Diplomats in Wageningen.
By Robert Buurke, publisher Diplomat Magazine, bridging the gap.
On the occasion of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse gases (GRA) and on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs a diplomatic event took place at Tuesday 11th of February 2014. More than 30 Ambassadors of so called non member countries gathered in the morning at the Ministry of Economic Affairs at Bezuidenhoutseweg 73 and they were welcomed by Roald Laperre, Deputy Director-General for Agro which opening was followed by a speech on the role of the GRA in meeting global challenges by Matthew Hooper, Ministry of Primary Industries, Government of New Zealand.
Besides, H.E. Dr Alvaro Moerzinger, Ambassador of Uruguay gave some very interesting perspectives of his country about membership of the Global Research on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. The morning programme ended with an output and outcomes of the Global Research on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases by prof. dr. ir. R. Rabbinge, the vice-chair of the Global Research on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases..
In the afternoon, the Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ambassadors, authorities, alliance delegates and distinguished guests visited the Wageningen University and Research Centre which is situated in the eastern part of The Netherlands and which University is supervised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. After an opening speech by dr.ir. Martin Scholten, general director Animal Science Group of Wageningen University and co-chair of the Livestock Research Group both the so-called Unifarm as well as the respiration chambers at CARUS programme were visited.
In the end of this interesting programme a reception was offered by the University of Wageningen.
All Ambassodors enjoyed this very interesting programme and they will certainly keep in contact with the University of Wageningen in refer to the Global Research on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases!
Farewell, Ambassador Gharib Abadi
OPCW, Statement by the Director-General
Statement by the Director-General
The movement of the third consignment of chemicals fromSyriatook place today. The Director-General, while noting this movement and the recent destruction of 93 percent of the Isopropanol, has expressed hope that these activities generate new momentum. A significant effort is needed to ensure the chemicals that still remain in Syria are removed – in accordance with a concrete schedule and without further delays – consistent with the obligations of the Syrian Arab Republic deriving from the OPCW Executive Council decisions and UN Security Council Resolution 2118.Statement from H. E. Gharib Abadi
Statement by H.E Mr. Kazem Gharib Abadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
On the Occasion of 35th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran The Hague -10 February 2014.
In the Name of God.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honor and deep privilege for me as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to cordially host and receive you, distinguished guests on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Revolution. In the period of the bipolar system, the 1979 Islamic revolution of Iran under the leadership of late Imam Khomeini has brought significant political, social, cultural and economic changes in my country and the Islamic model of governance (religious democracy) was unanimously voted for and approved by more than 98.2 percent of our nation. Independence, rule of law, freedom, dialogue, pluralism and justice are the most important principles and objectives of the Islamic Republic In domestic politics. Iran is a country which is relied on its nation and its participation in the management of the country. Ladies and Gentlemen, Iran, as an ancient country, is well known for its 7000 years of civilization, virtual arts, history, literature, handicrafts, diverse cuisine, architecture, music, cultural and ethnic diversity, deserts, mountains, international registered monuments like Persepolis and Bam and so on. Although Iran has the second proven natural gas reserves and the third proven oil reserves in the world, but it should be acknowledged that Iran is more than an energy superpower. Oil, gas, diverse mines and natural resources have made the country as a land of opportunities and huge capabilities. During the past 35 years, Iran has successfully made tremendous achievements in various fields such as science, medicine, nanotechnology, stem cells, aerospace, satellites, defense, education, health, industry, mining, agriculture and peaceful use of nuclear energy. Ladies and Gentlemen, As you are informed, Iranians at home and abroad participated in the eleventh presidential election on 14 June 2013 and recorded an epic turnout in determining their own destiny. Dr. Rohani was elected as the new president of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Massive participation of %72.2 of the Iranian nation in the election once again indicated the strong links between the state and the nation. The result of the election, which was unexpected for some outside analysts and politicians has proved that the right of the people to select their own choices is always respected and guaranteed by the country. By participating in the election the peace-loving people of Iran expressed their interest in developing friendship, cooperation and dialogue with civilized nations and states across the world. The hope that respect to shared human values and interests in view of a high spirit of cooperation would lead to the formation of a world without threats and intimidation and full of welfare, and spiritual and material perfection. Iran’s new president from the very beginning declared that will follow a “path of wisdom, moderation and hope, justice and enhancing mutual trust between Iran and other countries on the basis of mutual respect.” The real message of the president to the international community is that we have common interests, joint goals to promote peace, security and tranquility in the region and the world. Distinguished Guests, Recently we witnessed a significant diplomatic development between Iran and P5+1. Seven countries agreed on a provisional plan of action regarding the nuclear issue on 24th November 2013 in Geneva. The Geneva deal, which was made through diplomacy and negotiation, is a new sign of an emerging mutual confidence building and respect. The interim deal