The Festival Classique The Hague
By Drs. Eva Maria Mennes.
In June, Festival Classique let’s The Hague sparkle again with classical music! The 8th edition of the festival takes place from 18th to 22nd of June. The concerts range from large-scale performances by The Hague Philharmonic on the festival’s floating main stage on the Hofvijver, to small and intimate productions in a synagogue and other unusual venues.
This year the source of inspiration for The Hofvijverconcert was home grown! The show was an homage to the beautiful Dutch paintings of the seventeenth century, of which many can be seen in the Mauritshuis, next to the Hofvijver.
Thanks to the gracious invitation of H.E. the ambassador of Norway, Mrs. Anniken Ramberg Krutnes of The Royal Norwegian Embassy we had a wonderful evening. First drinks were served in the tent on the Plein, then we went all together to the Hofvijver to see and hear this beautiful concert with ballet.
Steered by the amazing music of (among others) Nielsen and Respighi, we sailed through the magical seventeenth century, which was starting to unveil its secrets; took a peak in the history of the Mauritshuis, which was once a cabinet of curiosities. Look at the objects of the collection and the paintings by Dutch masters Potter, Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Girl with a Pearl Earring came to life on the Hofvijver stage. The paint may be cracked a little, but her beauty is still leaving everyone enchanted.
The music was played by The Hague Philharmonic, conducted by Eivind Gullberg Jensen. The Slovenian Mezzosoprano Barbara Kozelj replaced in an excellent way and on short notice Cora Burggraaf, who had fallen ill. 155 (onefivefive), Codarts Rotterdam and Jérôme Meyer and Isabelle Chauffaud blew you away with a spectacular dance choreography by Neel Verdoorn. The Hofvijverconcert was presented by non other than Frits Sissing.
The evening found its end with a delicious walking dinner in Norwegian style back in the tent on the Plein.
Last consignment of chemicals leaving Syria
By Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General OPCW
Just under 9 months ago in October, I addressed the members of the press to announce the deployment of the first OPCW inspectors to Syria to begin an historic and unprecedented mission. The mission was to destroy the chemical weapons programme of the Syrian Arab Republic.
A major landmark in this mission has been reached today. The last of the remaining chemicals identified for removal from Syria were loaded this afternoon aboard the Danish ship Ark Futura. The ship made its last call at the port of Latakia in what has been a long and patient campaign in support of this international endeavour. Removing the stockpile of precursor and other chemicals has been a fundamental condition in the programme to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons programme.
The next stage in this mission is the completion of the maritime operations to deliver the chemicals for destruction at the assigned facility on board the U.S. vessel Cape Ray and at commercial facilities in Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The mission to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons programme has been a major undertaking marked by an extraordinary international cooperation.
Never before has an entire arsenal of a category of weapons of mass destruction been removed from a country experiencing a state of internal armed conflict. And this has been accomplished within very demanding and tight timeframes.
The mission has seen over 30 countries committing significant financial and in-kind assistance. This cooperation covered key logistical and transportation requirements, including a complex maritime operation. The collaboration with Member States relating to destruction activities and the provision of equipment and industrial facilities for this purpose is unprecedented in the history of disarmament.
This collective endeavour was born here, in The Hague, of a treaty that has more than demonstrated its resilience and responsiveness. Following the Framework Agreement concluded between the Russian Federation and the United States of America, the OPCW was called upon to devise and implement an elaborate programme. Various milestones and interlocking steps for a sequenced elimination and verification were established.
The Executive Council of the OPCW supported by the Secretariat remained fully engaged in its oversight of the implementation of the programme. Some eighteen meetings of the Executive Council have so far taken place at OPCW Headquarters, with numerous rounds of informal meetings and technical consultations in the background.
There were expected and unexpected challenges along the way. But the OPCW and member states have been able to overcome them – both through careful diplomacy and innovative technical solutions. Although there were delays in the process, the cooperation of the Syrian Arab Republic has been commensurate with the requirements of the decisions.
And, crucially, we were able to count on the invaluable cooperation of the United Nations to provide logistical and security support for our verification effort in Syria through the OPCW-UN Joint Mission.
I take this opportunity to commend the Special Coordinator of the OPCW-UN Joint Mission, Ms Sigrid Kaag, and all those OPCW and UN staff who have participated in this mission. Their dedication and professionalism, in challenging circumstances, have been a key factor in the attainment of the critical progress that we recognise today.
While a major chapter in our endeavours closes today, OPCW’s work in Syria will continue. We hope to conclude soon the clarification of certain aspects of the Syrian declaration and commence the destruction of certain structures that were used as chemical weapons production facilities. Syria’s cooperation with the work of the OPCW Fact Finding Mission will also remain important. The OPCW will continue to engage with Syria to ensure that it is able to fulfil all its obligations under the CWC and the relevant decisions of the Executive Council and UN Security Council resolution 2118 (2013).
