National Day of the Republic of Chile
By Anjali Singh, Assistant-Editor.
The National Day of the Republic of Chile was celebrated on September 18 at the official residence of the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mrs. Maria Teresa Infante, located in Wassenaar.
This very well-attended reception counted with the presence of Head of Diplomatic Missions, former Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Rudolf Ben Bot as well as other eminent members of the diplomatic corps, entrepreneurs and special guests, such H.E. Ahmet Uzumcu Director General of the OPCW, and H.E. Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court.
Ambassador Infante is also Permanent Representative of the Republic of Chile to the OPCW. During the reception, the guests were served the delicacies, drinks and wines from Chile.
FOR FULL PHOTO-ALBUM. CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
Independence Day Mexico.
His Excellency Mr. Eduardo Ibarrola and the lovely Mrs. Fabiola Soto hosted a reception at their residence in Wassenaar to celebrate the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico. The reception was attended by a large number of members of the Diplomatic Corps and Dutch business community. It was a beautiful late summer evening and most guests mingled outside in the large garden, while sipping Margaritas and listening to live Mexican music. Afterwards they were invited inside to enjoy a lavish buffet with Mexican foods.
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: ‘Come and reap the rewards.’ A MoU was signed between the Southern-Africa – 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: ‘Come and reap the rewards.’ A MoU was signed between the Southern-Africa – 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 – 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: 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 ‘De Vrienden van Jacob”, 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 ‘De Vrienden van Jacob”, 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 Côte d’Ivoire 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 – in the alternative – 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 Defence’s 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 menu– or have a drink in the Embassy bar”.
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 menu– or have a drink in the Embassy bar”.
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 Nourain
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 Sudan’s cooperation to facilitate the accused’s 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 accused’s 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 Sudan’s 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: 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 night’s 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. 
“Karibuni” 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 “Trade instead of Aid”.
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 region’s 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 “asantesana” 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.
“Karibuni” 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 “Trade instead of Aid”.
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 region’s 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 “asantesana” 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.