. We moved on to the city center of Haarlem, a choir sang beautifully in the old St. Bavo church.
We could visit the Grote Markt with the famous Vleeshal, which was in use as meat market until the 19th century. It is an example of Dutch Renaissance architecture built by the city architect Lieven de Key in 1603. We would have liked to stay longer to investigate the charming city center, but we only had one hour. The bus brought us safely back to Ambassador Carlton Hotel in The Hague. We had a wonderful day thanks to Drs. Eva Maria Mennes, art historian from EVA Artproductions Foundation, Mrs. Sonia Meijer, from Direct Languages Center and Diplomat Magazine. 
He informed us about the enlargement of the lock which is planned in the coming years to allow bigger tankers and cruise ships into the harbor of Amsterdam. Cava and small sandwiches were served and we saw a short introduction video on the region of Velsen and IJmuiden. Water management is one of the special points of interest of the region. Then we moved on to Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, the 105 years old largest private home of the Netherlands of the 19th century.
Nowadays it is a 5 star hotel with the restaurant âDe Vrienden van Jacobâ, that holds a Guide Michelin star. Here we were welcomed in the most luxurious way by the management with champagne, delicious snacks and oysters. A delicious two-course lunch was served. The Deputy Commissioner to the King Drs. Tj.P.J. Talsma gave a very interesting power point presentation on the province of North Holland and members of the Business Club of Haarlem and the Country Estate enjoyed just like we the delicious food of chef Alain in the most beautiful antique room. Afterwards Drs. Eva Maria Mennes stressed in her speech that the ambassadors are invited to present the art of their country in the next years Sculpture Garden. Before leaving Duin & Kruidberg and on a short walk through the park she gave a short explication on the work of the different artist of five countries. We moved on to the city center of Haarlem, a choir sang beautifully in the old St. Bavo church.
We could visit the Grote Markt with the famous Vleeshal, which was in use as meat market until the 19th century. It is an example of Dutch Renaissance architecture built by the city architect Lieven de Key in 1603. We would have liked to stay longer to investigate the charming city center, but we only had one hour. The bus brought us safely back to Ambassador Carlton Hotel in The Hague. We had a wonderful day thanks to Drs. Eva Maria Mennes, art historian from EVA Artproductions Foundation, Mrs. Sonia Meijer, from Direct Languages Center and Diplomat Magazine. 
Laurent Gbagbo case
Laurent Gbagbo case: ICC Presidency re-constitutes Trial Chamber I
On 17 September 2014, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) re-constituted Trial Chamber I, which will be in charge of the CĂŽte dâIvoire case The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo. Trial Chamber I is now composed of Judge Cuno Tarfusser (Italy), Judge Olga Herrera-Carbuccia (Dominican Republic) and Judge Geoffrey Henderson (Trinidad and Tobago).
On 12 June 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed, by majority, four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or â in the alternative â attempted murder, and persecution) against Laurent Gbagbo and committed him for trial before a Trial Chamber. On 11 September 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected the Defenceâs request for authorization to appeal the confirmation of charges decision in the case.
Bel Air Jazz Club starts
Bel Air Jazz Club starts: Unique performance by Astrid Seriese and Rob Agerbeek trio.
On Sunday afternoon 28 September, jazz singer Astrid Seriese will be giving a performance with pianist Rob Agerbeek and his trio. Together with drummer Ben Schröder and bassist Niels Tausk they create an exciting musical relationship in which standards will be alternated with newer pieces and their own work. The two hour long radio concert will be presented by jazz lover Ronald Blom and radio presenter Paul Waayers under the title: For the first time: Astrid meets Rob
This will be the first in a new series of monthly concerts (on the last Sunday of the month between 17:00 and 19:00) in the Bel Air Jazz Club in Worldhotel Bel Air The Hague. The initiative stems from the thirty-year history when spontaneous jazz sessions and concerts took place at this location during the North Sea Jazz Festival, as it was known when organised in the Hague. Come and enjoy jazz from the region in an informal and intimate ambience. Afterwards there is of course the opportunity to dine in Restaurant Purple – where you can order a special three-course jazz menuâ or have a drink in the Embassy barâ.
The recording will be broadcast via the site: www.belairjazzclub.com
Admission to this first session is free.
This will be the first in a new series of monthly concerts (on the last Sunday of the month between 17:00 and 19:00) in the Bel Air Jazz Club in Worldhotel Bel Air The Hague. The initiative stems from the thirty-year history when spontaneous jazz sessions and concerts took place at this location during the North Sea Jazz Festival, as it was known when organised in the Hague. Come and enjoy jazz from the region in an informal and intimate ambience. Afterwards there is of course the opportunity to dine in Restaurant Purple – where you can order a special three-course jazz menuâ or have a drink in the Embassy barâ.
