Diplomatic Connections Fall 2009

QUARTERLY BUSINESS • AUTUMN 2009

Unique Coverage of Events Worldwide

NEW YORK

NETHERLANDS

GERMANY

COVER PHOTOS Main photo - United States President Barack Obama and President William Clinton at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City; Netherlands - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Their Royal Highnesses (TRH) Princess Maxima and Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton at the opening ceremony of the NY400 week; Germany - German Foreign Minister Westerwelle and U.S. Secretary Clinton at a State Department press conference in Washington, DC; NewYork - Brad Pitt (representing his Foundation - Make It Right) attends the Clinton Global Initiative and pledges $5 million toward constructing homes in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina; INSIDE FRONT COVER Peninsula Chicago; INSIDE BACK COVER Saudi Arabian Airlines; BACK COVER The Hay Adams

Afghanistan 100 Amtrak 35 Autoluxe Transportation - Chauffeured Service 87 Belgium, Embassy of - Strobe Talbott 78 Belgium, Embassy of - Defense Attaches 117 British Embassy - The Commonwealth 77 British Embassy - LAPD Chief Bill Bratton honored 98 British School of Washington 99 Canada, Embassy of 100 California Pizza Kitchen 99 Clinton Global Initiative 30 Concordia, The 73 Czech, Republic of 74 Defense Attaches Association of DC 117 Dentist, Grove Dental Clinic 110 Diplomatic Connections, 2009 Reception 122 Events - Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 54 & 120 Fairfax, The Fairfax at Embassy Row 97 & 112 George Washington University Hospital 108 Germany, Chancellor Merkel 82 Germany, Embassy of the Republic of 94 Germany, Foreign Minister Westerwelle 90 Grove Dental Clinic 110 Harry Winston Jewelers 1 Interior Design, Roger Christopher 53 Japan 116 Jim Coleman Cadillac 80 Jockey Club, The Fairfax at Embassy Row 97 Jumeirah Essex House 27 Make It Right, Clinton Global Initiative 50 McLean Furniture Gallery 4 Metro Montesorri 34 & 102 National Council on U.S. Arab Relations 104 Netherlands, Ambassador Jones-Bos 26 Netherlands, NY400 6 New York Palace 40 Norway, Embassy of 62 Nyumbani 56 Park Hyatt Chicago 35 Peru, Navy Day 101 Roger Christopher - Interior Design 53 Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 54 & 120 Saudi Arabia, Royal Embassy of 128 Slovakia 66 Sofitel Chicago Water Tower 44 & 93 Sofitel New York 10 United Nations Foundation 62 Volkswagen 88 Waldorf Astoria 17 & 61 Waldorf Towers 17 & 61 Washington Hospital Center 65 Wings Jets 114

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DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dawn Parker Assistant to the Editor Julie Pomeroy ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Hiam Awad and Paula Morrison ART DIRECTOR Larry Smith MARKETING Traci Allen To contact an advertising executive CALL: 202.536.4810 FAX: 202.370.6882 EMAIL: dparker@diplomaticconnections.com Diplomatic Connections Website Design & Development IMS (Inquiry Management Systems) 304 Park Avenue South, 11th Floor New York, NY 10010 TOLL FREE: 877.467.8721 X701 Website: www.ims.com Marc Highbloom, Vice President marc@ims.ca Laura West, Project Manager lwest@ims.ca Contributing Photographers Paula Morrison and Matthew Lehner To order photos from the events go to: www.diplomaticconnections.com Send any name or address changes in writing to: Diplomatic Connections 4410 Massachusetts Avenue / Suite 200 Washington, DC 20016 Diplomatic Connections Quarterly Business is published Quarterly Diplomatic Connections does not endorse any of the goods and services offered herein this publication.

Copyright 2008 by Diplomatic Connections All rights reserved.

Cover photos: President Obama, President Clinton and Brad Pitt photos Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) The Dutch Royals, Secretary Clinton and Mayor Bloomberg Chantal Heijnen German Foreign Minister Westerwelle and US Secretary of State Clinton Michael Gross, US Department of State

Dear Readers, Diplomatic Connections Autumn Quarterly is full of interesting coverage of Diplomatic and International events. However, it is also complete with a huge variety of businesses and corporations who’ve made a decision to support the Diplomatic Community through the magazine. The merchants and service providers presented are representative of some of the best companies in the world who enjoy doing business with the Diplomatic and International Community. Therefore, allow us to encourage you to consider utilizing their products and services. Additionally, may we request, should you contact the businesses who are represented in this publication that you may, perhaps, state that you “saw their ad in the Diplomatic Connections magazine.” By doing this, you will be contributing to the continuance of the publication and we can keep the exclusive coverage of your events in the forefront - for the benefit of all who read our magazine.

Here are some highlights ~ Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen visits Washington, D.C. and are received by President Obama at the White House Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg receive Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands in New York City to celebrate 400 years of shared history and values The United States Military Academy at West Point welcome the Prince and Princess The Dutch Cabinet Minister Timmermans rings the NYSE closing bell in New York City during the NY 400 President Clinton hosts The Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City and many World Leaders and Celebrities attend Brad Pitt of the Make It Right Foundation attends the CGI and gave an update of the contribution his Foundation has made to “catalyzing sustainable development” in communities such as the rebuilding of New Orleans U.S. Capitol Representatives attend an event hosted on Capitol Hill by Nyumbani, an outreach program, which cares for families affected by HIV/AIDS United Nations Foundation hosts an event for Global Polio Eradication at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence and has the support of many nations Slovakia and the Czech Republic celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Velvet Revolution, President Klaus of the Czech Republic and Foreign Minister Lajcak of the Slovak Republic visit Washington, D.C. in observance of this historical occasion Slovak Foreign Minister Lajcak honors three (3) United States House of Representatives Belgian Ambassador Matthysen honors former Deputy Secretary of State and now President of the Brookings Institution, Mr. Strobe Talbott with, “Grand Officer in the Order of the Crown” German Chancellor Merkel Addresses Joint Meeting of U.S. Congress and meets with President Obama at the White House German Foreign Minister Westerwelle meets with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton at the U.S. Department of State UK Ambassador Sheinwald honors LAPD Chief Bratton at the Residence and local DC Police Chief Ramsey attends Embassy of Canada hosts a two-day forum on Afghanistan National Council of U.S.-Arab Relations examines the “Diplomacy of Engagement” Defense Attaches Association of Washington, D.C. host a Professional Development Forum and The Honorable William Lynn III, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense attends Diplomatic Connections Annual Reception for 2009 was hosted at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia with several distinguished Ambassadors attending This is New! Diplomatic Connections has Online Classifieds for FREE. There is now NO CHARGE for Diplomats and Staff Representatives to post items on the Diplomatic Connections website. Simply go to: www.diplomaticconnections.com to post your classifieds! Realizing that there is a great need for an Online Classifieds site because of the transitional lifestyle of a diplomat, we’ve made it easy for you to buy and/or sell directly on the Diplomatic Connections website.

Also, visit our website: www.diplomaticconnections.com for online-subscriptions to receive future copies of our Quarterly magazine!

Your opinion matter to us; thus, we are looking to you, the Diplomat, for the type of articles and advertisements your Embassy would like to see featured and to read about. Diplomatic Connections is continuously seeking your professional recommendations for advertisements from your domestic and international business partners. Therefore, any business introductions to further pursue future funding of the magazine would be greatly appreciated. We welcome and invite you to contact us with your submissions and ideas to: dparker@diplomaticconnections.com Sincerely, Dawn Parker Founder & Publisher

ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS POST YOUR FREE ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS! VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.DiplomaticConnections.com

MCLEAN FURNITURE GALLERY ELEVATES HOME FURNISHING TO AN ART FORM www.mcleanfurniture.com McLean Furniture Gallery's infinite design possibilities and fine furniture options are best described as truly the “stuff that dreams are made of” to quote now- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. As Senator, Mrs. Clinton then wrote this line to Mrs. Tehmina Khan, the President of McLean Furniture Gallery ("the Gallery") in a July, 2000 letter. Today, the ultimate attestation to the Gallery's presence in the Washington, DC area is simply the fact that it has beat out its competition by continuing to thrive during difficult economic times. Founded in 1984, the Gallery is celebrating its 26th year by garnering exclusive licenses to sell several upscale furniture lines to its customers. The Exclusive, sole distributorship this side of New York is a proud position for manufacturers with a global reputation. Housed in their own shopping center the new Fairfax location encompassing nearly 44,000 square feet, is a state of the art building designed by Leo Daly. Customers are able to view approximately 100 different furniture brands in the largest resource room in the Metropolitan Area.

"Catering to different tastes" has been the mantra of the founder and President, Tehmina’s perception was to be a “unique” resource. Never wanting to be categorized as a simply traditional furniture store, Tehmina and her design team have expanded the breadth of home furnishings by including eclectic, contemporary, neo-classic and Franco-Italian, traditional and classic styles to the discerning elite. Not to be outdone by any other showroom, the Gallery has consistently kept its prices down by scaling down on overhead and offering customers a variety of price-points. Also, delivery and installation costs are amazingly low compared to the competition. In house designing includes field visits, auto-cad presentation, 3D sketch and their fabric resource from UK, Italy and the Best of American Fabric makers is outstanding.

Globalization has also benefitted the home furnishings business; along with traditional classic American brands such as Henkel-Harris, Century, EJ Victor, Hickory White, Maitland Smith, Christopher Guy, Francesco Molon, Bernhardt, and others, customers can also peruse classic and famous Italian lines such as Francesco Molon and Rho Mobili. Francesco Molon, the creators of exquisite empire and contemporary Italian furniture made in Venice, Italy. Makers of the finest walnut heritage collection. Francesco Molon supplier of fine furniture to a long list of Heads of State, 150 five and six star Hotels around the world, has selected the Gallery as their exclusive distributor in the Metropolitan area. This is really a "one stop shop" -- our home furnishings, is a turnkey operation, says Tehmina.

Corporate or Residential projects include custom draperies, area rugs, lighting, artwork, fine china and accessories. And, like every successful Washington DC business, the Gallery counts the diplomatic community amongst its favorite clients, innumerable Residences, multiple clubs including Fort Myer and Fort McNair and over 40,000 private homes to boast of and most importantly dozens of Interior design firms that use our resource exclusively. MFG runs a corporate and furniture leasing business for multiple corporations sustaining accounts and Embassies.

Recently has had the honor of designing and furnishing the newly-refurbished historical Wyoming residence of the Libyan Ambassador, in Washington DC, New York and Englewood New Jersey. "This was a project close to my heart", says Tehmina. "Working with the Embassy of Libya was a completely professional and lovely experience, as our design team brought beautiful properties to life", she added. Every job is unique the Kennedy Warren, Canadian project, Brunei, Malaysian projects, Josephine and Quarters Seven are unforgettable experiences.

We are a DC institution, and my team shows the same enthusiasm for locating a hard to find piece as it does for our corporate or embassy clients" says Tehmina. "We pride ourselves on being able to work within a budget and making dreams come true within that budget, be it big or small."

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McLEAN FURNITURE GALLERY RAISING FURNITURE TO AN ART FORM SINCE 1984 “YOUR UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE FOR THE BEST VALUE AND SELECTION OF FINE HOME FURNISHINGS FROM OVER 100 MANUFACTURERS”

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USA

Two Countries, One Spirit, United by Values, History and a Vision for the Future.

Netherlands Four centuries ago, a Dutch ship captained by Henry Hudson, landed in what is now New York City. The voyage of the Half Moon was the genesis

By Marjan Inbar Contributing photographer: Chantal Heijnen

of a 400 year relationship between the Netherlands and the United States. Little did we know that the establishment of New Amsterdam and the New Netherland colony would lay the foundation for the thriving relationship between the Netherlands and the United States that exists today.

This year with NY400, we celebrate 400 years of enduring friendship between the Netherlands and the United States, as well as the free spirit, openness, entrepreneurship and tolerance of those Dutch-American pioneers, qualities that continue to permeate American society today.

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NY400 was launched successfully on January 28th in New York City with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen, Dutch Cabinet Minister Frans Timmermans and NYC&Company’s CEO George Fertitta. Throughout the year more than 100 events took place in both New York and the Netherlands. Dance, theater performances, historical and cultural exhibitions, festivals, conferences and symposiums, were all held at prestigious venues such as the Museum of the City of New York, the Museum of Modern Art, the Frick Collection, the Museum of Arts and Design, the Brooklyn Museum and more. The highlight of the year was the culminating events during NY400 Week, September 8 - 13.

Earlier this year Minister Maxime Verhagen presented replicas of the Schagen Letter and the Vingboon map to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

On July 14, Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen visited Washington. They were received by President Obama at the White House for a meeting. Prime Minister Balkenende also met with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Minister Verhagen met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The NY400 Week: 400 years of Friendship Many New Yorkers celebrated the start of a fifth century of friendship with the Dutch as the Netherlands landed in Manhattan again. NY400 week was a citywide series of events and activities to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s arrival on a Dutch ship in September 1609 to what is now New York Harbor. At NY400 Week events, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors enjoyed Dutch festivals, sailing races, dance parties, free bike rentals, museum exhibitions and other activities on land and sea. The week was highlighted by a visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands.

Shared History, Shared Values NY400 week started with a 21-gun salute ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg officially welcomed TRH Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima to the city.

“Henry Hudson arrived on these shores 400 years ago and helped lay the foundation for what would later become New York City,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “New York City’s history has early and deep connections with the Dutch, and NY400 week opening ceremony, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg welcomed Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands to New York City

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NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor Job Cohen of the City of Amsterdam, Dutch Cabinet Minister Frans Timmermans and CEO of NYC & Company George Fertitta announced the start of the yearlong NY400 celebration

– with the City welcoming a record 241,000 visitors from the Netherlands last year – that relationship continues to flourish.”

In his speech, His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange recalled the small group of men arriving on board the Halve Maen, and the values they possessed of passion, liberty, freedom of conscience and the unwavering belief that everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness, “These are the principles on which this great city was built and every New Yorker, regard-

The replica of the Half Moon and the Dutch Navy ship HMNLS Tromp (Notice powerful contrast in past and present)

less of their background, race or creed, will agree that these principles have always been and will always remain its defining characteristics.”

Here are “common values and shared hopes” between the two countries, Secretary of State Clinton said. “It’s exciting that we are celebrating this 400 year anniversary kick-off on the deck of the Intrepid. It gives us a chance to celebrate all that New York has been, is today and will doubtless be in the future.

It’s not only the greatest city in the world, [it’s] still a beacon of diversity, excitement and dynamism for all that have called this great city their home.”

During the opening ceremony on the Hudson River, a flotilla of 11 ships comprised of NATO vessels, Dutch barges, Flying Dutchman racers, yachts and replicas of Hudson’s ‘Halve Maen’ (‘Half Moon’) and another historic ship called the ‘Onrust’ sailed past the USS Intrepid. A 21-gun salute was fired from the Dutch naval ship HNLMS Tromp and its crew lined the deck in parade format to welcome the fleet. The flotilla of historic and modern ships sailing up the Hudson River embodied the history and the future shared by the Netherlands and the United States.

The event was a great start for an even more successful week full of colorful events and interesting joint-ventures between the Netherlands and the City of New York.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, joined by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, presents a Tiffany vase to TRH Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands on the deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

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THE NY400 WEEK

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years of Friendship

On the evening of October 8th, the Royal Couple threw the switch illuminating the Empire State Building in bright orange.

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They reviewed cadets marching into the mess hall and were given a standing ovation when they were introduced inside.

After the Welcoming Ceremony, the Prince and Princess visited Westpoint.

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Princess Máxima baptized a new orange species tulip: ‘Tulipa Henry Hudson.’

One of the main cultural attractions of the week was the arrival of “The Milkmaid,” the famous seventeenth century painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, to the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.

TRH Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima met with the Dutch community in New York at a Garden Party in Nolan Park on Governors Island.

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The Royal Couple visited the Half Moon replica, docked at The Battery. They were met by Captain Chip Reynolds.

NY400 Week came to an end at The Battery’s Main Stage, with the Prince, Princess, Cabinet Minister Frans Timmermans and NYC&Company’s CEO George Fertitta, who thanked everybody for making this an unforgettable week.

On Governors Island the Prince and Princess visited the Dutch design houses of Pioneers of Change, where the designers got a chance to show them their work.

The Royal Couple visited the New Amsterdam Village on Bowling Green, for a treat of Dutch ‘poffertjes,’ and view the life-size windmill, Dutch houses and the traditional, innovative agricultural products the village had to offer.

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On Water Taxi Beach, Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren played music for New Yorkers in the presence of the Prince and Princess.