is an “important achievement” but a “first significant step” toward resolving an “unnecessary crisis” based on a win-win approach, stressing that the two sides need to work together based on “equal footing, mutual respect and common benefits.” The Islamic Republic of Iran as a pivotal player in the Middle East has great interest in peace, tranquillity, progress and security and wishes lasting, sustainable and prosperous future for all peace-loving nations. We believe that constructive and effective engagement among countries would pave the way for better and common understanding and achievements. Iranians are a peace-loving nation, and their rich culture and history is deeply rooted in wisdom, reason and interact with other nations. Ladies and Gentlemen, Since my mission as the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of the Netherlands will come to an end this month, I would also like to talk very briefly about our relations with the Netherlands. Relations between two countries date back to 400 years ago and have continued until today, through which the two nations and countries have developed a deeper understanding and promoted their national interests. Taking into account this principle that “the role of the diplomats is the construction and adjustment of the relations rather than its destruction”, my colleagues and I tried to take any opportunity to promote the relations between the two countries during the past 50 months. I would like to acknowledge that the two countries have common interests in several bilateral, regional and international areas which necessitates their cooperation and interaction. Ministers for foreign affairs of two countries have always been in touch during past four years. The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have also met each other in Davos recently and negotiated about a variety of issues. Many cultural events take place, annually among the two countries. More than 5000 Dutch tourists pay visits to Iran, which as a result they become also friends of Iran when they come back to their country. More than thirty six thousand of Iranians live here in the Netherlands and while they are representing Iranian culture which we are proud of them, are contributing to the development of this country. The Netherlands is our third commercial partner in the Europe and the volume of business is more than 1.5 billion euros annually, which I believe there are rooms to be increased to 5 billion euros. To discuss further opportunities to promote the relations and better understanding, two Dutch parliamentarian and trade delegations will pay a visit to Iran soon. In conclusion, I wish best of luck for all of you and please accept my appreciation for all contacts, cooperation and interaction which existed amongst us. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act toward one another in a spirit of mercy and brotherhood. Thank you very much.King, Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Schippers at Winter Olympics
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander attends Friday from 7 to Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi on.
He has been invited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As honorary member Her Majesty Queen Máxima will accompany the King.
Prime Minister Rutte of Friday 7 to Saturday, February 8 present at the Olympic Winter Games. The King, Queen Máxima and Prime Minister attend Friday night’s opening ceremony. Minister Schippers of Health, Welfare and Sport is traveling to Sochi on Monday, February 17 and Thursday, February 20th to attend the Winter Olympics.
Libya Completes Destruction of Its Category 1 Chemical Weapons
TRIPOLI– At a joint press conference in the Libyan capital today, Libya’s Foreign Minister, Mr Mohamed Abdulaziz, announced that as of 26 January 2014 Libya has destroyed the remaining mustard gas filled in artillery projectiles and aerial bombs. Libya had previously completed last year the disposal of bulk mustard.
The announcement followed a visit to the site in south-eastern Libya where the destruction operations took place by OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü and representatives of Germany and the United States, whose governments provided Libya aid to eliminate its stockpile. “The destruction of these munitions was a major undertaking in arduous, technically challenging circumstances, as we saw first-hand earlier today at the remote Ruwagha Chemical Weapon Destruction Facility,” the Director-General said. “From start to finish, meeting these challenges was the product of close cooperation between Libya, the OPCW Technical Secretariat and other States Parties.” States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) are obligated to declare and destroy all chemical weapons and related materials they may possess, under the verification of the OPCW. On joining the CWC in January 2004, Libya declared to the OPCW possession of nearly 25 metric tonnes of bulk sulfur mustard agent; several thousand unloaded aerial munitions designed for use with chemical warfare agents; and several chemical weapons production facilities. The declared aerial munitions were immediately destroyed in March 2004, and in the ensuing years the production facilities were either destroyed or converted to peaceful purposes under the OPCW’s approval and verification. Operations to destroy the bulk sulfur mustard agent began in October 2010 but were suspended in February 2011 when the destruction facility malfunctioned. Following the conclusion of Libya’s civil conflict, the new Government declared a newly discovered amount of munitions loaded with sulfur mustard that had not been acknowledged in Libya’s original declaration. Germany, Canada and the United States provided assistance to the new government to resume destruction operations at Ruwagha in early 2013. Preparations for the destruction of chemical precursors, which are Category 2 chemicals, are planned to start later and their destruction is to be completed by December 2016. At today’s press conference, the Libyan Foreign Minister and OPCW Director-General were joined by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, the Honorable Andrew C. Weber; the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Deborah Jones; the German Ambassador to the OPCW, H.E. Eberhard Schanze; and Canada’s Chargé d’affaires in Tripoli, Mr Denis Thibault. For more details on Libya, see http://www.opcw.org/the-opcw-CELAC culminated successfully
Cuba President pro-tempore of the CELAC culminated successfully.
