1st Annual Diplomatic BBQ
By Johann P. Gies, Junior Editor.
The end of a warm and pleasant summer has been celebrated on the evening of Wednesday September 17th with the 1st Diplomatic BBQ organised by Crowne Plaza Hotel Den Haag – Promenade in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. Under the initially intense summer sun, which in the course of the evening became more gentle, the sponsors, friends and guests of our Magazine enjoyed a carefully selected and well grilled variation of precious meats, healthy salads, refreshing drinks and sweet deserts in a comfortable and outstanding atmosphere. The evening was finalised by a private piano concert by Diplomat Magazine’s pianist Joris van Goudoever. All in all this was a brilliant start for this new annual diplomatic event. The guests and friends are looking forward to next year’s diplomatic BBQ at CrownePlaza hotel, which will be as sun-kissed as this years debut.
On the beautiful terrace of the hotel, over twenty five ambassadors, diplomats and embassy staff attend this great event. Vincent Pahlplatz, General Manager of the hotel welcomed back all diplomats in The Hague and together with his team he allowed the diplomats to share their summer experiences with colleagues and friends, while enjoying the great BBQ food, cocktails, drinks and appetizers.
FULL PHOTO-ALBUM OF THIS EVENT PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647962604495/
The CrownePlaza Den Haag – Promenade has more than 43 years of experience with hosting events for the Corps Diplomatique. The 174 bedrooms combined with 8 multi-functional meeting rooms, terrace, lobby, bar, restaurant, cigar lounge, 222 private parking spaces and the spacious Prominential Suite of 140m2 makes the hotel the ideal location for every event, an informal meeting in the lobby, a meeting or National day or housing official delegations.
Dominican Painter in The Hague
Juan Carlos Reyes Masterwords at the Wittenburg Castle in Wassenaar. Hosted by the Dominican Republic Embassy, the Wittenburg Castle and Laboratorios de Aplicaciones Medicas (LAM) in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. Oct. 16th, 6pm.
Four Central American Countries !!
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor.
On the occasion of the 193rd Anniversary of the Independence of four Central American Republics, the Ambassadors of Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, celebrated their National Day receiving a wide range of guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel The Hague.
The ambassadors welcomed their colleagues and friends. A large numbers of guests enjoyed a
very pleasant, friendly and intimate atmosphere, which was perfectly topped off by the servings of delightful snacks and imported Central American drinks.
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.