The Royal Couple danced to Armin’s beats, against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, a magical moment!

The South Street Seaport Museum opened the groundbreaking exhibition on the Dutch origins of New York with ‘New Amsterdam: The Island at the Center of the World.’

Following in the footsteps of the Dutch pioneers of the seventeenth century, over 150 actors, musicians, designers, comedians and dancers formed a creative colony and surprised the New York audience at the New Island Festival.

Throughout the year, the Museum of the City of New York marked this year’s NY400 celebration with three great exhibitions: Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson, Dutch Seen: New York Rediscovered and Mannahatta/Manhattan: A National History of New York City. Another highlight was the Dutch celebration on Governors Island, the Dutch art and design festivals.

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The Prince and Princess in a private meeting with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. Photo by Lex van Lieshout / ANP

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Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Mรกxima joined the Remembrance Service in the West End Collegiate Church.

Shared Values of Freedom and Democracy During the week, the United States Military Academy at West Point welcomed the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima.

They were received with a standing ovation before sitting down and enjoying lunch with the cadets. The Prince, a Navy officer himself, organized a closed-door seminar on the topic of Afghanistan. The Dutch military, a member of the NATO coalition, has been fighting in Afghanistan since 2002. Also that week, the Royal Couple had a private meeting with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.

While in the US, TRH Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima paid their respects to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Royal Couple attended the 9/11 Memorial Service at Zucotti Park, after which they joined the Remembrance Service in the West End Collegiate Church. This church is part of The Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New York. Its origins are traced to a loft above a gristmill in New Amsterdam in 1628, where Dutch settlers worshipped before the first permanent building was built in 1642. The millstones from that mill can be seen in the vestibule of the West End Church.

At the Remembrance Service, the Prince and Princess were accompanied by Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen. “Freedom, openness and mutual respect are the val-

ues the Netherlands shares with the US, thanks to our historical ties,” said Minister Verhagen. “On 9/11 we remember the victims of terrorism and reaffirm our commitment to defending those common values.” Both countries have seen their values challenged but continue to safeguard and protect them under the rule of law and sense of responsibility that are inherent with those freedoms.

Further that same week Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received the 2009 Four Freedoms Award on September 11 in attendance of guests of honor the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima. The prize is awarded by the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, which aims to preserve the freedom ideals of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton accepted the Roosevelt Institute’s Four Freedoms Award, which honors a lifetime of distinguished service and an unwavering commitment to freedom.

A Shared History of Trade and Finance The Colony of New Netherland was established by the Dutch as a trading post. Their progressive spirit of trade and enterprise still characterizes New York today. The Dutch financial industry started back in 1602 when the Dutch East Indies Compagnie was the first in the world to go public. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange (now NYSE Euronext) also founded the first European option exchange. The Netherlands was also the first country to loan money to America. Due to these historic connections and because of the successful working relationship between Dutch and US trade and finance partners, a Dutch Financial Day was organized during the NY400 week with workshops on trans-Atlantic investment and a conference on sustainability in economics attended by Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade, Mr. Frans Heemskerk.

The Netherlands is not only a world class player in financial services, it is also the third largest foreign investor in the United States. Supporting open markets and free trade, the Netherlands is one of the few European countries that imports substantially more from the US than it exports to the US. Dutch investment in the US is primarily found in services, chemical, telecom and

The Netherlands was also the first country to loan money to America. electronics sectors. The Netherlands is also the largest foreign investor in the US in financial and insurance services and the second largest in manufacturing. Foreign direct investment by the Netherlands and US exports to the Netherlands support an estimated 845 thousand American jobs, representing 0.5% of total employment in the US. The Netherlands is the Gateway to Europe for many US companies because of its favorable tax structure, skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, strategic location as well as a reputation for strong R&D capabilities and innovative capacities. Trade and investment between our countries create jobs, promote innovation and increase prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

During the NY400 week Dutch Cabinet Minister Timmermans rang the NYSE closing bell and the Royal Couple attended the NYSE Euronext dinner, joined by Dutch and American captains of industry.

Two-thirds of the Netherlands is at or below sea level

Shared Vision for the Future Global Water Challenges & Dutch Water Expertise During the NY400 week, Dutch and American business leaders, experts in engineering, planning and environmental topics explored how major 21st century water challenges can be dealt with to ensure a sustainable future at the H209 conference.

H209 focused on the Netherlands and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region, but conference conclusions can potentially benefit coastal cities worldwide.

The Netherlands is an expert in water management, more specifically pioneers in water and delta technology, having survived centuries of struggle with water. Hurricane Katrina made Americans all too aware of the importance of effective water management. Dutch water management companies have been active in sharing their expertise in helping the people of New Orleans to rebuild their levees after Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to Louisiana and Mississippi, the Netherlands is also helping California, Florida and New York with their water challenges. And today, the US faces more hurricanes as well as floods, droughts and challenges of water shortages, contamination and storage. By sharing experiences and effective water policies, and by working together with other countries to create innovative technologies, the Dutch are finding new, more effective ways to manage water in both the Netherlands and the US. The Netherlands strives for a sustainable future, sharing unparalleled creative solutions in climate change adaption and other policies.

Dutch Bikes & Sustainable Transportation The NY400 biking program is a great incentive to promote Dutch bikes and Dutch biking cullture. The past few years New York City has embraced biking as the most sustainable, green and clean way of transportation. In the Netherlands, bikes have been a vital part of the Dutch cityscape for centuries. Earlier this year two hundred bright orange bikes were placed on a ship and took the same journey as Henry Hudson across the Atlantic Ocean. Since their arrival in New York, the bikes are used to encourage cycling as an environmentally friendly, safe and healthy way of transportation. The Netherlands, is often viewed as the bike capital of the world, being the only country in the world with more bikes than people.

Throughout the year the NY400 bikes have been used in several free NYC bike-sharing events such as Summer Streets & during the NY400 week. The bikes are being donated to the local nonprofit, Recycle-a-Bicycle for educational programming to encourage alternative transportation for kids and young adults in New York City.

On April 30th, Dutch Queen’s Day, 200 orange Batavus bikes make their official arrival in NYC in a very festive way, in attendance of Dutch Cabinet Minister Frans Timmermans. The bikes were part of a special NY400 Queens Day Bike Tour organized together with The Netherland Club and NLBorrels. (Photo

by Richard Koek)

Permanent Gift to the City of New York as a Lasting Token of Friendship As one of the major highlights of NY400 week, TRH Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima joined NYC Mayor Bloomberg for the unveiling of the New Amsterdam Pavilion, designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel. The structure is located at Peter Minuit Plaza at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan and is the Netherlands’ permanent gift to the City of New York for this year’s celebration.

“When it opens next spring, it will serve as an emblem of our long and strong ties to the Netherlands and as well as be a striking entryway for visitors to Lower Manhattan,” said Mayor Bloomberg in his speech, “It will mark the NY400 celebration and commemorate the Dutch ideas, commerce and culture that continue to enrich our City.”

The Plein & Pavilion will be a dramatic new public destination on the Harbor where more than 5 million people a year – including 70,000 daily commuters and 2 million annual tourists – will find an ‘outdoor living room’ and a ‘gleaming white, state-of-the-art pavilion,’ unique among the city’s many public spaces.

Warrie Price, President of the Battery Conservancy, said: “With the New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion, we are delighted to continue our mission of design excellence, privileged to expand our connection to the great tradition of Dutch design, and honored to bring to New Yorkers and guests from around the world the joy of nature, the pleasure in community and the value of great modern architecture.”

The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands joined NYC Mayor Bloomberg for the unveiling of the New Amsterdam Pavilion, designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel.

Harbor Day The NY400 week ended with a spectacular range of events on both land and water on this first-ever NYC Harbor Day. Harbor Day celebrates the revitalization of NewYork City’s harbor with free bike rides and free ferry services and Dutch themed activities at six high-profile waterfront sites. On Harbor Day, thousands of people watched the ‘Holland on the Hudson’ flotilla of Dutch and American ships sail pass the Statue of Liberty up the Hudson River.

The centerpiece of the Flotilla was the Replica of Henry Hudson’s ship The Half Moon. Both the Half Moon and the Onrust each gave a single gun-salute as they passed the Prince and Princess onboard the Dutch Navy Ship the HNLMS Tromp.

Harbor Day will become an annual event to signify the progress New York City has made in reclaiming its waterfront and opening harbor parks and greenways.

The bikes were part of a special NY400 Queens Day Bike Tour organized together with The Netherland Club and NLBorrels. Lasting Dutch Legacy in New York City and the US (Photo by Richard Koek)

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The Half Moon and the Onrust each gave a single gun-salute as they passed the Prince and Princess onboard the Dutch Navy Ship the HNLMS Tromp

NY400 is Just the Beginning of the Next 400 Years of Partnership Coinciding with this historic celebration the US Congress passed a concurrent resolution to mark 400 years of friendship with the Netherlands. The resolution serves to honor, commemorate and celebrate the historic ties of the United States and the Netherlands. The resolution not only stipulates its historic ties but also acknowledges the vital relationship between both nations today.

The NY400 year officially concluded in November on Dutch-American Heritage Day with another range of events.

“However, this NY400 celebration is just the beginning of the next 400 years of partnership. The Dutch will continue to invest and innovate in America, sharing their expertise in water management, the environment, creative industries and finance.

The United States & The Netherlands: Two Countries – One Spirit United by Values, History and a Vision of the Future,” according to coordinating Dutch Minister Frans Timmermans.

Sketch of The New Amsterdam Plein designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio.

NY400 is the result of an initiative by the Dutch Government in close co-operation with Dutch local and provincial authorities with New York City and New York State as well as with active participation of a great number of organizations from the private, culture and not-for-profit sector.

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The Netherlands and the United States

Four Hundred Years of Shared History and Values In 1609, the Dutch East India Company commissioned a vessel -- the “Halve Maen” to find a shorter trade route to the East Indies. This “short cut” by the “Halve Maen” led directly to the site of the Hudson River and some very fertile land. The Dutch seized upon the opportunity to establish the colony of New Netherland on the shores of the Hudson River. The heart of the colony was New Amsterdam – on the island of Mana Hatta now known as Manhattan.

From the very early stages, the colony of New Netherland was multiracial and multireligious founded on principles of freedom, democracy, open-mindedness and entrepreneurship.

The colony grew quickly due in part to an extensive fur trade with the Native Americans. In a short period of time, New Amsterdam developed into a major port for trade in the North Atlantic, where – unlike the Puritan British colonies - women could own property, Europeans could marry Africans, and over 16 languages were spoken. This Dutch progressive spirit of trade and entrepreneurship are legacies still found in New York, and throughout the United States.

The sprawling influence of that early colony, (unfortunately no longer called New Amsterdam) is still felt throughout the United States in the many towns which boasts Americans of Dutch decent; in the Dutch language (such as “Yankee” and dollar) incorporated into English; and the economic and cultural ties between our lands.

The ties that bind the United States and the Netherlands are longstanding, and unbroken. The Dutch declaration of independence, which was written to break from Spain’s rule in the late 1500’s, later inspired Thomas Jefferson when he wrote the US Declaration of Independence.

But several other historical events have cemented the foundation as well including the “First Salute” - which occurred on the island of St. Eustatius on November 16, 1776, when the Netherlands became the first country to officially acknowledge the American Flag.

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The Dutch financed the purchase of arms that General George Washington’s forces used to battle the British, and we smuggled weapons into the country which were used by the American rebels. Later, Thomas Jefferson asked Dutch bankers to finance the Louisiana Purchase and, of course, we agreed, sensing it would make a great business deal.

John Adams, the first US Ambassador to the Netherlands, predicted that the Netherlands and the United States would be drawn closely together because of the affinities in religion, morals, and political philosophy, but above all, by convergent commercial interests. And he was right.

Today, those commercial interests continue to cement our relations. Over the years, the Netherlands has ranked among the top foreign investors in the United States and the United States is the largest investor in the Netherlands. 850,000 American jobs are the result of our investment and trade relations.

The shared values between the Netherlands and the United States are highlighted this year with NY400, a year-long celebration of events in Amsterdam and New York City to mark four centuries of friendship. NY400 not only illustrates the common ties between our two nations, but reveals that the Dutch roots of American society are strong and deep.

The celebration featured a visit by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima; a performing arts festival; and a flotilla of Dutch ships led by a replica of the “Halve Maen,” along with traditional Dutch Navy ships.

New Yorkers and Amsterdammers swapped jobs and a shipment of Dutch bikes was donated to New York City to encourage bike riding. I invite you to read more about it in this issue of Diplomatic Connections and at www.NY400.org.

And while we celebrate the history of Dutch and American relations with NY400, we also take this time to look toward our promising future. The Netherlands and the United States are truly two countries united in spirit.

H.E. Renée Jones-Bos, Ambassador of The Netherlands to the United States

NEW YORK’S ICONIC JUMEIRAH ESSEX HOUSE New York’s Jumeirah Essex House, situated in an ideal location on Central Park South, is one of Manhattan’s Art Deco treasures of the 1930s. With beautifully appointed guestrooms, stunning views, and one of the most prestigious addresses in the world, it’s easy to see why the hotel frequently plays host to celebrities, visiting dignitaries, and heads of state.

The property, which recently completed a $90-million refurbishment, is part of the Dubai-based luxury international hospitality group, Jumeirah, and is regarded as a shining example of innovative and culturally vibrant design. In 2007, Katherine Gass, the Jumeirah Essex House’s curator, launched an art program known as “artists-in-residence” that celebrates Central Park’s magnificence through sponsored artworks.

Comfortable and elegant accommodations invoke the heyday of the “Golden Age of Travel” in the 1920s and 1930s. The 509 guestrooms and suites are intimate and airy, ranging from 300 square-feet to more than 750 square-feet for a Central Park Suite offering breathtaking views. The decor in all of the rooms reflects glamour and sophistication, while state-of-the-art technology assists both the leisure and business traveler. An innovative “electronic butler” system using LCD touch screens enable guests to control all aspects of their stay. Another technological innovation is the hotel’s “Rooms with a View” program, enabling guests to receive round-the-clock “real-time” views of both Central Park and the lights of Broadway on their televisions courtesy of live feeds transmitted from the hotel’s rooftop.

The Presidential Suite is remarkable not only for its design and amenities but also for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional service. The spacious 2-bedroom, 3 ½bathroom suite is designed in warm, muted tones. Bathrooms feature dark marble, rosewood, and Italian mosaics in various shades of blue, gray and gold. A master closet with cedar wood paneling, a security room with video surveillance of all the corridors, a kitchen featuring modern appliances and an express elevator directly to the 26th floor add to the suite’s distinctions.

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The hotel’s extraordinary display of unique artwork finds its fullest expression in the Presidential Suite, where curator Katherine Gass had created a collection of exceptional American paintings and photographs.

Continuing Jumeirah Essex House’s tradition of bringing the beauty of Central Park into the hotel through art, the works in the Presidential Suite reflect the superlative views of the Park from all of its many picture windows.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, South Gate, features a fresh, sleek interior which complements the Modern American dishes by Chef Kerry Heffernan. The menu and the extensive wine list are seasonally inspired, appealing to visitors and New Yorkers alike.

With more than 10,000 square-feet of conference and banquet space, the Jumeirah Essex House is ideal for any event. The 16 meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, are perfect for more intimate gatherings. The Petit and Grand Salons comfortably accommodate everything from large conferences to cocktail parties for 500.

Look no further than the Jumeirah Essex House for outstanding service. In addition to offering weary travelers a warm welcome upon arrival, the hotel provides all guests with a complimentary House Car Service, featuring Mercedes-Benz town cars available for use seven days a week. Complimentary bicycles are also on hand for guests wanting to bike ride through Central Park or around town.

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The hotel has a dedicated team of sales professionals positioning the hotel as a premier destination for high profile dignitaries and royal families.

The hotel’s Director of Sales, Marinette Dorkhom, is a pioneer in the hospitality industry.

Her multicultural background combined with her extensive sales experience has enabled her to develop a remarkable portfolio of high-profile international clients. She is an instrumental member of the Jumeirah Essex House team and she has successfully hand-picked and groomed a team of professionals to focus on ensuring that diplomatic guests and delegations enjoy a flawless and memorable experience at the Jumeirah Essex House.

The Jumeirah Essex House has recently won the coveted titles of United States’ Leading Business Hotel as well as North America’s Leading Business Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2009. For reservations or for more information, please call Marinette at 212-4845198 or email her at marinette.dorkhom@jumeirah.com, or visit us online at www.jumeirah.com.