The recording will be broadcast via the site: www.belairjazzclub.com
Admission to this first session is free. ICC Trial Chamber IV issues a new arrest warrant
ICC Trial Chamber IV issues arrest warrant against Abdallah Banda Abakaer NourainÂ
On  11 September 2014, Trial Chamber IV of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued, by majority, an arrest warrant against Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain. Three charges of war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur (Sudan) were confirmed against him on 7 March 2011. The Chamber vacated the trial date previously scheduled to open on 18 November 2014 and directed the ICC Registry to transmit the new requests for arrest and surrender to any State, including the Sudan, on whose territory Mr. Banda may be found.
Trial Chamber IV had requested the Government of Sudanâs cooperation to facilitate the accusedâs presence at trial. This cooperation, according to the information provided by the Registry, is not forthcoming. By way of consequence, the Chamber considered that there are no guarantees that, in the current circumstances, he will be in an objective position to appear voluntarily, regardless of whether he wishes to be present at trial or not. The Chamber concluded that an arrest warrant is now necessary to ensure the accusedâs presence. The Chamber stressed that should Mr. Banda nonetheless appear voluntarily before the Court, the Chamber will take the voluntary appearance into consideration and revisit accordingly the conditions of his stay in The Netherlands during the trial.
The Chamber will determine in due course the appropriate course of action in order to ensure Sudanâs compliance with the request of the Court. The situation in Darfur was referred to the ICC by United Nations Security Council resolution 1593 on 31 March 2005, under article 13(b) of the Rome Statute.
Background:Â Abdallah Banda was summoned, on 27 August 2009, to appear before the Court. He appeared on 17 June 2010. He faces three charges of war crimes (violence to life in the form of murder, whether committed or attempted; intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a peacekeeping mission; and pillaging). These crimes were allegedly committed in an attack carried out on 29 September 2007, against African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, at the Haskanita Military Group Site, in the Umm Kadada locality of North Darfur, Sudan.
Pakistani Mangoes
The 11th  Exhibition of Pakistani Mangoes was organised by the Trade Office of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague with the support of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan  during summer at Hotel Hilton The Hague, The Netherlands.
Various varieties of Pakistani Mangoes like Sindhri, Chaunsa , Beghan Phali, Sunhera were exhibited during the Exhibition. The arrangements were also made for Mango tasting through Mango cubes, Mango shake, Mango Ice cream , Mango Lasi … There were six stalls in the exhibition . The Multinational Fruit Company Special Fruits also established the stall.
The Ambassadors of Various countries from Japan, Senegal. Turkey, India, Spain, UAE and  the Commercial Attaches of various countries, Representative from Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Dutch Development organisations like CBI, PUM and Big multinational companies in Fruit sector Like Special Fruits , AZ importers and other Trade visitors, importers  also participated in the Exhibition and held B2B meetings.
For the media coverage the representative from APP and Diplomatic Magazine were invited to cover the event. The exhibition overall proved very successful in promoting the Pakistani Mangoes. It is pertinent to mention that the Netherlands is the second largest importer and exporter of Mangoes and is the Trade Gate way to Europe and mango promotional activities have proved very productive in increasing the volume of Pakistani Mango exports in the Netherlands in particular and Europe in general.
African Diplomats Meet&Greet Sept.11th
Launch of the East Africa Tourist Visa.
By Ellen Michiels.
After a brief summer break Diplomat Magazine has restarted its Meet & Greet evenings, an initiative that is ever growing in popularity since August, 2013, as was evident at last nightâs event that last until 11:00pm.  Luckily the weather was dry and the temperature was mild enough to use both the indoor reception area and the outdoor patio of the beautiful Carlton Ambassador Hotel to accommodate the many guests that came to celebrate the launch of the East Africa Tourist Visa.
The single East African visa is the result of a strategic collaboration between the governments of the Republics of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, as was explained in their welcome remarks by the esteemed Ambassadors of those countries.
PHOTO ALBUM CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647109592729/
H.E. Ms. Mirjam Blaak, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda, explained how the idea of an East African Community already was established in 1967, collapsed in 1977, and was officially revived 23 years later in July of 2000. The initial member countries were Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, while Burundi and Rwanda joined in 2009. The goal of the East African Community, which comprises 150 million people, is to create a common market, a common currency and eventually a full political federation, much like the European Union. 
âKaribuniâ said H.E. Ms. Rose Makena Muchiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, which means welcome in Swahili, a language spoken in all five member countries. She praised the beauty of the East African region: the beaches of Mombasa, the Masai Mara and wild beast migration in Kenya, Lake Kivu in Rwanda, the safari parks in Uganda, the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, and the night life in Kampala, she added with a wink. The new East Africa Tourist Visa now allows visitors to move freely between all those amazing attractions. It is expected that Tanzania and Burundi will join soon in this initiative to promote tourism in all five countries under the motto âTrade instead of Aidâ.
H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda, explained that previously visitors to East Africa had to solicit visas for each country separately and pay $40 Euros to each individual consulate. The new visa can now be obtained with just one request. It is valid in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda and costs only $80 Euros.
After extending a warm invitation to visit the region, all three Ambassadors joined their guests in a champagne toast as the flag of the East African Community was lifted to unveil a giant copy of the new visa. African delicacies, such as tasty meatballs from Rwanda, delicious fritters from Kenya, Chapati flatbread and a delicately spiced meat preparation were passed around while images of the regionâs tourist attractions were projected on a large screen and displayed in a variety of magazines and folders. In addition every guest received a box of fragrant Kenyan or Ugandan tea bags to enjoy at home.