Japan Defense Day
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr.Masaru Tsuji, Ambassador of Japan, hosted a well-attended reception at his residence in honor of Japan Defense Day. A large number of members of the Diplomatic Corps were present. In his speech the Ambassador drew attention to the fact that July 1st marks the 60 th Anniversary of the Self Defense Forces of Japan. The reception was also in honor of the farewell of the Military Attache of the Embassy of Japan, Colonel Tsubaki, who is leaving. Colonel Yoshizawa will be the new Military Attaché. 
Presentation Imperial Honors Japan
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
His Excellency Mr. Masaru Tsuji, Ambasador of Japan, hosted a ceremony at his residence in honor of Mr. Hans Bax, former Chairman of the DUJAT, the Dutch-Japanese Trade Federation. Mr. Bax received the most prestigious ‘Order of the Rising Sun and Gold rays with Neck Ribbon’ for his exceptional contribution to the strengthening of the economic ties and promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and The Netherlands. In his speech Ambassador Tsuji also praised Mr. Bax for his initiatives in supporting Japan during times of great disaster, such as the earthquake, as well as for establishing the Foundation “The Netherlands helps Japan.” Mr. Bax said that – in his own words – he was honored, happy and privileged and added that he could not have done it all without the support of others. Mr. Bax also expressed his hope that the Dutch export to Japan, which now amounts to less than 2%, would be increased in the future.
Culture is the best way to present oneself.
By Drs. EVA Maria Mennes.
The French Embassy is always very strong in presenting their beautiful country by culture and The Alliance Française has a big part in this. It was founded in 1883 in Paris under the patronage of Paul Cambon and Pierre Foncin, around personalities like Jules Verne Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lessesps, Armand Colin and Jules Renan. Today they represent worldwide the first cultural network, with 1040 branches in 136 countries on five continents. Every year more than 450000 people of all ages learn the French language in the Alliances Françaises and more than 6 million people participate in organized cultural activities. The coordination of the organization is ensured by the Fondation Alliance Française. Here in The Hague the energetic director Martin Beyer presented a charming ‘Jour de la Musique’ in the Museum Beelden aan Zee. Under the sharp eye of the artist Henri Laurens, who has a retrospective exposition throughout the museum, we could listen to agreeable music of a modern band with lady singer. The morning ended with four classical pieces of violin music played in an excellent way by Romy Uijttenboogaart Jullian.
Diplomat Magazine’s 1st Anniversary Party, June 27th
Come to Diplomat Magazine First Anniversary at Carlton. Support YOUR magazine with your presence.
Diplomat Magazine presents its compliments to its readers and cordially requests the pleasure of your presence to attend our 1st Anniversary Party at Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Friday 27 June from 5pm to 11pm. This invitation is valid for three persons, free admission, welcome drink and surprises. Informal.
We are grateful for the typical and national snacks that will be served to our invitees by the embassies of Russia, China, Tunisia, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, El Salvador, Angola, Burundi, Latvia, Panama, Colombia, Kenya, Cypres, Serbia, Guatemala, India, France, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, the Cabinet of Sint Maarten and academic institutions like Interconnections and Direct Languages Centre. The last but not least, is the support we are receiving from Diplomatic Card.
Diplomat Magazine avails itself of this opportunity to renew to our readers the assurances of its highest consideration and friendship.
The Hague Political Academy
Mrs. Tjernenko , spouse of H.E, Olexander Horin, Ambassador of Ukraine, together with Dr Bob van den Bos, Director of the Hague Political Academy. Mrs. Tjernenko received the certificate of the course ‘How to deal with the Dutch and International Protocol’, which was held last May. The Hague Political Academy organises in November again courses on Dutch Domestic and Foreign Policy, Dutch media, Dutch culture and International protocol.
Photographer: Eugene M. De Lara.
Embassy of Burundi hosting its first National Day in the Netherlands
On the occasion of Burundi National Day and the opening of the new embassy, H.E. Vestine NAHIMANA, invites head of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps to attend a reception on July 1st 5pm – 7pm. at Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Sophialaan 2, The Hague. Info ambassade.burundi.nederland@gmail.com
For the invitation please click here: BURUNDI.NATIONAL.DAY
Diplomat Magazine at Bijenkorf Sport Fashion show
An exclusive sport and fashion night, an event with networking opportunites, held last Thursday 12 June at Bijenkorf City Cafe. Diplomat Magazine covered the event with beautiful and colorful pictures from our photographer Henri Arvidson. 
Farewell Ambassador of Georgia.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
After having served his country as Ambassador to The Netherlands for four years, His Excellency Mr. Shota Gvineria will be leaving. He hosted a farewell-reception at the magnificent Castle “De Wittenburg” in Wassenaar. The well-attended reception was followed by a unique concert by famous Georgian musicians, who were especially invited to perform for this occasion. Georgian wine could also be enjoyed. It is noteworthy to mention that, at the time of his accreditition as Ambassador to The Netherlands in 2010, Mr. Gvineria was the youngest Ambassador of the Diplomatic Corps in The Hague. Ambassador Gvineria will be posted in Washington DC, a posting both he and his wife are looking forward to. 