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President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Closed the Fifth Annual Meeting of the

Clinton Global Initiative In New York City

“The success of our work is measured by one question: Are people better off than when we started?�

President William J. Clinton

New York – President Bill Clinton was joined by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in closing the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) that took place in New York City recently. It marked the fifth time global business, government and nonprofit leaders have come together to focus on taking action in the areas of economic empowerment, education, global health & energy and climate change. President Clinton welcomed President Barack Obama during the opening plenary session to kick off the four days of discussions led by Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Al Gore, Wangari Maathai, Paul Farmer, James Dimon, Lloyd C. Blankfein, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, among others.

By building partnerships among world leaders from a variety of backgrounds, CGI creates a unique opportunity to channel the capacities of individuals and organizations to realize change. To fulfill

In 2009, members made 284 commitments valued at $9.4 billion dollars.

1,700 commitments have been made since 2005 valued at more than $57 billion.

the action-oriented mission of CGI, all members devise practical solutions to global issues through the development of specific and measurable Commitments to Action. In his remarks, President Clinton announced that by the end of the meeting CGI members in 2009 had made 284 new commitments valued at more than $9.4 billion dollars. In total, these commitments are projected to improve more than 200 million lives on a Global Level.

Since 2005, members of the Clinton Global Initiative have made nearly 1,700 commitments valued at $57 billion dollars.

“I think we can say with some certainty that this model actually does work,” President Clinton said.

“People don’t have to have the same politics, the same religion or speak the same language to work together and to have an impact. We all have things to learn from each other. What we need is a shared mechanism to achieve common goals.”

BUSINESS GOVERNMENT NONPROFIT EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT

HEALTH ENERGY

CLIMATE CHANGE

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During the session, several new commitments were announced.

Among them: • Moody’s, in partnership with Kiva, is poised to dramatically increase the number of entrepreneurs benefiting from microloans. Using Moody’s financial support and expertise in risk analysis, and pro-bono credit ratings of Kiva’s 20 largest microfinance institution partners, Kiva will build on-the-ground teams to expand its capacity to connect with entrepreneurs, assess their creditworthiness and monitor progress toward loan repayment.

• PRODEL commits to develop a savings vehicle targeted at the very poor, which will help raise funds in order to scale up PRODEL’s microfinance lending, both in Nicaragua and throughout Central America.

PRODEL’s model of social and financial inclusion offers microloans to the poor for the improvement of housing, basic services and infrastructure.

President Clinton helped create a model for individual responsibility and collective action through the Clinton Global Initiative and it is a model that all of us are going to be studying for a very long time.”

Barack Obama, President, United States of America

The impact of 2009 commitments, once fully implemented, is expected to yield the following results:

While many commitments are made in advance of the Annual Meeting, some are inspired onsite. For example: • Member Mouhsine Serrar from Prakti Design Labs came in to the Annual Meeting to find partners for his commitment to distribute fuel efficient cookstoves in India. He has not only developed a new commitment around developing fuel efficient cookstoves in Haiti, a country that desperately needs new options for stopping deforestation; but, he has also found a wide range of implementing and funding partners – including E+Co, AIDG, the Sierra Club, among others – to make it possible.

• Another member, inspired by remarks by Dr. Wangari Mathaai, has anonymously committed to help Mathaai’s organization and to fund cataract surgeries for more than 300 individuals.

• While attending the action network on human trafficking and slavery, Jim Greenbaum realized that he could use his contacts and resources to make a difference. He committed to put the issue of ending child and slave labor on the map of the Young Presidents Organization and to work to get all YPO member companies to ensure that they and their supply chains are not utilizing child or slave labor.

Barack Obama, 44th President, United States of America

• 79 million people will generate sustainable income through self-employment or new job opportunities.

• $5.4 billion will be invested in or loaned to smalland medium-sized enterprises.

• 25.4 million people will have improved access to capital and financial services.

• 3.5 million small farmers will gain access to inputs, supports, and markets.

• 7 million women and girls will be reached through empowerment initiatives.

• 30 million children will gain access to education.

• 2 million girls will be reached through school enrollment efforts.

• 30 million metric tons of CO2 emissions will be cut • 7 million people will be reached with clean energy.

• 1.5 million people will be engaged in efforts to promote climate change solutions.

• 83 million people will have increased access to health services.

• 17 million people will have increased access to maternal-child health and survival programs.

• 4.7 million children will benefit from malnutrition interventions.

• 40 million people will receive treatment for neglected tropical diseases.

• $50 million will be raised to fund research and development of new vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics.

• 18 million people will have increased access to safe drinking water.

A complete list of commitments were made literally during the event and are included below.

Commitments Announced at the Fifth Annual Clinton Global Initiative Meeting for 2009: • The World Food Programme (WFP) Bringing together key global, regional and local private sector entities to undertake a five year project to radically reduce malnutrition in a minimum of two countries in Asia. WFP will undertake an analysis of the gaps and implement country specific solutions including new product development, increased fortified foods and improved processing technology and training.

• The Rockefeller Foundation Financially supporting the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN). GIIN is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the infrastructure, activities, education and research that will enable more effective impact investing around the world.

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The closing plenary highlighted progress achieved over the past five years, showcased the accomplishments of the 2009 Annual Meeting, and inspired attendees to continue their work via a keynote address from Hillary R. Clinton, United States Secretary of State

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Queen Rania of Jordan

SPEAKING AT CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE 2009

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Nicholas D. Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times; Co-Author, “Half the Sky” Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company

Nicholas D. Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times; Co-Author, “Half the Sky” and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Nicholas D. Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times; Co-Author, “Half the Sky” Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company Carlos Slim Helú, Chairman, Carlos Slim Foundation Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman, Carlson Kah Walla, Managing Director, STRATEGIES! Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor

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The Wednesday morning plenary session focused on “Investing In Girls and Women” and was moderated by Diane Sawyer. From left to right: Diane Sawyer, Co-anchor, “Good Morning America”; Co-anchor, “Primetime”- Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.; Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of State; Robert B. Zoellick, President, The World Bank Group; Zainab Salbi, Founder and CEO, Women for Women International; Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO, ExxonMobil; Edna Adan, Founder, Edna Adan Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Former First Lady of Somalia

• The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) Building a community of leading impact investors as the founding membership of the GIIN Investors’ Council. This commitment aims to build the infrastructure, activities, education and research that will enable more effective impact investing around the world, ultimately increasing the volume and effectiveness of capital deployed to solve previously intractable social and environmental problems.

• The Global Impact Investing Network and its partners Launching the Impact Reporting and Investment Standards, an initiative to measure and report on the performance of impact investments. This project will bring transparency and credibility to this industry, encouraging investment in effective solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.

• The Maternal Health Task Force at EngenderHealth, Ashoka and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Supporting 32 Young Champions who will be selected based on their novel approaches to reducing maternal death and disability.

The Young Champions will be linked to leading experts on the ground and will acquire experience propelling them to become leaders in their fields.

• One HEART and its partners Launching an innovative program that will provide supplies and skills training for maternal and neonatal health in remote and resource-poor communities in Nepal and Mexico. This program aims to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in indigenous and underserved populations that experience high rates of home deliveries and related mortalities.

Diane Sawyer, Co-anchor, “Good Morning America”; Co-anchor, “Primetime” Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

James Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co., speaks at the Friday morning plenary session entitled “Financing An Equitable Future.”

From left to right: Peter Sands, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered PLC; James Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Sheila Bair, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Fazle Abed, Founder and Chairman, BRAC; Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC

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At the Opening Plenary, Water.org co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White announce their CGI commitment to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to a minimum of 50,000 people in Haiti

• The Lwala Community Alliance Increasing health infrastructure and community maternal health education to save lives of infants and mothers in the catchment area of Lwala and its surrounding villages in Kenya. This commitment will provide public health outreach and clinic-based safe motherhood services before, during, and after delivery by women of reproductive age.

• The Pakistan National Forum on Women’s Health Launching a program to train 30 nursing and midwifery tutors from across Pakistan in Karachi who will then return to their provinces, teaching at local nursing midwifery schools. The project’s goal is to train a workforce of nurses who will tackle the issue of needless maternal deaths in the country.

• Jhpiego Introducing breakthrough methods to combat eclampsia, the second leading cause of maternal mortality, through simple, high-impact, and cost effective strategies and tools. Through a three-tiered approach consisting of prevention, detection, and treatment, this commitment will prevent the needless death of mothers and its devastating effect on families in 11 Asian and African countries.

• American India Foundation (AIF) Improving maternal and newborn survival in Seraikela Kharsawan, one of India’s poorest districts. AIF support will allow for increased institutional delivery or skilled birth attendance in public and private

health facilities, and improved community-based newborn care. The project will directly benefit 17,500 women and 6,400 children under the age of two.

• Moody’s in partnership with Kiva Increasing the number of entrepreneurs benefiting from microloans. Using Moody’s financial support and expertise in risk analysis, and pro-bono credit ratings of Kiva’s 20 largest microfinance institution partners, Kiva will build on-the-ground teams to expand its capacity to connect with entrepreneurs, assess their creditworthiness and monitor progress toward loan repayment.

• Impact Capital Partners Catalyzing the affordable housing sector in India through investments in construction and microfinance that will lead to the building of 50,000 affordable, sustainable homes in India at less than $20,000 a home. This project will create access to finance through micro-mortgages for the working poor of India currently residing in slums.

• UN-HABITAT Financially supporting the Affordable Mortgage and Loan Corporation in its efforts to reduce the serious housing shortage in the Palestinian Territories. This project will lead to the construction of 30,000 affordable housing units in the West Bank for low to middle income Palestinians who currently cannot afford housing and have no access to formal mortgage finance.

Continued on page 42

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Al Gore speaks at the Wednesday afternoon plenary session entitled “Harnessing Innovation For Development.” From left to right: Matthew Bishop, New York Bureau Chief and American Business Editor, The Economist; Al Gore, Chairman, The Alliance for Climate Protection; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director, The World Bank Group; Jack Ma, Chairman and CEO, Alibaba Group; Judith Rodin, President, The Rockefeller Foundation; Muhammad Yunus, Founder and Managing Director, Grameen Bank

• PRODEL Developing a savings vehicle targeted at the very poor, which will help raise funds in order to scale up PRODEL’s microfinance lending, both in Nicaragua and throughout Central America. PRODEL’s model of social and financial inclusion offers microloans to the poor for the improvement of housing, basic services, and infrastructure.

• Ashoka Arab World, through Housing For All (HFA) Revolutionizing the Egyptian housing industry and transform the affordable housing market for families living in unsafe and illegal slum conditions. HFA will leverage the strengths of the private sector, Citizen Sector Organizations, universities, and low-income populations, using market-based strategies to provide affordable and environmentally sustainable housing for 18,000 families.

• Mercy Corps and its partners Piloting a permanent, sustainable system that will promote local community stewardship of natural resources in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through financial incentives, this model will motivate communities living in threatened habitats to implement envi-

ronmentally sustainable household activities that include using fuel-efficient stoves, planting renewable woodlots, and producing reduced emission briquettes.

• DonorsChoose.org Encouraging 5,000 citizen philanthropists and institutional stakeholders, through its online platform, to provide educational resources and supplies to create a more robust academic experience for 150,000 students in nearly 6,000 classrooms, in underserved, rural schools in the U.S. • Qifang Launching a scalable model to help young girls from Shaanxi, China attain their college dreams and become community leaders. Qifang will leverage its social lending and web platform to finance the college education of qualified female students. Participants will receive life-long mentorship. Those who return to their communities two years after graduation will also benefit from debt relief.

• The Center for Financial Services Innovation Forming a for-profit, market-rate venture capital firm, Core Innovation Capital, which will invest in the most progressive, highly-scalable financial technology companies. This commitment will

Gwen Ifill, Moderator & Managing Editor, Washington Week with Gwen Ifill & National Journal

Wesley Clark, Former United States Army General; Chairman & CEO, Wesley K. Clark and Associates, LLC 42

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A special session about CEO’s transitioning to NGOs included: Eli Broad, Founder, The Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation Ted Turner, Chairman, Turner Enterprises, Inc. Bob Wright, Co-Founder, Autism Speaks; Senior Advisor, Lee Equity Partners

Bob Wright, Eli Broad and Ted Turner

Muhammad Yunus, Founder and Managing Director of Grameen Bank, announces “Saudi Arabia’s Commitment To End Polio” and awards the commitment makers with their commitment certificate

create excellent, market-rate financial returns, and create billions of dollars in cost savings and asset building opportunities for millions of underbanked households in the U.S. • Naya Jeevan Providing access to an affordable, high-quality micro-insurance program for 100,000 low-income families in Pakistan and India. As part of a comprehensive approach, this also includes providing primary and preventative healthcare education, as well as workshops on sanitation and relevant skill development training, to low-income families.

• The HealthStore Foundation, with its partners Expanding their Child and Family Wellness Clinics (CFW) funded by social venture capital equity investments in Kenya and Rwanda, and launching a CFW network in Ghana to provide high-quality drugs and basic health care to underserved communities.

• Freedom from Hunger will extend its Microfinance and Health Protection Initiative Building a consortium of practitioners, researchers, donors, and advocates to demonstrate that microfinance service providers can – and will – offer their

clients health protection options. Five hundred or more microfinance service providers will offer health protection options to at least 2.5 million very poor clients in the developing world by 2014.

• Right To Play International, ExxonMobil, and Wasserman Media Group Joining the United Against Malaria partnership, using the World Cup 2010 in South Africa to dramatically accelerate progress against malaria. Through this commitment, high-profile individuals and organizations will use football, the world’s most popular sport, to raise global awareness and renew worldwide commitment to prioritize and end malaria.

• PATH and its partners Improving the health of more than 800,000 schoolchildren in India by expanding their Ultra Rice meal fortification program. Increased demand for Ultra Rice and expected economies of scale will make the incremental cost of rice fortification more affordable to governments, better enabling them to improve the health of millions of malnourished schoolchildren.

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His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, was presented the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his Commitment to Leadership in Public Service

Middle and below: Usher Raymond IV, Founder/Chairman of Usher’s New Look, committed at CGI to establish Powered by Service, a global initiative to engage hundreds of thousands of young people in service opportunities around the world.

Inset: Quincy Jones and Usher

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• Growing Power Strengthening food security for school children and their care givers in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Growing Power will build a new model of local food systems to ensure adequate nutrition in the short-term and build a longterm foundation for competitive African human capital in the global market place.

• Mantria Corporation Helping mitigate global warming through the use of its Carbon Fields site, where Mantria will perform trials on their product BioChar, a carbon-negative charcoal, to prove how this product can sequester carbon dioxide, improve soil quality when buried and reduce emissions in developing countries.

• AgroFrontera and Tres Ríos Agricultural Cooperative, with their partners Working with 450 smallholder farmers and food companies to design and implement innovative food value chains that will improve capacity of smallholder farmer organizations in the impoverished northwest region of Dominican Republic to supply high quality food products to local, national, and international markets.

• General Mills, PEPFAR, and USAID’s Partnership for Food Security Linking the technical and business expertise of General Mills experts with up to 200 small and medium-sized mills and food processors in sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of improving the overall commercial viability of these enterprises and enhancing food production of nutritious food products for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

• Pegasus Sustainable Century Bringing capital, financial, operating, and policy expertise to middle-market growth businesses in the U.S. Through this commitment, these businesses will have the potential to transform a significant segment of industry with more efficient, sustainable solutions with sustainability benefits including pollution reduction, improved energy efficiency, and reduced resource use.

• Green For All and Living Cities Forming the Urban Opportunity Retrofit Fund, a new social investment fund that finances innovative efforts to retrofit homes, businesses, and community facilities to achieve greater energy efficiency and other environmental benefits while creating jobs and cutting costs for low-income communities.

• CMEA Capital Investing new capital in clean technology and new energy initiatives in companies whose technology combines scientific breakthroughs from a variety of disciplines.

This commitment extends CMEA’s history of investing in technology entrepreneurs and innovators, with a particular focus on those opportunities and innovations that translate environmental challenges into significant global economic value.

Quincy Jones Founder, Quincy Jones Foundation, was presented the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his Commitment to Leadership in Philanthropy

President Paul Kagame, Quincy Jones, and Asha Hagi Elmi Amin, Chairperson, Save Somali Women and Children, who was presented the Clinton Global Citizen Award for her Commitment to Leadership in Civil Society

Ben Stiller, Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 Clinton Global Citizen Awards

Bono, Lead Singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE and (RED), President Bill Clinton and Jessica Alba, Actress and Honorary Co-Chair of 1GOAL: Education for All

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About the Clinton Global Initiative

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) brings together a community of global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI Annual Meetings have brought together more than 100 current and former heads of state, 10 of the last 16 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the most effective nongovernmental organizations.