The lively conversations went almost until mid-night, new contacts were made, business cards exchanged. It was a very pleasant and memorable evening for which we say âasantesanaâ to our three honorable hosts!
A record of 273 diplomats and special guests attended this novel version of  Diplomats Meet&Greet at Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
âKaribuniâ said H.E. Ms. Rose Makena Muchiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, which means welcome in Swahili, a language spoken in all five member countries. She praised the beauty of the East African region: the beaches of Mombasa, the Masai Mara and wild beast migration in Kenya, Lake Kivu in Rwanda, the safari parks in Uganda, the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, and the night life in Kampala, she added with a wink. The new East Africa Tourist Visa now allows visitors to move freely between all those amazing attractions. It is expected that Tanzania and Burundi will join soon in this initiative to promote tourism in all five countries under the motto âTrade instead of Aidâ.
H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda, explained that previously visitors to East Africa had to solicit visas for each country separately and pay $40 Euros to each individual consulate. The new visa can now be obtained with just one request. It is valid in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda and costs only $80 Euros.
After extending a warm invitation to visit the region, all three Ambassadors joined their guests in a champagne toast as the flag of the East African Community was lifted to unveil a giant copy of the new visa. African delicacies, such as tasty meatballs from Rwanda, delicious fritters from Kenya, Chapati flatbread and a delicately spiced meat preparation were passed around while images of the regionâs tourist attractions were projected on a large screen and displayed in a variety of magazines and folders. In addition every guest received a box of fragrant Kenyan or Ugandan tea bags to enjoy at home.
The lively conversations went almost until mid-night, new contacts were made, business cards exchanged. It was a very pleasant and memorable evening for which we say âasantesanaâ to our three honorable hosts!
A record of 273 diplomats and special guests attended this novel version of  Diplomats Meet&Greet at Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
President Thein Sein official visit to The Netherlands
By Baron Henri EstramantÂ
His Excellency President Thein Sein of the Union of Myanmar is on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands after a visit to Switzerland.Â
 President Thein Sein is accompanied by his personal representative Ambassador Paw Lwin Sein (based in Brussels) and a delegation meant to boost Dutch-Myanma trade relations, particularly in water management and horticulture.Â
 Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Schultz van Haegen, shows the delegation about the Maeslantkering, a storm surge located at the Hook of Holland. Minister Ploumen of Foreign Trade and Development Aid offers a lunch on behalf of His Majesty’s Government at the Catshuis with focus on trade and development aid.Â
On 9 September 2014, the President of Myanmar was received in an audience by Prime Minister Rutte at the Ministry of General Affairs. President Sein was also granted an audience with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace. Her Majesty Queen MĂĄxima was not present at the audience in Noordeinde but likewise welcomed President Sein and his delegation separately at Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar in her capacity as special representative of the UN Secretary-General for inclusive finance for development (UNSGSA).Â
Myanmar used to be known as Burma up to 1989 when the military government changed the country’s name. The name change has not been officially recognised by a plethora of countries. Myanmar has an Honorary General-Consulate in Breda.Â
OPCW- Chlorine Gas Used as Weapon in Syria
OPCW Fact Finding Mission: âCompelling Confirmationâ That Chlorine Gas Used as Weapon in Syria
The fact-finding mission (FFM) appointed by the OPCW Director-General to examine alleged uses of chlorine gas as a weapon in Syria has found information constituting âcompelling confirmationâ that a toxic chemical was used âsystematically and repeatedlyâ as a weapon in villages in northern Syria earlier this year.
In its second report that includes key findings, the Mission states that âthe descriptions, physical properties, behaviour of the gas, and signs and symptoms resulting from exposure, as well as the response of patients to the treatment, leads the FFM to conclude with a high degree of confidence that chlorine, either pure or in mixture, is the toxic chemical in question.â
The report says chlorine was used in attacks on the villages of Talmanes, Al Tamanah and Kafr Zeta, all located in northern Syria. In May this year, the FFM had attempted to visit Kafr Zeta to gather on-site evidence in the aftermath of an alleged use there but was prevented from doing so when the convoy was attacked. The FFM then decided to carry out witness interviews in a safe location outside of Syria.
The FFMâs report presents the key findings from dozens of interviews with victims, physicians, first responders and eyewitnesses to the attacks, together with a considerable amount of documentation such as video, medical records and other evidence collected since the publication of the FFMâs first report in mid-June.
Following the establishment of the FFM in late April 2014, there was a marked reduction in reported chlorine attacks in the months of May, June and July. But there was a spate of new allegations in August. The Director-General has asked the FFM to continue its work.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global campaign to permanently eliminate these weapons. Since its entry into force in 1997 the Convention has become the fastest growing arms treaty in history with 190 States Parties, and more than 82%Â of all declared chemical arsenals have already been destroyed under OPCW verification. For these unprecedented achievements, the OPCW was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2013.