By Zelmys Maria Dominguez Cortina, Ambassador of Cuba to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
Successfully completed the II Summit of Heads of State and Government of the CELAC (Latin American and Caribbean Community) held on 28-29 January in Havana, Cuba, which was preceded by the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from 26 to 27 January. CELAC is composed of 33 States which were overwhelming represented in that event at the highest level.
The Cuban Army General Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba in his closing remarks stressed the seriousness and responsibility with which Cuba had exercised its Presidency. He also thanked all those present for the valuable support received, on behalf of the Government and of all the Cuban people, and for your participation in “these days of broad and profound discussions of our countries’ biggest concerns.”
He added that “the documents adopted at this Second Summit have reaffirmed our commitment with the values that led to the foundation of CELAC and our strong belief that unity amid diversity as well as the Latin American and Caribbean integration are the only viable alternatives for the region. We have reached important agreements on transcendental issues, such as the promotion of a “Zone of Peace” in the region and the rules and regulations required to ensure that the intraregional and extra-regional cooperation brings about tangible benefits for this community.
He pointed out that among other things that “CELAC has reiterated, among other aspects, the unrestricted respect for the Purposes and Principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and International Law. It has reaffirmed that, in order to eradicate poverty, it is indispensable to change the present world economic order, promote solidarity and cooperation and demand compliance with the development assistance commitments that have been entered into. Emphasis has been made on the importance of the State’s permanent sovereignty over their natural resources. We intend to establish the best ways to exercise that right”. He added that “We likewise expressed our firm determination to work in order to cope with the challenges posed by the international situation and make every effort to promote equity and social inclusion, eradicate discrimination, inequalities, marginalization, human rights violations and the infringements of the Rule of Law”
With respect to Cuba, it reaffirmed that it will continue working hard in the CELAC, to continue the process of consolidation of this organization. Cuba handed over the Presidency pro-tempore of CELAC to the President of Costa Rica, HE Mrs. Laura Chinchilla, who thanked Cuba and pledged to continue working for the sake of the objectives of the Organization during her presidency.
In general we can say that this historic and successful event has once again demonstrated the will of peace, respect and integration of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Summit had very emotional moments as the tribute to the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias, one of the creators of this organization and the meetings held by the Commander Fidel Castro Ruz with many of the attending heads of State and Government.
Need to “Pick Up Pace”
Director-General: Need to “Pick Up Pace” In Removing Chemicals from Syria
Directly from the OPCW, The Hague.
In a meeting of the OPCW Executive Council yesterday, Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü briefed the Council on efforts underway to expedite the process of removing Syrian chemicals that have been identified for destruction outside Syrian territory. “While the two shipments (of chemicals) this month represent a start, the need for the process to pick up pace is obvious,” the Director-General told the Council. “Ways and means must be found to establish continuity and predictability of shipments to assure States Parties that the programme, while delayed, is not deferred.” The Director-General briefed the Council about his exchanges with senior Syrian officials in which he has underlined the need for a timeframe to be provided by the Syrian Government for the removal of chemicals. The Syrian government, while expressing concerns about the current security situation, has reiterated its commitment to completing the programme and assured that it is working on a schedule for the transport and removal of the chemicals. The Director-General and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke recently and agreed that the removal process must be accelerated. Since the commencement of the mission in Syria, the Council has met regularly to oversee the implementation of its decisions pertaining to the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme. Yesterday’s meeting took stock of the work of the OPCW-UN Joint Mission and the latest developments as reported by the Director-General in his recent monthly report and oral update. There was a shared sentiment in favour of more rapid progress given that the multinational effort in support of the removal and destruction programme has committed significant resources. The Council decided to reconvene on 21 February to continue its deliberations.Recent Events from Jan. till Feb 10th,2014
Ubi Kirindongo
For photo album click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/ In excess of fifty larger and smaller sculptures provide an overview of the exceptional oeuvre of this Antillean, who creates sculptures from recycled waste material and objects he has found. The work of the celebrated and award-winning Yubi Kirindongo (Willemstad, 1946) has been seen throughout the world, both in galleries and at international exhibitions such as the Biennials of Havana, Johannesburg and São Paulo. His work is accessible, but not ‘uncomplicated’. Until now, Kirindongo’s recycling art has seldom been seen in the Netherlands. With more than sixty works created in the period from the 1970s to the present day, Museum Beelden aan Zee is presenting the first major retrospective of the oeuvre of the Antilles’ most important artist. To be seen are sculptures made from car bumpers and other vehicle components. But Kirindongo also fashions other waste materials and discarded objects into meaningful and socially engaged sculptures. More info http://www.beeldenaanzee.nl/en/grote-zaal/Yubi-Kirindongo-Rebel-in-Art-SoulSerbia National Day in The Hague.