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), CDC Foundation, Grupo ABC, the Nduna Foundation, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNIFEM and the World Health Organization Developing a global initiative to address the human injustices of sexual violence against girls. Through surveillance methodology, policy and social interventions, and a media campaign, the commitment aims to achieve sustained positive change in the treatment of girls.

Juanes, Founder, Mi Sangre Foundation and Co-Founder, Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace without Borders), performs at the 2009 Clinton Global Citizen Awards

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Demi Moore, Co-Founder, The Demi and Ashton Foundation, presents the Clinton Global Citizen Award for Commitment to Leadership in Civil Society to Ruchira Gupta, President, Apne Aap Women Worldwide

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C L I N T O N

G L O B A L

I N I T I AT I V E

Brad Pitt and Cherokee Build Homes in New Orleans

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m a k e i t r i g h t f o u n d at i o n

B

rad Pitt came to the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in 2007 prepared to take action to help rebuild New Orleans. He pledged $5 million toward constructing homes in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina. This CGI Commitment to Action launched one of the first projects of Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation, an organization devoted to catalyzing sustainable development in collaboration with the local New Orleans community.

To implement this commitment, Make It Right (MIR) partnered with the Cherokee Gives Back Foundation to build 150 safe and healthy homes that emphasize high quality design, while preserving the spirit of the community. Cherokee provides accounting and information technology services, environmental and sustainability consultation, and other services to support the day-to-day operations of the project.

This year, Pitt returned to the CGI Annual Meeting to report on the progress of their commitment. To date, the first 13 houses - built by 1,500 local contractors - have been completed and formerly displaced families are already calling them “home.”

The construction of these Make It Right homes has proven that energy-efficient housing can be affordable: “By this time next year, when we put the lid on our 150th house, that house will be built for the same price as any substandard house that’s being built in New Orleans, if not cheaper,” said Pitt.

Make no mistake: the homes Pitt is building are far from substandard. The building materials are setting new standards for strength and sustainability, and the design is helping to improve the appearance of the damaged neighborhood. Make It Right homeowner Dierdra Taylor swells with pride when she describes her home: “I have my own balcony...I actually have a spiral staircase that goes up to my office.” These energy-efficient A special session on Thursday afternoon focused on the progress of the “Make It Right” CGI Commitment in New Orleans.

From left to right: Melody C. Barnes, Assistant to the President and Director, White House Domestic Policy Council; William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President, United States of America; Founding Chairman, Clinton Global Initiative; Brad Pitt, Founder, Make It Right; Deidra Taylor, Make It Right Homeowner; Hospice Worker; Tom Darden, Executive Director, Make It Right

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Richard Fedrizzi (second from right), the President of the US Green Building Council, presents the LEED Platinum designation to the Make It Right Foundation, Brad Pitt (left) and Tom Darden (far right)

MIR houses have also received LEED Platinum designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The cost savings realized in the building stage are being passed on directly to the families. Families are saving up to 30 percent on their energy bills; the average energy bill is $35 a month. With the money she is saving on her home, Taylor is able to send her daughter to dance classes and her son to karate lessons. Tailor says: “I skip to the computer when I pay my light bill online.”

Pitt strongly believes that the combination of sustainability and affordability can serve as a model for builders and communities worldwide. Pitt explains: “I don’t know how we build any other way, anywhere else. We can no longer tell ourselves that implementing this technology is too complex of a problem because it’s just been proven in this little spot on the map in 52

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the world. What the team has done here is not so exceptional.

All we did was put the right people together and answer the problems as they came along. Now the Ninth Ward, this place that has suffered a horrendous tragedy and decades of neglect, is the premier template for how we build our communities in the future.”

Through this CGI commitment, Brad Pitt, the Make It Right Foundation, and its partners have shown how to rebuild not just houses, but a community.

ROGERCHRISTOPHER I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

ro g e rc h r i s t o p h e r. c o m | 7 0 3 . 5 2 8 . 1 3 9 7

COMPLETE DESIGN SERVICES I N T E R N AT I O N A L & D O M E S T I C

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spotlight

HEROES oN

With this edition, DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS is pleased to initiate a new feature which will highlight events held to raise awareness for organizations performing exceptional services.

Our introductory article is about Nyumbani in Kenya, which cares for families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Left to right: Senator Bob Corker, Tennessee; Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia; Sister Mary Owens, Executive Director, Nyumbani; Professor Dominic Makawiti, President of Nyumbani’s Kenyan Board and Senator Russ Feingold, Wisconsin

nyumbani

AFRICA K E N YA

AT US CAPITOL

Since the election of Barak Obama as 44th President of the United States, much has been written about the ties between the U.S. and Kenya, his father’s native country. One organization in particular, known as Nyumbani (which means ‘home’ in Swahili), has been building relationships between both countries for almost two decades. Founded in 1992 by the late Angelo D’Agostino, SJ, MD, Nyumbani has evolved from a hospice for orphaned children afflicted with the AIDS virus, to a home where children now thrive and grow to adulthood. It’s an outreach program assisting over 3,000 Kenyan families living in some of the most challenging conditions in Africa; and a self-sustaining village which is being constructed in the Eastern Province of Kitui to create “families” of adults who have lost their offspring to AIDS and children whose parents have died from the disease.

During his lifetime, “Fr. D’Ag,” as he was known to friends throughout the world, mobilized an army of supporters in the U.S. to assist in his mission. Recently, his successor, Sr. Mary Owens, Nyumbani’s Executive Director and Dr. Dominic Makawiti, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University and President of Nyumbani’s Kenyan Board, traveled to Washington to join friends from all over the country to celebrate the special relationship which Fr. D’Ag had established.

On September 22, Senators, Congressmen, and members of their staffs gathered with scores of Friends of Nyumbani for a reception in the US Capitol welcoming Sr. Mary and Professor Makawiti to the United States.

Among those in attendance were longtime friends of Fr. D’Agostino’s, such as Vermont’s Senator Patrick Leahy, who has called the priest as “a living saint,” and Washington State Congressman James McDermott, as well as recent visitors to Nyumbani including Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee and Georgia’s Johnny Isakson. Also on hand was a very special visitor from Nyumbani, Andrew Mungai, a 14 year old who received a cochlear implant to restore his hearing two years ago and had returned to the US for a check-up.

A few nights later, U. S. supporters sponsored their 16th Annual Dinner and Auction for Nyumbani, whose theme, appropriately, was “The U.S. and Kenya-- United in Purpose and Hope.” The event honored Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and InD i p l o m a t i c c o n n e c t i o n s B U SINE s S Q U A R TE R LY | a u t u m n 2 0 0 9

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Left to right: Congressman John Conyers, Michigan – Sister Mary Owens Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Maryland

fectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, another longtime D’Agostino friend -- whose wedding ceremony was performed by the Jesuit, for his pioneering research into the HIV/AIDS virus, which has benefitted the children of Nyumbani, as well as millions of others throughout the world. Professor Makawiti was recognized for his leadership of Nyumbani’s Kenyan organization. Special recognition also was given to the PEPFAR program which provides medicines to the Nyumbani programs and to PhRMA and US drug manufacturers who participate in the PEPFAR program. Kathleen Matthews, Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, noted that she and husband Chris have been involved with Nyumbani since the first benefit, and that their children have volunteered there. Congressman Christopher Van Hollen, whose son Nicholas volunteered in Kenya just last summer, spoke movingly of his son’s experience and of the importance of the United States staying involved in the global fight against AIDS. 58

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nyumbani

AT US CAPITOL

Left to right: Houston Ernst, Legislative Assistant to Senator Isakson--Andrew Mungai, Congressman Jim McDermott

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nyumbani

AT US CAPITOL

Left to right: Senator Patrick Leahy, Vermont -- Congressman Jim McDermott, Washington State--Sister Mary Owens--Professor Dominic Makawiti

Left to right: Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin; John Noel, Chairman & CEO of the Noel Group and Nyumbani US Board Member Benjamin Palumbo

Kathleen Matthews and Congressman Christopher Van Hollen

Dr. Anthony Fauci of NIH, who was honored at the dinner and his wife Dr. Christine Grady 60

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GLOBAL Polio I n i t i a t i v e

H.E. Jean Paul Senninger, Ambassador of Luxembourg to the U.S.; H.E. Regina Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the U.S.; Stephen Strickland, Senior Advisor, United Nations Foundation; H.E. Wegger Christian Strommen, Ambassador of Norway to the U.S. and H.E. Joao De Vallera, Ambassador of Portugal to the U.S.

Today, five million people are walking who

Ambassador Strommen and Bill Corr, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

would otherwise be paralyzed

By Negin Janati

and the world

United Nations Foundation

is almost

On November 3, 2009, H.E. Wegger Christian Strommen, Ambassador of Norway to the United States, hosted a reception, in tandem with the United Nations Foundation, at his Washington, D.C. residence, to celebrate this tremendous achievement and to salute those responsible for its resource development. More than 40 countries support the efforts to end polio; Norway was one of the first nations to pledge its commitment, and stands out among them as one of the most dependable and generous donors.

At the event, Norwegian soprano Sissel Bakken performed Grieg songs for the guests as they enjoyed traditional fare. H.E. Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan; H.E. Jean Paul Senninger, Ambassador of Luxembourg; H. E. Joao De Vallera, Ambassador of Portugal and H.E. Regina Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Netherlands were joined by the Honorable Bill Corr, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Representatives of the embassies of Spain, Austria and Luxembourg – whose governments also lend strong support to polio eradication – visited with partners of the Global Initiative’s Polio Advocacy Group, including members of the United Nations Foundation, World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative formed, 20 years ago, the annual number of new cases of polio has plummeted from 350,000 in 100 countries to around 1,660 cases mainly confined to four countries – Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Intensive immunization campaigns in the affected countries, using Dr. Albert Sabin’s oral polio vaccine, could lead to the complete elimination of the disease. The remarkable progress thus far, and the momentum carried into this final stretch, is due in great part to the unwavering commitment from Norway and many other donors, for which the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as expressed by Ambassador Strommen, is genuinely grateful.

polio-free.

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Henrik Linders, CAO -The World Bank and Jesse Bisogni

Counselor Lorenzo Ravano, Embassy of Monaco (left) and Deputy Chief of Mission Nicolas Mackel, Embassy of Luxembourg (far right)

Chris Bratz, Meta Engineers; Amy DiElsi, United Nations Foundation and Negin Janati, United Nations Foundation

United Nations Foundation Negin Janati works with the United Nations Foundation, a public charity, created in 1998 with Ted Turner’s $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. The UN Foundation is an advocate for the UN and a platform for connecting people, ideas and resources to help the United Nations solve global problems. It helps the UN take its work and ideas to scale—through advocacy, partnerships, constituency building and fund-raising.

Elin Kylvag, Personal Assistant to Norwegian Ambassador Strommen and Dawn Parker, Diplomatic Connections

Grand Staircase at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence

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Look past the monuments and the museums and you’ll find one of the nation’s top hospitals.

Located just three miles from the nation’s capitol is another national treasure — Washington Hospital Center. With 1,600 dedicated physicians, the Hospital Center is a leader in the research, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disease, cancer, endocrine disorders, kidney disease, and geriatric and respiratory care. All this plus convenient services like valet parking make a trip into the city well worth your while.

For an appointment with an experienced specialist, call our International Services office at (202) 877-2102.

www.WHCenter.org

THE VELVET

REVOLUTION

JOURNEY TO FREEDOM, democracy & prosperity

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a i k a v o l s o h Czec November 1989 - 2009

Hviezdoslavovo square, Bratislava. One of the first Velvet Revolution rallies with thousands of participants (21 November 1989) Photo: Pavel Neubauer

The communist regime in Czechoslovakia found itself in crisis in the late 1980s when other Soviet bloc countries also succumbed to competition from the western democratic system.

Public contempt for failing system and the influence of Soviet Perestroika created conditions for fundamental changes that were triggered by the fall of the Berlin Wall at the time. The transformation of the social system also arose as a result of the communist regime’s suppression of the events of 1968 in Czechoslovakia through twenty years of so called “normalization” policy, under which citizens have been deprived of their very basic rights and freedoms. Therefore November 17th, 1989 stands for a unique historical milestone in Czechoslovakia’s and subsequently Slovakia’s history. The Velvet Revolution in then Czechoslovakia started the journey of the Slovak and Czech nations towards freedom, democracy, and prosperity. It brought Czechoslovakia back to its traditional values, which were established by Masaryk and Stefanik, back to a place in Europe it truly deserved. Finally it paved the way for an independent Slovakia, which is a member of NATO and the European Union.

Back in November 1989 in the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, the so called Gentle Revolution (“Nežná revolúcia”) began when on Thursday, November 16 on the eve of International Students Day, Slovak university and high school students participated in a peaceful demonstration in the old city center. This is believed by many Slovaks to be a point that gave birth to later events of a much grander scale in the country. Though official media ignored the event, Slovaks learned of it through word of mouth and reports picked up from Austrian media. A similar protest of a larger group of Czech students and young people gathered in Prague on the next day, November 17, 1989. Their peaceful march was brutally suppressed by the police and security forces. Powerful images of young people beaten by police sent an immediate

D i p lD oim i ca c no ec s S QsUSA Q R TE A U |T U MN 2 0 0 9 p laot m t iocn c n tnieocntsi oBnUsSINE B U SINE U ARRLY TE R| LY F ALL

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Students of Bratislava universities met in the hall of Comenius University to display their support for the movement of the Prague university students (21 November 1989) Photo: Pavel Neubauer

shock wave through the country and ignited an unprecedented solidarity. The squares of all major cities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia were soon filled with tens of thousands of people demanding change, respect for basic human and civic rights and freedoms, the removal of the leading role of Czechoslovak Communist Party from the constitution, the end of ideological control of education and culture, equality in law of all forms of ownership, the establishment of the rule of law, and a real democratic federation.

On November 19, a group of few hundred Slovaks gathered to create Public against Violence (VPN), which would partner with the Czech dissident group, Civic Forum (OF), to help bring down the Communist government. Meanwhile, demonstrations erupted in towns throughout Czechoslovakia. Alexander Dubček joined Václav Havel, who had only been released from prison in May, at a mass demonstration in Prague. The night of November 24, the presidium of the Czechoslovak Communist Party resigned. The government - broadly defied, discredited, and lacking support of its citizens and also from the Soviet Union - had no choice but to dissolve soon after. As Timothy Garton Ash, professor at the Oxford University notes: “In Poland, the transition lasted ten years, in Hungary

The end of the iron curtain – disassembling the barbed wire border between Czechoslovakia and Austria (December 1989) Photo: Vladimír Benko

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The world opera singer Peter Dvorsk_ a tone of the rallies in Bratislava (25 November 1989) Photo: Ivan Rychlo

ten months and in Czechoslovakia ten days. By December 29, Václav Havel had been elected president and Alexander Dubček, the iconic face of the reformist movement in 1968, became the Chairman of the Czechoslovak Federal Assembly.

Following these events, the story of modern Czechoslovakia, later the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic (ČSFR) and after January 1993 of two independent nations - the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic - began.

It has been 20 years since the fall of Iron Curtain in Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia nowadays is a modern, democratic and prosperous country fully integrated into trans-Atlantic and European political and security structures. The story of Slovakia is a story of success. It is also important to reiterate the gratitude of the people of Slovakia for the firm support and valuable assistance of the United States on our journey.

Imagine that in just twenty years the United States and Slovakia have gone from standing on the opposite sides of the Cold

War barricade to being the closest partners and allies in NATO, the United Nations and other international organizations. Our soldiers are fighting side by side with their American partners in Afghanistan; we are working closely in the Balkans and other parts of the world on bringing security, stability and prosperity to other nations.

Today new generations have difficulty imagining that there was time in our recent history, when people were not able to visit neighboring Austria, or see their relatives in the United States, that people were prosecuted for their views or beliefs or simply for meeting friends or fellow scientists from Western countries. Now Slovakia is part of the Schengen Treaty as well as the Euro zone. Citizens can enjoy free movement throughout Europe without passports and they can choose where to work and/or live. Moreover, symbolically in November last year, Slovakia was included into the Visa Waiver Program, enabling our citizens a visa free travel to the United States.

Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, The Honorable Robert Fico - H.E. Miroslav Lajcak, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and H.E. Peter Burian, Slovak Ambassador to the U.S. hosted a Gala Dinner Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution Dr. Miroslav Lajcák was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia on January 26, 2009.

