Czech Republic National Day
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor.
On occasion of the celebration of the CzechRepublic’s National Day, H.E. Mr. Jaroslav Horá, Ambassador of the CzechRepublic, invited colleagues, partners and friends, to a diplomatic reception at his residence. With beautifully decorated rooms and garden of the family house, the host organized a very well attended event. A buffet with a vast selection of delicate Czech specialities was served, ranging from warm soups and fresh salads to sweet confectionary and pastries. The National Day commemorates St Wenceslas’ Day, patron of the CzechRepublic.
The attendees of this year’s National Day celebration took home memories of a pleasant evening, delicious treats and selected souvenirs. 
Prosecutor of the ICC opening a second investigation
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on opening a second investigation in the Central African Republic
Today, I am announcing that I have made the decision to open a second investigation in the Central African Republic (CAR) with respect to crimes allegedly committed since 2012. I was clear from the outset in firm, unequivocal and consistent public statements that attacks against civilians would not be tolerated and the perpetrators of such crimes could face justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The law is clear in this regard and today’s decision to proceed to the investigation phase is based on my legal obligations under the Court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute.
In February this year, following escalating violence in CAR, I opened a new preliminary examination to assess whether or not I could proceed with an investigation into what was a dire situation in CAR. The transitional government of CAR decided to refer the situation to my Office on 30 May 2014 requesting that I investigate alleged crimes falling within ICC jurisdiction committed in the country since 1 August 2012.
My Office has gathered and scrupulously analysed relevant information from multiple reliable sources. Based on this independent and comprehensive analysis, I have concluded that an investigation is warranted. The information available provides a reasonable basis to believe that both the Séléka and the anti-balaka groups have committed crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, rape, forced displacement, persecution, pillaging, attacks against humanitarian missions and the use of children under fifteen in combat. The list of atrocities is endless. I cannot ignore these alleged crimes.
The 30 May 2014 referral by the CAR authorities demonstrates a commitment to fight impunity for mass crimes and to bring justice to the victims. We look forward to their full cooperation as we conduct our investigation into these crimes.
My Office will now work to directly collect criminal evidence with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the most serious crimes. As always, our investigation will be conducted in an independent and impartial manner and will be led only by the evidence.
As the investigation moves forward, we will continue to record any new crime against civilians that might be committed in CAR. Mass crimes shock the conscience of humanity and tear at the social fabric of society. Let this be a message to would-be perpetrators in CAR and beyond: such crimes will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.
Ruto and Sang case
The trial in the case of The Prosecutor v. William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang continued today, Wednesday 24 September 2014, with the continuation of the testimony of the 24th Prosecution witness.
The trial of William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang was opened on September 10, 2013. Mr Ruto and Mr Sang are accused of crimes against humanity (murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population and persecution) allegedly committed in Kenya in the context of the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The trial is being heard by Trial Chamber V(A), which is composed of Judges Chile Eboe-Osuji (presiding), Olga Herrera Carbuccia and Robert Fremr.
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.