H.E. Petar Vico, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in the Netherlands received Friday 14 February members of the diplomatic corps and special guests to celebrate Serbia’s National Day. On the occasion of the day, which falls on Saturday (February 15), Ambassador Vico expressed his satisfaction at the excellent bilateral relations between Serbia and the Netherlands.
Incredible India
By Bonnie Klap. For photo album click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98057281@N02/sets/ His Excellency Mr. Rajesh Nandan Prasad, Ambassador of India, hosted a reception to commemorate the 65th Republic Day of India. India became independent of the United Kingdom in 1947, but it did not have a permanent constitution at this time. In India Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force. Republic Day represents the true spirit of the independent India. The reception was extremely well attended by a high number of Ambassadors, business people and other dignitaries.
Rijswijk & The Hague
By Roy Lie A Tjam. The Hague’s deputy mayor, Marjolein de Jong (Culture, City Centre, and International Affairs), together with her counterpart from Rijswijk, Alderman René van Hemert (Economy and Spatial Planning), signed an important partnership agreement on Monday 3 February 2014 at a launch event in The Hague International Centre (THIC). This agreement means that skilled migrants living in Rijswijk can now make use of the one-stop registration facility at The Hague International Centre (THIC) to obtain their residence permit from the IND, register with the municipality and receive their social security number (BSN). The launch of this initiative follows the formal establishment of a working agreement by all parties involved in the registration process: the municipalities of The Hague and Rijswijk, IND and the expat organisation ACCESS. A similar successful collaboration between The Hague and the municipalities of Delft and Leidschendam-Voorburg is already in place. According to Alderman René van Hemert of Gemeente Rijswijk: “We are now in a position to provide even better services to those expats within our city borders; thus creating an even stronger, internationally attractive region.
Dominican Republic celebrating “Our Lady of Altagracia” in Utrecht
By Dr. Eugenio Matos G. Minister Counselor, Dominican Republic Embassy. A group of dedicated Dominican expats celebrated Our Lady of Altagracia during a well attended mass at the Hispanic Church in Utrecht. The Dominican Embassy contributed with a violin and piano repertoire from Dominican and international composers. It was followed by a reception and dinner, featuring a delicious Sancocho sponsored by Mrs. Gladys Carrasco and distinguished Dominican ladies. Our Lady of Altagracia is the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Every year, on January 21st, thousands of Dominican pilgrims visit La Basilica de Higuey. It is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. January 21st is marked by all-night church services and special festivals all over the country. The Dominican Republic Embassy is already developing and supporting special Dominican cultural projects around the Netherlands, which include direct participation with Dutch volunteer citizens- during 2014. The diplomatic mission is honored to host “Diplomats Meet & Greet” within few weeks at Carlton Ambassador hotel, showcasing “A taste of Dominican Carnival”, with dancers and typical music in the presence of head of diplomatic missions, dignitaries, Dutch journalists and special guests. An important painting exhibit is expected next fall 2014 in Wassenaar organized by the Dominican Embassy.
Royal Thai Invitation = Harmony.
By Drs. Eva Maria Elisabeth Mennes. Have you ever seen three ambassadors making music together in harmony? Well, you could have, if you had been at the Royal Thai Invitation of the informal January Meet and Greet of the Diplomat Club The Hague. H.E the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Virachai Plasai and Mrs. Elizabeth Plasai, were the gentle hosts of a great evening. The friendly Thai welcome and drinks, Thai beer or a Mojito made with Thai Rum, and later the Thai saté were very much appreciated by all the guests. White orchids beautifully decorated the room. You could have met the ambassadors of Pakistan, India, Ireland, France, Israel, The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tunesia and other members of the diplomatic corps. Just to mention some other guests, I also spoke to Frans Engering, the former Dutch ambassador to South Africa and his charming wife Louise, Dr. Richard Ruijgrok, Honorary Consul General of Thailand and Tasoula Georgiou Hadjitofi who has done so much for the preservation of the art of Cyprus. But of course the best part was the intercontinental harmony by music with the Thai, Canadian and French ambassadors, playing guitar and piano and singing international songs with all the guests and the staff of the Diplomat Club. It was again a very pleasant evening at the Rubens Bar in Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague.