Dr. Lajcák is a law graduate from the

Dr. Miroslav Lajcak Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia and his wife, Jarmila Lajcakova Hargasova

Yugoslavia (later Serbia and Montenegro), Albania and the Republic of Macedonia.

On 16 December 2007, he received the Person of the Year award from one of the

Comenius University in Bratislava. He

largest Bosnian dailies “Nezavisne novine.”

holds a Ph.D. in international relations from

Shortly thereafter, on 28 December, he was

the State Institute of International Rela-

awarded the same title by another Bosnian

tions in Moscow and is also a graduate of

daily “Dnevni Avaz.” Dr. Lajcák also served

the George C. Marshall European Center

as the personal representative of the EU

for Security Studies in Garmisch-Parten-

High Representative for CFSP to facilitate

kirchen, Germany.

the Montenegrin dialogue.

He joined the Czechoslovak Foreign

Prior to assuming his current position,

Ministry in 1988 and from 1991 to 1993 Dr.

Dr. Lajcák served as the High Representa-

Lajcák was posted to the Czechoslovak

tive of the International Community, the EU

and subsequently the Slovak embassy in

Special Representative for Bosnia and Her-

Moscow. He also served as the Director

zegovina and Director General for Political

of the Cabinet of Slovakia’s then Prime

Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister, Jozef Moravaík.

Dr. Lajcák, having studied and lived in

Dr. Lajcák was Slovakia’s Ambas-

Moscow and spent many years focused

sador to Japan between 1994 and 1998

on the Balkan region, is fluent in English,

and then spent the first four years of the

German, Russian, Serbian, Croatian and

new millennium in Belgrade as Slovakia’s

Bulgarian.

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Minister Lajcak presented the “Slovakia Medal of Honor” to Congressman Sestak and Congressman Mica (page 72) H.E. Dr. Miroslav Lajcak, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic (right); Congressman Joe Sestak, Pennsylvania (center) and H.E. Peter Burian, Slovak Ambassador to the United States (left)

Congressman JOE SESTAK Joe Sestak is serving his second term as the Representative from Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, which includes most of Delaware County and parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties.

Rep. Sestak’s father came to the U.S. from the former Czechoslovakia as a young boy making him a second generation Slovak-American. Born and raised in Delaware County, he spent 31 years serving in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of three-star Admiral.

The Congressman brings to Congress the same dedication and commitment with which he served in the Navy. As a member of Congress, Rep. Sestak is working to strengthen national security - national security that begins with the health, education and economic promise of the people, as well as U.S. defense security. His primary focus is on fixing problems and moving the country forward – not on governing from left or on the right.

During his distinguished career in the Navy, he led a series of operational commands, culminating in the command of the George 70

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Washington aircraft carrier battle group, which consisted of 30 U.S. and allied ships, 15,000 sailors, and close to 100 aircraft. Under Joe’s watch, the George Washington battle group conducted combat operations in Afghanistan and precursor operations to the war in Iraq.

Congressman Sestak also served in President Clinton’s White House as the Director for Defense Policy on the National Security Council. After 9/11, he was selected to serve as the first Director of “Deep Blue,” the Navy’s anti-terrorism unit where he worked to establish new strategies for the Navy to fight the Global War on Terror.

After graduating from Cardinal O’Hara High School, Rep. Sestak followed in the footsteps of his father, a Navy captain who served in World War II, and attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated second in his class. He also holds a MPA, and a PhD in Political Economy and Government, from Harvard University.

Rep. Sestak has one brother and six sisters. He and his wife, Susan, have a daughter, Alexandra.

H.E. Dr. Miroslav Lajcak, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic; his wife, Jarmila Lajcakova Hargasova; Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina and H.E. Peter Burian, Slovak Ambassador to the United States

Congressman Joe Wilson From his involvement as a Teenage Republican at the High School of Charleston in 1962 to his current work in Congress, Congressman Joe Wilson has led a life dedicated to public service.

Addison (Joe) Graves Wilson was born on July 31, 1947, in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating from the High School of Charleston, he received his undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and completed his law degree at the University of South Carolina. A real estate attorney by trade, Joe was a founding partner of the West Columbia law firm Kirkland, Wilson, Moore, Taylor & Thomas.

His career in public service officially began when he served on the staffs of South Carolina legends Senator Strom Thurmond and Congressman Floyd Spence. As part of the visionary Ronald Reagan administration, Joe was Deputy General Counsel to the United States Department of Energy Secretary and former South Carolina Governor, Jim Edwards.

Throughout his life, Joe has also had a tremendous passion to serve his country as a member of the United States Armed Forces.

After serving in the United States Army Reserves from 1972-1975, he also served in the South Carolina Army National Guard. In the summer of 2003, Joe retired as a Colonel, having served as a Staff Judge Advocate assigned to the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. At the time, he was the only active Guard member serving in Congress.

Before being elected to the United States Congress in 2001, Joe served seventeen years, with perfect attendance, in the South Carolina State Senate where he was elected Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, the first Republican Chairman since Reconstruction.

Today, Joe serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he serves as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel - the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He was appointed by the Republican Leader to the highly influential Republican Policy Committee and works as an Assistant Republican Whip. He is Co-Chair of the Bulgaria Caucus, the Afghanistan Caucus, the Kurdistan Caucus, the Americans Abroad Caucus and the Victory in Iraq Caucus.

Under Secretary Otero speaking with Minister Lajcak and his wife

Frederick Frank; Scott Thayer; the Honorable Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State for Democacy and Global Affairs and Nena Thayer

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Congressman John L. Mica, Mrs. Mica and H.E. Peter Burian, Slovak Ambassador to the United States Congressman Mica is currently serving his ninth term representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District, which stretches from the suburbs of Orlando to Jacksonville. The Congressman’s grandfather was born in what was to become Czechoslovakia.

A century ago he and his family came to the United States and settled in Binghamton, New York.

In the 111th Congress, Rep. Mica was selected by his peers in the House of Representatives to serve a second term as the Republican Leader of the largest committee in Congress: the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. During his tenure as Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, Mica is credited with bringing America’s devastated aviation industry back from the brink of disaster after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He has also served as the Chairman of the Criminal Justice and Drug Policy Subcommittee and is a senior Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Since coming to Congress, Representative Mica has been actively involved in the Slovak-American community in numerous ways and has sought to assist the Slovak Republic in its transition to democracy. He has been the recipient of several of the highest awards presented by the Slovak Republic. Additionally, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award and has been the recipient of three honorary doctorate degrees. Mica, who received an Honorary Knighting by former President Rudolf Schuster in Kosice, Slovakia, was named “Slovak Man of the Year” in 1996. In 1999, The Slovak-American Cultural Center presented Mr. Mica with the General Milan R. Stefanik Award, given to distinguished individuals who in a significant way have contributed to the advancement of public knowledge about the Slovak nation and the Slovak cause. Congressman Mica remains committed to strengthening the bonds between the United States, Slovak and Czech Republics.

Mica is a graduate of the University of Florida, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins. His brother Daniel A. Mica is a former Member of Congress who represented South Florida from 1978-1988. Mr. Mica and his wife Pat have resided in central Florida since their marriage 36 years ago, and they have two adult children.

©Mojmir Janco

Mr. Martin Kaco, Embassy of the Slovak Republic speaking with Dawn Parker and Paula Morrison, Diplomatic Connections

Emil Matejka; Martina Cullen; Peter Kocis; Terezia Sajgalikova; Lea Fedorova; Maria Vidova; Ruzenka Jancova; Mojmir Janco and Don Senaratne - all with the Embassy of the Slovak Republic

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v o l s o h c cze President Klaus visits

Nation’s capitol

President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus along with almost 700 distinguished guests celebrated the Czech National Day and the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC on November 4, 2009.

The Velvet Revolution restored democracy and brought about the rebirth of freedom for the Czech people. Today, the Czech Republic is a true success story- a full-fledged democracy with respect for the rule of law, as well as a reliable partner and ally to those who share the same values and principles.

President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus and H.E. Petr Kolar, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States

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vakia Former Attorney General John David Ashcroft and Mrs. Janet Ascroft with President Klaus

Mrs. Krista Inochovsky and Hon. Roman Inochovsky, Ph.D., Honorary Consul, Czech Republic

Colonel Sergey Yakushev, Embassy of Russia with President Klaus

Left to right: Naris Ahimbisibwe, U.S. Department of State, Office of Protocol; Sherman O. Wright, U.S. Department of State, Office of Protocol; H.E. Mark Miceli, Ambassador of Malta to the U.S.; Victor S. Flores, U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions and Dr. Akec K.A. Khoc, Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan to the U.S.

Left To right: U.S. shadow Senator for DC Paul Strauss, Senior Press Officer at the National Education Association; Staci Maiers, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Embassy of the Czech Republic; Andrea Pohl, Public Relations and Communication Officer, Embassy of the Czech Republic and Attorney (Partner) at Winston & Strawn, LLP, William Hall

Neil O’Reilly, Deputy Press Adviser, British Embassy with his fiancee, DeAnna Fernandez D i p l o m a t i c c o n n e c t i o n s B U SINE s S Q U A R TE R LY | A U T U MN 2 0 0 9

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Left to right: Matthew J. Bryza, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs; Tomas Pojar, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Ivona Hola, Political Officer for European and Eurasian Affairs, Embassy of the Czech Republic; John Rood, former Under Secretary of State (designate) for International Security and Minister-Counsellor Daniel Kostoval, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Czech Republic

Left to right: Borko Handjiski, Country Economist, The World Bank; Davor Kunc; Emilija Minova; Ayham Kamel and Can Kevenk, The World Bank

H.E. John E. Beale, Ambassador of Barbados to the United States and his wife, Lela

CPT Joseph Hess, US Army and Danielle Hess Mr. Olexandr ALEKSANDROVYCH, Embassy of Ukraine and Laura Kushner, American University

Major Robert K. Carlson, USAF, Mrs. Kim Winston and Colonel Robert Winston

Left To right: Wg Cdr Peter Griffin, Embassy of New Zealand; Maj Milan Sintaj, Embassy of the Slovak Republic; Mrs. Silena Griffin, Embassy of New Zealand and Mr. L谩szl贸 Rubik, Embassy of the Republic of Hungary

Left To right: Brandon M. Andrews, Office of Senator Inhofe (OK); Ryan P. Levesque, Office of Senator Inhofe (OK); Joel E. Starr, Counsel, Office of Senator Infofe (OK) and David Frous, Embassy of the Czech Republic 76

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Major General Mohamed Elkeshky, Embassy of Egypt with the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus

AMBASSADOR CELEBRATES

6O anniversary th

OF THE COMMONWEALTH

UK Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald held a reception for Commonwealth countries with US missions to celebrate the past 60 years of partnership. Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador Glenda Morean-Phillip co-hosted the reception in recognition of Trinidad, holding the chair-in-office of the Commonwealth for the next two years.

Ambassador Sheinwald said, “Each of our countries has its own unique identity and culture, from Asia to Africa to the Pacific with many stops along the way. However, there is also much that binds us together – a common history, shared democratic principles, and of course, many of the best footballers and athletes.”

During the reception, Ambassador Sheinwald also read a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: “I am delighted to send this message to you all as you come together for a special meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Mission. The United States is a good friend and partner of the Commonwealth and I therefore hope that your gathering in Washington will encourage further such friendliness and cooperation. As we look ahead to the meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Trinidad and Tobago later this month, there is good reason to believe that the Commonwealth, in its 60th anniversary year, is as important now as it has ever been; and with its theme of ‘Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future’ I am confident that the coming meeting will help to promote continued mutual understanding among our almost two billion citizens.”

“With this in mind, I am pleased to send you all my warm good wishes for an enjoyable and successful evening.”

Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald with Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador Glenda Morean-Phillip and her husband Oscar Phillip

Lesotho Ambassador H.E. David Mohlomi Rantekoa and Swaziland Ambassador H.E. Ephraim M. Hlophe

DC United Player Thabiso Khumalo, Musician Sydney Banda and DC United Player Avery John

ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH Together, the Commonwealth countries represent a combined population of more than 2 billion people, a fifth of the world’s land area, and a combined GDP of over $10 trillion.

DC United Players Avery John and Thabiso Khumalo with Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald

H.E. Jan Matthysen, Ambassador of Belgium to the United States and Mr. Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution

Mr. Talbott, Ambassador Matthysen and his wife, Agnes

Ambassador Matthysen, Mr. Talbott and Mr. James Wolfensohn, former President of The World Bank

STROBE TALBOTT

HONORED AT BELGIAN EMBASSY

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Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (center); his wife Lisa Vershbow (left), a contemporary jewelry designer and H.E. Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany (right)

Ambassador Scharioth shaking hands with Mr. Talbott

Mr. Talbott (center) with his sister, Marjo Talbott, Head of the Maret School (left) and Mrs. Eva Hafstrom (right), wife of the Swedish Ambassador

Mr. Jans Bruno and Mr. Jeroen Cooreman - both in the Political Department at the Embassy of Belgium

On October 27, Ambassador of Belgium Jan Matthysen presented a Belgian decoration – Grand Officer in the Order of the Crown -- to Mr. Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution. The distinction was bestowed by His Majesty King Albert, King of the Belgians, in recognition of Mr. Talbott’s services to Belgium. The ceremony took place at the Belgian Residence, in front of an audience of the honoree’s colleagues, family and friends, and included a performance of movements from Bach’s Concerto in D Minor for 2 Violins.

Ambassador Matthysen cited Belgium’s appreciation for the former Deputy Secretary of State, former Ambassador-at-Large, journalist and author. “Over many years Strobe Talbott has been for Belgian diplomacy and its representatives in Washington, as well as in Brussels, an inspiring and extremely helpful colleague…Empathy, precision, logical rationality and clear formulations are what we want to honor and what we admire in this exceptional American and Citizen of the World.”

In accepting the decoration, Talbott reminisced about visits to Belgium and spoke of the centrality of Brussels in what he considers “the greatest political experiment of our era” – the creation of the European Union.

Left to right: Mr. Schelstraete Sigurd, Deputy Chief of Mission; Lt Col Martine Dierckx, Asst. Defense Attache and Mr. Jans Bruno, Political Advisor to the Belgian Ambassador - all with the Embassy of Belgium Mr. Harold Vandermeulen, First Secretary; Elie Loos, Consul and Dora Gebruers, Assistant to Ambassador Matthysen - All with the Embassy of Belgium

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Chancellor Merkel Addresses Joint Meeting of Congress, Meets with President Obama

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Chancellor Merkel is the first German head of government to address a joint meeting of the US House and Senate.

By the German Embassy Nov 3, 2009 Speaking before a joint meeting of the United States Congress on November 3, one week before the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked America for its unlimited support in the reunification of Germany.

She addressed areas of future cooperation and emphasized how important the partnership with the United States is to Germany.

Earlier in the day, President Barack Obama also called Germany “an extraordinarily strong ally.” In her meeting with President Obama, Chancellor Merkel called the opportunity to speak before Congress “a very great honor.” Chancellor Merkel met with President Obama in the Oval Office shortly before her speech in the US Capitol.

Hour of Thanks Chancellor Merkel used the occasion of her speech before Congress and the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall to thank the people of the United States on behalf of Germany for their support of democracy and freedom throughout the Cold

War. The support of the United States was decisive on the road to German unity.

“On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. The border that for decades had divided a nation into two worlds was now open. And that is why for me today is, first of all, the time to say thank you.” Merkel went on to mention the American and Allied pilots of the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49 and the 16 million Americans stationed in Germany as soldiers, diplomats and facilitators over the decades. She also recalled the statements of solidarity by US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. “I know, we Germans know, how much we owe to you, our American friends. We as a nation, and I personally, will never forget that,” Merkel said to a standing ovation.

Thinking and Acting in Cooperation Moving from the triumph of freedom in the 20th century to the challenges facing the world in the 21st century, Chancellor Merkel said she viewed globalization as a global opportunity.

She called for working toward a good future with common solutions and thinking in terms of partnerships and coalitions.

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While Europe and America don’t always agree, the shared basis of common values is what brings Europe and America together and keeps them close, Merkel said. “I am deeply convinced that there is no better partner for Europe than America and no better partner for America than Europe,” the Chancellor said to applause.

Present Day Walls In her speech, Merkel called for tearing down the walls that exist in the present day. Peace and security must be created, prosperity and justice must be provided for and climate change must be stopped. Even after the Cold War it is still necessary to tear down walls, walls in the mind that keep people from understanding each other, for which the capacity for tolerance is especially important.

Sanctions if Necessary In addressing the issue of Iran, Merkel said that an Iran that threatens Israel must not be allowed.

“For me, Israel’s security will never be open to negotiation,” Chancellor Merkel said. “Not only Israel is threatened but the entire free world. Whoever threatens Israel also threatens us.”

Therefore, the free world will stand against these threats, if necessary with tough economic sanctions, she said.

Obama Praises Germany’s Commitment Engagement in Afghanistan was also a topic of the speech.

Earlier, Chancellor Merkel talked with President Obama about the future strategy. President Obama praised Germany’s efforts for the peace and stability of Afghanistan. “We appreciate the sacrifices of German soldiers in Afghanistan, and our common work there to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan and to create an environment in which the Afghan people themselves can provide for their own security,” President Obama said.

Since 2002, Germany has provided the third-largest troop contingent there. Germany wants to make the concept of networked security a success. The world must never again be threatened from Afghanistan, the Chancellor said. Civil and military commitment are inextricably linked, she emphasized.

the climate, Merkel said. She said she was pleased that President Obama and US legislators have placed a very high importance on climate protection. “We have no time to lose! We need an agreement at the climate conference in Copenhagen in December. We have to agree on one objective – global warming must not exceed two degrees Celsius.”

While Merkel knows that there can be no agreement without China and India, she said she is convinced that if Europe and the United States show themselves ready to agree to binding commitments, then China and India will join in.

Chimes of Freedom In concluding her speech, Chancellor Merkel drew her attention back to Berlin, where in 1950, American citizens donated a replica of the Liberty Bell to the Schöneberg City Hall in what was then West Berlin. That Freedom Bell rang on the night of October 3, 1990, in the first moments of the unification of Germany. It rang again in 2001, two days after 9/11.

Here the Chancellor Spoke to the Legislators in English.

“The Freedom Bell in Berlin is, like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, a symbol which reminds us that freedom does not come about of itself. It must be struggled for and then defended anew every day of our lives. In this endeavor Germany and Europe will also in future remain strong and dependable partners for America. That I promise you. Thank you very much.”

Please find the complete speech of Chancellor Merkel on: www.Germany.info/merkelspeech

Global Order

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Chancellor Merkel also addressed the global financial crisis. Economic policy must become more sustainable in order for the goal of prosperity and justice to be achieved. The globalized economy needs a global framework of rules to prevent such a crisis in the future.

Another great test for the 21st century is the urgently needed protection of our natural resources and

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Chancellor Merkel and President Obama met in the Oval Office on Nov. 3, 2009

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German Foreign Minister Westerwelle and US Secretary of State Clinton at the State Department press conference

Germany Relying on Solid Transatlantic Partnership By the German Embassy

November 6, 2009 There is broad agreement between Germany and the United States on many international issues, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle noted following talks in Washington on November 5 with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and senators from both political parties. Afghanistan, Iran, and the future of Opel were on the agenda.

Westerwelle stressed the importance of transatlantic relations at the outset of his meetings. “The United States is by far our most important partner and friend outside Europe.” With his visit, he wanted to express “the enormous importance the German Government attaches to the German-American relationship.”

The foreign minister said Germany is able to address virtually all major international issues, in particular also the Afghanistan mission, only in closest consultation with its allies – with the United States.

Afghanistan Mission Needs Joint Strategy The German Government is relying on a policy that is coordinated, that addresses the major issues in concert with its allies, Westerwelle stressed. The same goes particularly for the Afghanistan mission: The mission will only succeed if the international community agrees on a common strategy, he added.

Clinton thanked Germany for its commitment to Afghanistan and particularly praised German efforts in creating a functioning security structure in the country.

Both sides agreed that the Karsai government must address existing mismanagement; Westerwelle expressly called for “good governance.”

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Michael Gross, U.S. Department of State

Accelerating Disarmament Efforts The new German Government would like especially to support President Obama’s peace and disarmament initiatives with its own contributions.

A window of opportunity is opening for disarmament policy, Westerwelle said. The coming months will decide whether a “decade of armament or disarmament” has begun.

Germany supports President Obama’s goal of a nuclear-free world. The German Government wants to back this initiative “not just rhetorically,” the foreign minister stressed. “We want to support it not just with words but with action.”

Opel: Topic of Discussion with Hillary Clinton

Thomas Koehler/photothek.net

German Foreign Minister Westerwelle addresses questions from the news media

Foreign Minister Westerwelle and Secretary of State Clinton shake hands after responding to questions from the news media during a press conference at the US State Department on Nov. 5, 2009.

Westerwelle demanded General Motors protect jobs at Opel and pay back the granted government aid. “Jobs must be secured and retained as much as possible.”

Following the meeting with Clinton, the German foreign minister said the U.S. secretary of state had assured him that the GM decision was taken without political influence.

“That was important news.”

Now jobs must be maintained in Germany and GM must, at the same time, pay back the granted government assistance. The funds are taxpayer money, and the taxpayers expect that, the foreign minister said.

Shared, Deeply Rooted Values and Interests Westerwelle also met with several senators, including John Kerry, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. A meeting also took place at the White House with U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones.

The United States is by far Germany’s most important partner and friend outside Europe. The two countries have long been linked by common, deeply rooted values and interests. It is clear that, to maintain and nurture the friendship, the two sides must endeavor to give new life to the relationship each and every day.

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Thomas Koehler/photothek.net

German Foreign Minister Westerwelle and German Ambassador Scharioth talk with US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke German Foreign Minister Westerwelle speaks to the news media in front of the US Congress German Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He is accompanied by Ambassador Scharioth, among others

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© German Embassy, Washington, DC; by Pepe Gomez

Celebrating Unity and Freedom Without Walls

Former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, Ulrike Scharioth, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth, and Minister-President Christian Wulff (standing)

By the German Embassy

Minister-President Christian Wulff Ambassador Klaus Scharioth

With arriving guests passing through “Checkpoint Charlie” and a reproduction of the Berlin Wall in the garden, there was no mistaking the theme of this year’s celebration of the Day of German Unity at the German Embassy in Washington, DC — the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The reception on October 2, hosted jointly by Ambassador Klaus Scharioth and Minister-President Christian Wulff of Lower Saxony, offered something for everyone at the Ambassador’s residence and gardens.

“We are overjoyed to celebrate with all of you ‘20 years of freedom without walls’. We do this in deep gratitude to all our friends and allies who helped bring an end to this painful and artificial division of Germany and Europe,” Ambassador Scharioth said in welcoming the more than 2,000 guests invited to the biggest annual reception at the Embassy.

“There is no country which made a more decisive contribution to this than the United States of America. From the very start, you supported us in our desire to regain not only freedom and democracy but also national unity. You did this throughout the frightening years of the Cold War and you realized early on after the fall of the Berlin Wall that there was a historic opportunity to reunite Germany and the whole continent,” he added.

“And it was the United States that acted on this insight with speed and determination. Without you, without the unwavering support of the American people, unification might not have been possible. And that we won’t forget!”

The evening’s guest of honor was Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as national security adviser to former president Jimmy Carter and is currently a professor of American Former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski

foreign policy at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“What are the lessons that should guide us in this still unfinished task of creating a wider community of freedom, especially in Europe? I would suggest that the basic lesson that we ought to bear in mind is the central importance of deliberate, purposeful reconciliation, reconciliation based on patience and on fidelity to truth. That is what happened in Europe,” Brzezinski said in his remarks.

Minister-President Wulff in his address stressed the transatlantic ties necessary to promote freedom across the globe: “The many connections between Europe and the United States are unique and without an alternative. Together as partners we are strong. Together we have freedom for responsibility and the responsibility for freedom.”

The state of Lower Saxony was co-host of this year’s event and presented its rich offerings with the theme “Land of Energy — a Location for Science, Research, and Culture.”

The Day of German Unity on October 3 marks the day in 1990 on which the German Democratic Republic (GDR) acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany. Unification took

© German Embassy, Washington, DC; by Christophe Avril

EU-Ambassador John Bruton, Noreen Keane, Ambassador Scharioth, Finola Bruton, Ulrike Scharioth

Hans Dieter Poetsch (Volkswagen AG)

Another special guest was Stefan Walter, a freedom activist in East Germany and one of the protagonists in a documentary by director Matthias Schmidt. Walter shared his own experiences from that era. Schmidt was on hand to present his documentary, The Miracle of Leipzig, which recounts the peaceful demonstrations in Leipzig in 1989 that precipitated the fall of the wall.

In addition, the award-winning film Freedom Without Walls, produced by the Embassy’s own German Information Center USA and directed by American filmmaker Bob Frye, was shown.

It portrays creative young people living and working in Berlin today as they explain how the fall of the Berlin Wall has shaped their lives and the city in which they live. Frye’s film, which seeks to give people born around the time of that historic event a sense of how dramatically it transformed the world they are about to inherit as adults, was televised at the Ambassador’s residence.

“We remember with gratitude and admiration the men and women who had the courage to take to the streets chanting, ‘Wir sind das Volk’ – ‘we are the people’ – initially in Leipzig Ambassador Scharioth, Ulrike Scharioth, Zbigniew Brzezinski

© German Embassy, Washington, DC; by Christophe Avril

place 11 months after the GDR suddenly opened its borders on November 9, 1989.

“Freedom Without Walls” was the overarching theme of the evening. Along with the “Checkpoint Charlie” entrance and the reproduction of the Berlin Wall, complete with graffiti and silhouettes of people climbing over it, guests were able to view an exhibit inside the residence on events surrounding the fall of the wall.

Guests also had the opportunity to view clips of the Oscar-winning film The Lives of Others, which offers a dramatic picture of daily life in the former GDR. Renowned film director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, who was a special guest at the event, provided commentary on the clips.

© German Embassy, Washington, DC by Christophe Avril

Minister-President Christian Wulff and Ambassador Klaus Scharioth at the Volkswagen booth

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REACHING AMERICAN STUDENTS Thirty universities and colleges across the United States entered partnership agreements with the German Information Center USA in 2009 to hold “Freedom Without Walls” events on their campuses around November 9, 2009.

In addition, other universities and colleges have joined the campaign network with local activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Freedom Without Walls campus weeks include lectures, workshops, concerts, and film screenings, as well as lectures and wall-art contests, where a trip for two to Berlin will be awarded as first prize in a nationwide competition.

Visit Germany.info to see some of the best wall art and find out who the lucky winners are!

Guests at the reception in the garden of the German Ambassador’s residence

and throughout East Germany and then later in Central and Eastern Europe. They peacefully brought down the Berlin Wall and thus the system that had denied them freedom for so long,” Ambassador Scharioth said.

The Ambassador furthermore suggested that the legacy of U.S. support for German unification in 1990 serves as a valuable “lesson for the future” in terms of solving global problems within a multilateral framework.

“Only together, only when America and Europe work handin-hand, will we be able to successfully meet the huge challenges confronting our globalized world – climate protection and energy security, proper regulation of the international financial markets, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, regional conflicts, and fundamentalist extremism directed against our open society,” Scharioth stressed.

“I am convinced of this simple truth, namely that transatlantic cooperation is a necessity without alternative and that this truth is now widely accepted on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The reception was rounded out with music by the Joint Band of the Bundeswehr from Siegburg. The USAREUR Band and Chorus also presented some modern works and lively interludes.

Numerous German corporate sponsors supported the event.

Volkswagen displayed examples of its numerous vehicle brands, including VW, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini. E.ON, Bayer, Lufthansa, and EADS also participated, as did Coca-Cola and Jägermeister.

Replica of the Berlin Wall displayed in the garden of the German Ambassador’s residence

FREEDOM WITHOUT WALLS To find out more about the fall of the Berlin Wall, including related exhibitions, cultural events, and where to see pieces of the wall in the United States, please visit www.Germany.info/withoutwalls

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General Carter F. Ham, Commanding General of U.S. Army, Europe and Seventh Army, addressing the guests in front of the replica of the Berlin Wall

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LAPD Chief Bill Bratton Made

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LA Police Chief Bratton with family

Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton and H.E. Sir Nigel Sheinwald, Ambassador of the UK to the United States

DC Police Chief Ramsey and LA Police Chief Bratton

In September of this year, H.E. Sir Nigel Sheinwald, Ambassador of the UK to the United States, bestowed upon Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton - Her Majesty The Queen’s honorary title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) at a ceremony in the British Ambassador’s Residence.

The award of an Honorary CBE to Chief Bratton is in recognition of his work to promote cooperation between US and UK police throughout his distinguished career.

During the investiture, Ambassador Sheinwald hailed Bratton for his tireless work in three of the country’s largest police forces: “For fifteen years, Bill Bratton has been the foremost leader of the transformation of policing in the United States. As Chief of Police in Boston, in New York, and now in Los Angeles, he has changed the way in which police go about their work.

“Due to his efforts, the police of our two countries today regularly exchange ideas and best practices, on every aspect of the policing agenda --- from terrorism and radicalisation, to crime reduction, to the forensic use of DNA, to police information systems.”

Chief Bratton said of his award: “To be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II with an award first created by King George V nearly a century ago is quite a humbling experience. When I first pinned on a badge nearly 40 years ago, my hopes and dreams were to contribute to local law enforcement. Now as a recipient of the high honour, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, I see that woven into each success are the dedication and commitment of my partners here and abroad.”

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Over the past several years, Chief Bratton has been a key figure in an extensive dialogue between UK and US police chiefs, a dialogue which began with a conference following the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Also many of the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland drew on Chief Bratton’s work in New York. He remains close to the policing reform process in Northern Ireland, and gives it valuable and solid support.

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CANADA IN AFGHANISTAN

By Carl V. Mercer Canadian Embassy Major-General Doug Langton, Canada’s Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., welcomed invited guests to a two-day forum on Afghanistan at the Canadian Embassy in late September. The forum was designed to highlight the achievements, debate the challenges and celebrate the strength of Canadian and American successes in Afghanistan.

The forum featured a series of panel discussions highlighting the full spectrum of challenges faced in Afghanistan, from troop training to police development to provincial reconstruction.

Major General Doug Langton welcomes Afghan Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Said T. Jawad to the Canadian Embassy

H.E. Said T. Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States speaking during Afghan Forum Luncheon

Attendees had the opportunity to listen to, and debate with, some of the leading minds in their fields. Representatives from defence industry gave video presentations depicting the graphically realistic training given to the military prior to deployment, while experienced psychiatrists and military doctors discussed the psychological injuries resulting from combat deployment and how best to treat victims of extreme occupational stress. As well, two panels were held on the reconstruction of Afghanistan, specifically the enhancement of the Afghan police forces and the rebuilding of Afghanistan through community and infrastructure development.

On day one, invited guests attended the unique experience of an Afghan-style luncheon in the Embassy’s Canada Room, 100

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with keynote speaker H.E. Said T. Jawad, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to the United States. In an impassioned speech, Ambassador Jawad highlighted the everyday struggles of the Afghan people and reminded the audience that they were fighting in Afghanistan on behalf and under request from the Afghan Government. Noting that the United States and Canada have suffered high casualties, Ambassador Jawad thanked both nations for their support and proclaimed that while “it is dangerous to be in Afghanistan, it is more dangerous not to be there.”

On day two, guests were treated to a frank assessment of the current situation facing the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan by Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Canada’s Chief of the Land Staff. A self-proclaimed “eternal optimist,” LGen. Leslie stated that Afghanistan can be won through perseverance, stressing that “the battle lies in the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.”

Attendees to the Partners in Defense Forum at the Canadian Embassy

Lucas Robinson, former Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Public Affairs Officer in Kandahar, Afghanistan, discusses the challenges of reconstruction Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Michael Wilson addresses attendees at the Forum Conference

Canada’s Chief of Land Staff, General Andrew Leslie, addresses Forum Attendees

Lt. Col. Douglas Martin, Canadian Forces Public Affairs Attaché, organized the Afghan Forum at the Canadian Embassy

Contributing photographers: Kie Shiroma and Francesca Lanata

Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Wilson and Afghan Ambassador to the U.S., Said T. Jawad enjoy a traditional Afghan luncheon at the Canadian Embassy

Peruvian Navy Day

CELEBRATION

Rear Admiral Mauro Cacho Peruvian Naval Attaché with his wife Mrs. Karin Cacho, welcoming Mr. William Natter III (right) Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy

In October, the first Rear Admiral and Mrs. Mauro Cacho on behalf of the Peruvian Navy hosted a reception at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia and over 120 international guests attended.

Rear Admiral Mauro Cacho gave a speech welcoming the attendees for Rear Admiral Mauro Cacho, Peruvian Naval Attaché and Chairman of the Naval Attachés Association speaking at the Peruvian Navy Day Celebration

being part of this important event.