Awards Ceremony at Japan residence
By Robert Buurke. On the occasion of the outstanding contribution by Prof. Dr Rien T. Segers, the Founding Director of the Center for Japanese Studies at the University of Groningen and currently Profesor of Asian Business Strategies at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen and who studied the business culture of Japan and conducted comparative research on business cultures of other countries, to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and The Netherlands, the new Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Masaru Tsuji organized in his residence an award ceremony of the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for Prof Dr Rien T. Segers on Tuesday 21th of January. Dr Rien T Segers held a short presentation on the social-economic matters in both Japan as well as The Netherlands followed by a comparison of the chosen solutions.
Brunch at The Duin & Kruidberg Estate
Robert Buurke. In one of the most beautiful estates of Holland, The Duin & Kruidberg Estate inSantpoort-Noord on Sunday 19th of January an internationally streamed brunchwas hosted by EVA ARTPRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION from Wassenaar incoordination with Sculpture Network in Munich, Germany. The lunch could beseen simultaneously in 14 countries and 43 cities. H. E. The Ambassador ofGuatemala Mr Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arevalo represented his country and thefamous artist José Toledo. José will join the sculpture garden, which will beopened on May 8th from 17 to 19 h. for the whole summer season at the samelocation. It was a pleasant afternoon with very interesting international sculptorsand collectors.
Sweden “kick-off”
By Robert Buurke. On the occasion of the celebration of 400 years diplomatic relations between Sweden and The Netherlands the embassies of Sweden in The Hague and The Netherlands in Stockholm, Sweden, organized a so-called: “kick-off” reception on Friday 17th January at Korzo Theater in The Hague. In 2014 several events will be held to mark the friendship between these two countries. On www.swe400nl.com the agenda for these events is shown.
Sociëteit De Witte by our Editor
By Drs. Eva Maria Elisabeth Mennes. Diplomat Magazine Editor. Just back from the New Years Reception from my club the Nieuwe of Littéraire Sociëteit De Witte at Plein 24, ‘s-Gravenhage I really feel the urge to present this illustrious club to you. The Society owns this beautiful place downtown The Hague, where you can meet friends and excellently invite others. In summertime we meet at the Paviljoen De Witte Pellenaerstraat 4, Scheveningen. I assure you, you cannot find a better place to have your drink at the beach.
But it is not only socializing I am talking about. At the different ‘tables’ (the structure of the club) you can find the most interesting subjects to be discussed. The best thing to get informed is to visit the website of the Sociëteit De Witte www.societeitdewitte.nl , otherwise I can’t stop writing. But before I forget: one of the most interesting assets of the Societeit De Witte are the sister clubs all over the world. Home from home everywhere! Just where we belong.
Cuba host CELAC Summit
Picture: President Danilo Medina (Dominican Republic), Raul Castro (Cuba) and President Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela, minutes before attending the CELAC in la Havana.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On Tuesday 28 January, President of Cuba Raúl Castro opened the II Cumbre de la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (CELAC) = second) Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Havana, 28-29 January 2014. The summit brought together representatives from the 33-nation group.
On Wednesday participants will sign a more than 80-point declaration covering issues; support Argentina’s claims over the Falklands; condemn US blockade of Cuba, declare the area a region of peace and free of colonies, and probably call for Puerto Rico to join Celac.
Dominican Republic (DR) President, Danilo Medina, delivered an energetic speech before the chiefs of State and heads of governments. He unequivocally made his country’s position clear on the protection of human rights. Medina was alluding to Haitians residing in his country. President Medina reiterated that Dominicans have been the people most in solidarity with Haiti, and he cited that there are nearly a million Haitians living in the DR. However, the Dominican Republic will not accept any foreign infringement in her internal immigration affairs, said President Medina during his address in la Havana.
Dominican Republic (DR) President, Danilo Medina, delivered an energetic speech before the chiefs of State and heads of governments. He unequivocally made his country’s position clear on the protection of human rights. Medina was alluding to Haitians residing in his country. President Medina reiterated that Dominicans have been the people most in solidarity with Haiti, and he cited that there are nearly a million Haitians living in the DR. However, the Dominican Republic will not accept any foreign infringement in her internal immigration affairs, said President Medina during his address in la Havana.