Metro Montessori international educational consultants

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Montessori To Go Metro Montessori's International Consultants are taking Montessori to new places

By Sharon Allen Gilder Metro Montessori is the latest buzz in the international community. With a regional office in Washington, DC, Metro's International Consultants are building partnerships throughout the world with their mission to globally raise the bar for the education of young children. Using advanced tools for sustainable educational success based on the century proven teachings, methods, and philosophy of the late Italian physician, Dr. Maria Montessori, Metro's trendsetting programs offer courses to educate future Montessori teachers and provide assistance in establishing Montessori schools worldwide.

The word Montessori is a mystery to some, however, to those who know it well, it is the answer to excellence in early childhood education. Ask a parent whose child is enrolled in a Montessori school what Montessori education means and they typically respond, "Everything." The concept of a classroom environment prepared specifically for self-paced learning to accommodate different abilities and rates of learning, has been employed in Montessori classrooms for over 100 years. Dr. Montessori believed children learn best within a social environment which fosters, supports and respects the differences that make each child a unique individual leading to the fulfillment of each child's highest potential.

The portability of Montessori pedagogy is evident in Metro's Saudi Arabian debut. Josh Oboler, Metro's Managing Director said, "The school founder in Riyadh was very taken with Montessori and felt it was a model that would benefit the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He realized, if he wanted to expand and bring Montessori to as many children as possible, it was necessary to have well-trained teachers. He wanted a real, recognized, first- class training program that would be valid throughout the world. Partnering with Metro, he began his excellent mission to bring top-notch Montessori education to a part of the world where it had not existed."

Metro puts über-Montessori education right at your fingertips bringing your vision for superior early childhood education to reality. Susan Gaus, Metro's music curriculum instructor, has high acclaim for her colleague in Riyadh. "He wants to properly educate women in the Montessori method and philosophy and Metro has been tasked with that challenge. He is at the forefront to build an American accredited Montessori teacher education program in the Middle East." Contracting with Metro Montessori's International Educational Consultants provides the opportunity for your country to be on the cutting edge of Montessori To Go. According to Lynn Oboler, co-founder of Metro's network of Montessori schools, "A child can move from Namibia to the United States to Australia and get the same system of education.

For diplomats, Montessori is a wonderful, mobile education that builds leaders."

For more information, contact Josh Oboler, Managing Director at Metro Montessori's regional Washington, DC/USA office: (301) 230-0901 or email: josh@MetroMontessori.com. Written correspondence may be sent to: Josh Oboler, 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 260, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.

Washington DC Regional Office 11810 Parklawn Drive Suite 260 Rockville, MD 20852 USA www.MetroMontessori.com 301-230-0901 "Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."

Dr. Maria Montessori

•

Establish a Montessori school in your country

•

Launch a Montessori teacher education program anywhere

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Provide continued training for teachers around the globe

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Create feasibility studies

Apple Montessori School Bethesda, MD 20817 Broad Branch Children's House Washington, DC 20015 Franklin Montessori School Franklin Country Day School Rockville, MD 20850 Franklin Montessori Forest Hills Campus Washington, DC 20008 Jefferson Montessori School Gaithersburg, MD 20877 White Flint Children's House Montessori schools share Rockville, MD 20852 a universal and portable curriculum, classroom materials, and specific teacher training.

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Examines the

Diplomacy of

Engagement

By James A. Winship

Vice-President – Programs National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

ine months into the new administration of American es between Arab President Barack Obama, Arab-U.S. relations are im- states, the Islamic pacted by global economic recession, challenged by world, and the fragile electoral outcomes and persistent extremist movements, United States, this and confronted with growing threats to regional security. Ac- year’s conference knowledging the critical importance of these issues yet also rec- visibly bridged the H.E. Adel A. Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to ognizing dramatic new opportunities for development and co- generations as well. the United States and The Hon. James B. Smith, Ambassador of the United States to Saudi Arabia share their operation, an international audience of nearly 1,000 Arab and Current and for- views on the current state of relations between their American diplomats, political, mer policymakers two countries. military, business, professional, exchanged their experiences and insights; American, European, media, and academic leaders gath- and Arab scholars exchanged their findings with Arab and Amerered at the Ronald Reagan Building ican diplomats and business people; Arab journalists offered their and International Trade Center for assessments of President Obama’s initial outreach efforts to the the 18th Annual Arab-U.S. Policy- Arab world and the Arab world’s hopeful but skeptical response; makers Conference organized by and, all of these shared their thoughts with the current generathe National Council on U.S.-Arab tion of students, who will be the next generation of Arab-U.S. Dean of the White House Press Relations. Chaired by the National policymakers.

Corps, Helen Thomas, receives a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Traditionally focused on promoting dialogues among policyCouncil’s President and CEO, Dr. Dr. John Duke Anthony, President John Duke Anthony and the Chair- makers, this year’s conference also included recognition of the and CEO of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations man of its Board of Directors, Rear role that the arts and humanities play in enhancing cultural enAdmiral Harold J. Bernsen (USN, Ret.), the two-day conference counter, probing the human element in decision making, and exfocused on the theme, “Fresh Visions, Old Realities, New Pos- pressing the emotional content of human experience. Long time White House correspondent, Helen sibilities: The Impact of Leadership Thomas, was honored with a “LifeChange on Arab-U.S. Relations.” time Achievement Award for PioneerThis year’s conference set records ing Excellence in Journalism.” The at every level – the largest registraaward citation to Ms. Thomas read, tion and attendance ever, the largest “For excellence in political reporting, media contingent ever, representing for courage in posing perceptive and not only print and broadcast media challenging questions, for demanding but internet publications and the accountability from those in power, blogosphere as well, all supported by for persistence in the pursuit of truth, a record number of conference sponThe World Children’s Choir brought smiles to everyone’s face with their and for bringing great distinction to sors. Always intended to build bridginternational songs.

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The Ambassadors’ Roundtable brought together the present Ambassadors with several former American Ambassadors to Saudi Arabia. L-R: Dr. John Duke Anthony, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations; Peter Robertson, Moderator and Co-Chairman of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council; H.E. Adel A. Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States; Hon. James B. Smith, Ambassador of the United States to Saudi Arabia; former Ambassadors Walter Cutler, Charles Freeman, James Oberwetter, and Robert Jordan

her Arab American heritage.” In addition, the World Children’s Choir, from northern Virginia and directed by Sondra Harnes, performed at the Thursday conference luncheon singing a selection of worldwide songs, one of which had been translated into Arabic. Throughout the conference there was also a showing of the paintings of Ahmad Al Karkhi, an Iraqi artist now living in the Washington, D.C. area with refugee status.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Ambassador Ronald Schlicher, opened the conference by discussing the Obama administration’s emphasis on “principled and sustained engagement based on the principles of mutual interest and mutual respect.” Applied to the real world of diplomacy, he observed, these abstractions have served to “diminish the notion that the United States is innately hostile to certain peoples, to certain states, and to certain leaders.

In a very real sense,” he suggested, “we can remove a lot of the excuses that countries have used to evade the substance and the sincerity of the grievances and concerns expressed by the United States.” He then proceeded to give the audience a status report on key issues in Ambassador Ronald Schlicher, Principal U.S.-Arab Relations coverDeputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State ing Iran, Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and continuing concerns about the Hizbollah movement.

One of the highlights of the conference was an Ambassadors’ Roundtable featuring Ambassador Adel A. Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States and Ambassador James B. Smith, newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and moderated by Mr. Peter Robertson, Co-Chairman of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council. Adding perspective to the discussion were four former United States Ambassadors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Walter Cutler, Charles W. Freeman, Jr., James Oberwetter, and Robert Jordan. Ambassador Al-Jubeir observed that, “When you look at the challenges we face involving piracy or terrorism, financial crisis, energy situations,

and trade and investment, I believe that the interests of our two countries at this moment are aligned as they have never been before.” Ambassador Smith reinforced these ideas, “This is a much more nuanced, complicated and I would argue more important relationship than it has ever been in the past.” He continued, “I see my biggest challenge over the next two years is figuring out how to develop friendships without fences, relationships without barriers. Even if you can’t change the physical dynamic [of security concerns] we have got to get out and represent the American people to the people of Saudi Arabia.”

Congressman Keith Ellison (DFLMN), the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress and the first Congressman Keith Ellison (DFL-MN).

African-American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota, offered a viewpoint from the Congress, where he serves on the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and on the House Committee on Finance. Building on these committee assignments and acknowledging that Americans and Arabs have “to build our body of knowledge about each other on the micro-level and the global-level in order to understand each other better,” Representative Ellison noted that, “business is an excellent way to do that. You and I both know that politics can be combustible, but business is something you can come to a meeting of the minds on.

When you do a business deal what you’re saying is this thing helps me, and it helps Luncheon speakers included H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Bin you, and we Abdullah Bin Mutib Rumaihi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Followwouldn’t do Up Affairs, State of Qatar; Admiral William J. Fallon (USN-Ret.) former Commander, U.S. Central Command, now with the Center a deal unless for Naval Analysis; and Moderator, Rear Admiral Harold J. Bernsen Ret.), Chairman of the Board of the National Council on those two (USN, U.S.-Arab Relations

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things were true. And, so, there is a point of agreement, a point and repairing American relations with Arabs and Muslims, if of coming together, that we should start with but absolutely not the United States is to enjoy peace and tranquility at home,” end with.”

Freeman observed, “his administration has Conference panel discussions included a made only minimal changes to longstandwide range of expert views designed to illumiing American policies that are conspicuous nate areas of disagreement as well as large areas failures.” “Time,” Freeman said, “is running of shared interest and allowed for the audience out on the prospects for peaceful engagement to pose questions that touched on some of the between Israel, the Palestinians, other Arabs, most sensitive and conflicted areas of Arab-U.S. and non-Arab Muslims. No peace is conceivrelations. Individual panels dealt with the politiable without the full use of American moral cal geography of the region, including: “Iran and and economic leverage to bring Israel to the Regional Security,” “Israel and Palestine,” “Iraq’s negotiating table.” “Peace with the PalestinReturn to Sovereignty,” as well as “Syria and Leb- The Hon. Charles W. “Chas” Freeman, Chair- ians,” he concluded, “would enable Israel for anon.” Still other panels dealt with topical issues man of the Board, Projects International Inc.; the first time to be accepted as a legitimate former Assistant Secretary of Defense for such as: “Energy Dynamics for Producers and International Security Affairs and former U.S. part of the Middle East. It would end the conConsumers,” “Defense Cooperation and Enhanc- Ambassador to Saudi Arabia flict in the Holy Land. It is the key to deradiing Regional Security,” “Development and Education,” and “The calization of the Arab and Muslim worlds and to ending their Obama Administration: Reactions from the Arab Media.” violent backlash against the West. It is the prerequisite for the The 18th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference conrestoration of peace within the realm of Islam.” cluded with an overall assessment of U.S.-Arab relations offered The full two-day program and list of conference speakers

by Ambassador Charles W. (“Chas”) Freeman, Chairman of the as well as transcripts, video, and audio recordings of the proBoard of Projects International, Inc. and a former Ambassador to ceedings are available on the National Council on U.S.-Arab Saudi Arabia. Though President Obama “clearly signaled that he Relations website www.ncusar.org Photos courtesy of Janel Norton and fotobriceno recognizes the imperative of solving the Israel-Palestine conflict

H.E. Adel A. Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States

H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman H. Al-Saeed, Advisor to the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr. John Duke Anthony, founding President and CEO, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

Dr. Mody Al-Khalaf, Director of Cultural and Social Affairs, Saudi Cultural and Educational Mission, Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C.

Rear Admiral Harold J. Bernsen (USN-Ret), Chairman of the Board, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

Nadia Bilbassy-Charters, Chief Correspondent, Middle East Broadcasting Center

Dr. Juan Cole, Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History, University of Michigan

Craig Crawford, writer and blogger on CQPolitics.com and co-Author with Helen Thomas of Listen Up, Mr. President

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Congressman Keith Ellison (DFL-MN)

Admiral William J. Fallon (USN-Ret.), Center for Naval Analysis and former Commander, U.S. Central Command

Harriet Fulbright, President, J. William and Harriet Fulbright Center

Ibrahim Helal, Deputy Managing Editor, Al Jazeera Satellite Television, English Service

General Joseph Hoar (USMC, Ret.), former Commander U.S. Central Command

Richard Millies, Vice President International Strategy and Business Development, BAE Systems

Hisham Melhem, Washington Bureau Chief, Al-Arabiya

H.E. Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo, Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States

Peter Robertson, Co-Chairman, U.S.Saudi Arabian Business Council

Helen Thomas, Dean of the White House Press Corps and correspondent for Hearst News Service

Ambassador Ronald Schlicher, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State; former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus

H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bin Mutib Al Rumaihi, Foreign Minister’s Assistant for Follow-up Affairs and former Ambassador to France and the European Union, State of Qatar

Dr. James A. Winship, Vice President – Programs, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt (USARet.), former Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs

Amr Ahmed Ramadan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

H.E. Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States

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Always looking to harness the latest and best in dental technologies for his patients, Dr. Chaudhry recently completed training in Sedation Dentistry. Grove Dental Clinic is staffed by five general dentists, one orthodontist, and one periodontist. A staff of three administrators makes sure patients are given the best experience a dentist offi ce can provide.

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 When it comes to traveling in luxury and comfort, there may not be  a finer mode of travel than that in a private jet. Although the level of personal service and jet amenities is far superior to that of com mercial aviation, you may be  surprised to learn how certain scenarios          make a private jet comparatively affordable. 

 aviation industry catering to an elite group of clients including business leaders, political wealthy individuals entertainers,    leaders,    and  Wings  Jets provides more compelling and personalized private jet solutions         with superior economics.         

 Commercial aviation serves approximately 500 airports, while the of        number airports served by private jets mushrooms to over 5000.    anenhancement    when  The value of such is highlighted traveling to  smaller cities underserved by the commercial airlines. This works to  reduce the commute to the airport at both the origination and destiAlso, the   more  crowded    nation. skies have become than ever around  the large commercial hubs. As a result of the increased commercial  air traffic,“it is absolutely clear you’ll have gridlock,” comments Antho    airline] flight  ny J. Broderick, former FAA official.

“Any [commercial          involving a connection will become a daylong excursion.” Leveraging      solution  private aviationand smaller executive airports is an effective to the congestion issue.   Another significant benefit of private aviation is when executives or  management teams need to make multiple stops in one day, to visit  clients or remote facilities. Leveraging a private jet significantly re  time.        duces the travel Often multi-day road shows  can be compressed  into an efficient short trip. For example, a Light Jet, such as a Citation  Encore or Raytheon Hawker 400XP, capably holds 6 or 7 executives      the    comfortably.

When one factors costs of First-Class commercial  tickets for 6 executives (or even last minute Business-Class tickets),     member,     extra nights in a hotel room for each team additional meals,     the    time away from the office and downtime in transit, comparative totals can        cost be surprisingly similar.

There are multiple categories    of private jets to accommodate any size party, up to 14 passengers     and even larger.

Private Jets also offer the team a comfortable, secure  environment within which they can conduct private discussions or  strategize for an upcoming meeting. Another intangible benefit of private aviation’s efficiencies affords the executives to spend less  time on the road and more time in the office or at home with their  families. 

 Business or personal travel can be comparatively affordable if ar       ranged through particular providers.

Companies that leverage opera-        tional efficiencies through an extensive network of aircraft can offer    such    cost-effective pricing structures.

One company that is  a proven  leader at delivering such benefits is Wings Private Jets, LLC. “An es sential element in optimizing the flight experience for the client is         a team of experienced aviation advisors,” says John Rusinak, Manag           ing Member of Wings Jets. “With our personalized boutique level jet  service and client-centric focus, we consistently deliver the quality         aircraft and industry-leading value our clients demand.”

  Few programs compare to the flexibility and client freedoms found in the Wings Jets program. All flight details are custom tailored to each          client’s particular needs and preferences. The success of the Wings             Jets program is illustration of a shift away from other Membership     flexible     Programs and 25-Hour Jet Cards to a more approach, client            empowerment and value. With extensive years of experience in  the

          

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Central to their strength is a certified operator network strategically  based throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Eu      rope.

Well positioned aircraft allow them  to deliver  cost-effective pri          vate jet solutions with a renowned commitment to safety and service.     clients   Wings Jets boutique level jet service allows to enjoy guaranteed   365/24/7 availability, jet-specific option, discounted category option,  last minute discounted ‘Empty Leg’ flights, advanced approval of jet se        lection, five-hour response time (within the continental U.S.) as well as the strictest safety standards in the industry. The cornerstone of the  network and protecting each Wings Jets flight is the ARG/US TripCHEQ  the  standard       System, defacto gold in aviation safety research and evalu          ations.

 Wings Jets service is synonymous with flight safety.They are the leaders   diligence.   Each   in safety due and every Wings Jets  flight is protected  by industry leading safety guidelines and proprietary qualification stan aircraft   TripCHEQ  dards.

All pilots, and operators pass stringent ARG/US  safety evaluations prior to each flight. It’s just one more distinction that        sets Wings Jets apart and illustrates their total commitment.

  Wings Jets Membership is less restrictive than Fractional or Card Pro-

grams. There are no capital requirements, no responsibilities of acquisi         tion, no membership fees, no monthly maintenance or management  fees, no positioning fees and no annual contracts. The cost of each  flight is simply debited from the account. Deposit funds and you can            be flying the very same day. A crucial benefit is the flexibility to dictate             jet model or jet category, as most appropriate for each flight. Enjoy

 

 value-rich one-way and round-trip pricing with fixed hourly rates or      flight      leverage one of the  last minute discounted specials.

The program  also affords the ability to fly multiple jets simultaneously. Additionally,     For   who  there is no time limit for using funds in an account. clients fly  less frequently, there is a charter on-demand program that maintains all  the inherent values of the network.  At Wings Jets, dedicated, highly experienced private aviation advisors

 work for the client, where the client dictates the travel terms. With  decades of flight management experience, Wings Jets services are de livered with reliability and strict client-centric oversight. They believe         in working on a personal level where flight amenities are a function  of comprehensive consultations. Personalized client profiles are main tained to insure consistent delivery of a client’s specific needs and pref          erences. No impersonal call centers. No customer service representa           tives. With your own personal aviation advisor handling all aspects of  each trip, the flight experience is comfortable, seamless and exception           ally convenient.  Wings  Jets will for all  your other trav  routinely make arrangements   el needs.

You can book hotel reservations, rental car, entertainment,  security protections or other requests through their 24-hour   custom    Concierge Department rather than using several booking agents. This  significantly travel and keeps all itinerary details coordinated   simplifies     within one efficient process. 

  All Wings Jets clients receive a hand-selected jet most appropriate for  their particular flight and representing the optimum in quality, comfort  and value. Clients are presented with various aircraft options and are   to     empowered choose their preferred solution.

Of course, clients can  always be jet-model specific at any time. Every jet model from every

 manufacturer is available to all clients, each flight. Wings Jets also ex tends frequent complimentary upgrades, whereby clients fly in a larger  cabin aircraft while still paying the smaller jet rate. This is yet another  illustration of how they optimize service and value.  And while Wings Jets may be a U.S. based company, their reach is global.

 Clients get the same flexible service whether they’re flying to South  Carolina or Southern Europe. The ability to fly nearly anywhere in the  world at anytime of the day or night affords great time savings and  makes conducting business extremely convenient. When it comes to    travel,     domestic or international Wings Jets will fly you anywhere you  need to go comfortably, reliably and cost-effectively.   Next time you are planning an important business or personal trip,

consider the unparalleled comfort, and flexibility of Wings     convenience     Jets.

For busy executives who want to travel on their own schedule,  avoid crowded public terminals and the inconveniences of long secu rity lines, private aviation is the solution. Wings Jets has established  itself a  leader in private offering service,quality, flexibility   aviation  by     and value to its clients.

Whether one books a trip far in advance or            leverages a last minute discounted ‘Empty Leg,’ every client enjoys the          benefits of their boutique level jet services.            

Wings Jets - “The Pleasure of Yes!”

 For more information, kindly visit Wings Jets online at  http://www.WingsJets.com

   D i p l o m a t i c c o n n e c t i o n s B U SINE s S Q U A R TE R LY | A U T U MN 2 0 0 9 D i p l o m a t i c c o n n e c t i o n s B U s i n e s s Q U a R t e R lY | F a l l 2 0 0 9

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J A PA N :

F I R S T

S T OP

IN

AS IA

President Barack Obama Meets with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

This summarization came from the actual transcript from the Japanese provisional translation of the press conference that took place in November, 2009

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Japanese Cabinet Public Relations Office photos

President Obama met with Prime Minister Hatoyama to create an even more solid and constructive Japan-US alliance. The dialogue included topics such as: new security systems, including extended deterrence; information protection; the modalities of missile defense; health and education, amongst others.

Afghanistan was discussed, the Prime Minister indicated that Japan will focus on enhancing its support to improve the public welfare of the Afghan people rather than on replenishment support activities. Japan plans on contributing approximately 5 billion dollars over the coming years. This would be primarily spent to improve the daily lives of the Afghan people in areas such as: agriculture, social infrastructure, schools and security.

Climate Change was on the agenda to speak about as well. Both countries agree to reduce their respective greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 as well as cooperating for the success of COP15.

Nuclear disarmament was a topic both parties agreed on. Prime Minister Hatoyama supported President Obama’s position as he raised the issues of North Korea and Iran in connection with nuclear issues. Hatoyama expressed his wish for close Japan-US cooperation.

President Obama noted the possibility that Special Representative [Stephan W.] Bosworth may visit North Korea shortly; but, this was premised on the [resumption of the] Six-Party Talks.

President Obama chose Japan to visit first because the vital and valued alliance between the U.S. and Japan being the foundation for security and prosperity for the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed that the United States looks to deepen our diplomatic engagement in this part of the world.

The President and Prime Minister concurred about the issues that matter most to both nation’s people --economic growth, job creation, non-proliferation, clean energy -- acknowledging that there is a joint agenda in these areas.

Defense Attaches Association

of Washington, DC

The Honorable William Lynn III, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense

H.E. Jan Matthysen Belgian Ambassador to the United States

T

Rear Admiral Willy Temmerman Defense Attache, Embassy of Belgium

his year the Defense Attachés Association of Washington, D.C. organized a Professional Development Forum dedicated to the theme of “Strategic Resources and new Global Security trends.” On the 17th of November, the opening reception of the forum was hosted at the Residence of His Excellency Jan Matthysen, Belgian Ambassador to the United States. The keynote speaker of the reception was Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense, The Honorable William Lynn III. Commodore David Anson, Dean of the Defense Attaches Association and Defense Attache for New Zealand in partnership with Rear Admiral Willy Temmerman, Dean of the Naval Attaches and Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache for Belgium were instrumental in the orchestration of this annual kickoff event welcoming more than 80 Defense Attaches and guests representing more than 40 countries worldwide.

The next day, on November 18th, at the Embassy of New Zealand, it was His Excellency Roy Ferguson, New Zealand

Ambassador to the U.S., who made the introductory remarks and welcomed Defense Attaches and speakers of a variety of organizations including: the DOD and “think tanks” such as CNAS and CNA to the conference where they were able to discuss different topics of the forum.

Continued on page 118

H.E. Roy Ferguson, Ambassador of New Zealand to the U.S.; the Honorable William Lynn III; H.E. Jan Matthysen, Belgian Ambassador and his wife, Agnes

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Left to right: Ambassador Matthysen; Deputy Secretary Lynn; Commodore David Anson, Dean of the Defense Attaches Association, Embassy of New Zealand; Lt Cmdr Koost, Embassy of Australia and H. Thomas Trimble, SAIC

Deputy Secretary Lynn and Commodore Anson

Left to right: Commodore Anson; Ambassador Matthysen; Ambassador Ferguson and Rear Admiral Temmerman

Richard J. Millies, VP, International Strategy, BAE Systems, Inc. and Chuck Jones, Director, South and Central Asia, Lockheed Martin

Capt Jaakko Savisaari, Defense Attache, Embassy of Finland and Major Joseph Kopser, US Army, Special Asst. to the CSA, Office of the Chief of Staff, Dept. of Army

Major Mike Ross, Embassy of Canada, BG Koeut, Embassy of Cambodia and Col Faruzi Abdelhalek, Embassy of Tunisia

MG Mario Baeza, Defense and Air Attache, Argentine Embassy, AAH (Tom) de Bok, MA, Air Commodore Defense Attache, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and MG Peter Egger, Defense Attache, Embassy of Switzerland

Eryn E. Robinson, Professional Staff Member, US House of Representatives, Armed Services Committee, guest, Christine Parthemore, Bacevich Fellow, Center for a New American Security and Steve Williams, Director - Europe & Eurasia, Lockheed Martin 118

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MG Mitsuru Nodomi, Defense Attache, Embassy of Japan, Deputy Secretary Lynn and BG Nazir Ahmed, Defense Attache, Embassy of Pakistan Mrs. Dordevic, LTC Pesic, Embassy of Montenegro and BG Serban, Embassy of Romania

Col Nothapol Boonngam, Defense Attache, Royal Thai Embassy and Col Maunday, Embassy of Trinidad & Tobago Lt Col Per Lyse Rasmussen, Asst. Defense Attache, Royal Danish Embassy

Major Laszlo Rubik, Asst. Defense Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Hungary and Lt Col Rafal A. Nowak, Asst. Defense Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Poland

Mrs. Jenny Easton, Embassy of New Zealand and AVM Osley, Defense Attache, Embassy of Australia

Major Dan Bradley, US Marines and Mr. Rick Lowden, Office of the Secretary of Defense Jay Gulledge, PhD, CSE, Center for a New American Security and Chris PiPetto, Acting Director, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics)

Lt Cmdr Mark Koost, RAN, Staff Officer to Head Australian Defense Staff (Washington) & Secretary to Defense Attaches Association (Washington) and Mr. Menad Nenad Dordevic

Beatrice Marie Gratien, Embassy of France, Gunilla Andersson, Embassy of Sweden, Maria de Bok, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Silvia Resch, Embassy of Austria, Silva Kuni, Embassy of Estonia

MG Mario Baeza, Defense Attache, Argentine Embassy; Col Luis A. Boixareu, Defense Attache, Embassy of Spain and Col Christopher R. Benya, US Army, Chief, Defense Foreign Liaison

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Diplomatic Connections

eception R 2009

Diplomatic Connections has hosted Diplomatic Receptions for several years and most recently in October of 2009, this gathering was held at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Previous venues have been the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations in New York City, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and George Washington University. These exclusive events create a prestigious platform for National and International businessmen and women to meet, greet and shake the hands of Diplomats from all over the world.

This year, several distinguished officials were in attendance, such as: H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the U.S.; H.E. Dato Yusoff Hamid, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the U.S.; H.E. Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador of Republic of the Philippines to the U.S.; H.E. Mark Miceli, Ambassador of Malta to the U.S. and H.E. Hjalmar W. Hannesson, Ambassador of Iceland to the U.S..

These highly-esteemed Ambassadors person-

at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Gaa and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

Ambassador Miceli and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States

Thank you, Ambassador Al-Jubeir, for giving Diplomatic Connections the wonderful opportunity to host this year’s reception at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Hannesson and Ambassador Miceli

-- Dawn Parker, Diplomatic Connections 122

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Ambassador Al-Jubeir, Stf Col Waleed AlShamsi, Defense Attache, Embassy of the UAE and BGen Amin Shaker, Saudi Defense Attache, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Diplomatic Connections at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia ally circulated the room and took the time out of their inundated schedules to actually make the acquaintance of every business person who participated in this year’s celebrated soiree. Over 350 of the highest ranking Civilian & Military Diplomats as well as a significant number of their valued staff representatives were also in attendance.

The next six (6) pages give a slight glimpse into the evenings events. With an unprecedented high attendance of Global Representatives, Diplomatic Connections continues to successfully liaise the business-relationship-building process between the Domestic & International Business Arena and the World of Diplomacy.

Mr. Nail Al-Jubeir, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Ambassador Miceli

“A highly successful event and thoroughly enjoyable evening.

As always, Diplomatic Connections provided the ideal showcase.”

Mr. Khalid Manzalawi and Tarik Allagany, both with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

-- Sarah Deam, Director of Group Sales, The Hay-Adams

Sarah Deam, The Hay Adams

Diplomatic Connections would like to formally acknowledge and recognize Mr. Nail Al-Jubeir and Mr. Tarik Allagany for their countless hours of dedication working in preparation for this annual reception. Thank you, Mr. Al-Jubeir and Mr. Allagany!

-- The staff at Diplomatic Connections

Ambassador Hannesson and Reina Gabbud, The Peninsula Chicago

“Congratulations Dawn on another successful reception!! It’s always an honor to be in the presence of Ambassadors, Consul Generals, Military Attaches and Colonels, DCM’s, and other foreign representatives. The Diplomatic Connections events have paved the way for private businesses to interact with highlevel diplomats in a warm and inviting setting while providing a unique opportunity to showcase products and services.”

-- Reina Gabbud, Director of Diplomatic Sales, The Peninsula Chicago

Michael Mackonochie, Elite Flying; Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Michelle Kleeman, Aeon Jets

BGEN Amin Shaker; Ambassador Al-Jubeir; Alex Gomez, The Peninsula New York and Reina Gabbud, The Peninsula Chicago

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Diplomatic Connections RECEPTION 2009

Jasmin Howanietz, The Waldorf-Astoria (far left) and Ambassador Al-Jubeir Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Kin Han, The New York Palace

Marilyn Greenspan, Amtrak and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

“Amtrak has participated in the annual Diplomatic Connections Reception/Trade Show for the past three years. We find it has been a positive experience and very beneficial to our International and Diplomatic business.�

Stf Col AlShamsi and Ghizlane Boukhnif, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Joseph Gabis (far left), The Pierre, A TAJ Hotel and Patricia Iinuma (center), Park Hyatt Chicago with representatives from the US Department of State

--Marilyn Greenspan, Amtrak

Thomas A. Hubler, Vice President Sales - Americas, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (center) and Craig Clayton, Regional Director of Sales, Washington, D.C., Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Holger Frehde, Director of Sales - Houston, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts 124

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Behzad Rassuli, Yassi Rassuli, Shahla Izadi Rassuli, Mani Milan, Sahar Jahan and Bobby Rassuli

Michael Law, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (left)

at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Andrew Gelfuso, Director of the ITC’s Office for Trade Promotions, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

Andrew Gelfuso and Ambassador Miceli

Andrew Gelfuso and Ambassador Hannesson

Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Hosai Rashid, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

“Diplomatic Connections event at the Saudi Embassy was a great opportunity for us to exhibit and interact with a number of Ambassadors and Foreign Mission representatives. What made it so different from other exhibitions was Dawn’s personal introductions to the numerous diplomats that were in attendance. It provided me with an opportunity to speak directly with Ambassadors and other industry representatives that will help us forge new partnerships and develop new business.”

-- Andrew Gelfuso, Director of the International Trade Center’s Office for Trade Promotions at the Ronald Reagan Building

Jean Chidiac, The Concordia and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

“It was truly a wonderful event! Very pleased that we had the opportunity to participate in it. Great people, delicious food, superb location, and fantastic networking results!

Thanks, Diplomatic Connections.”

“Diplomatic Connections hosted yet another enjoyable and productive event. Wings Jets’ appreciated the exclusive opportunity to spend quality time with various Ambassadors and Foreign Dignitaries at the annual Reception held at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

We are grateful to Dawn and her staff for their fine hospitality and numerous personal introductions. We look forward to participating in the event in 2010. “ John Rusinak, Jr., Managing Member, Wings Private Jets, LLC

-- Jean Chidiac, The Concordia, Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Hannesson and John Rusinak

Ambassador Al-Jubeir, John Rusinak Jr. and Steven Engelson, both with Wings Jets

John Rusinak, Ambassador Al-Jubeir and BGEN Shaker

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Diplomatic Connections RECEPTION 2009

Cristina Gospodin; Ambassador Al-Jubeir and BGEN Shaker Françoise Christine; Jennifer Adair; Pauline Courtois and Cristina Gospodin - all with Sofitel Hotels

“The Sofitel New York participated in the Diplomatic Connections exhibition for the first time this year and within one month confirmed a large delegation at our hotel. If we could only participate in one show per year, it would be this event. It is crucial to our success in the Diplomatic market to partner with Diplomatic Connections. Thank you Dawn!”

“It was a great pleasure to be part of the Diplomatic Connections Event at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The professionalism of the team who organized this very exquisite event and the exclusive audience made this event a resounding success. We would like to express our gratitude to Dawn Parker and her team for placing the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower on the diplomatic world map.”

-- Cristina Gospodin, Sales Manager, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

-- Jennifer Adair, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sofitel New York

Luis Gutierrez and Shannon McGraw, U.S. Sedan Services

Penny Glover, Joe Henry (both with Metro Montessori), Dawn Parker, Dona Allen, Sharon Gilder (both with Metro Montessori) 126

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“The grand gathering space at The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia was transformed into a dynamic oasis for face-to-face diplomacy. Diplomatic Connections’ showcase provided ample opportunities for accomplishing global networking with local and international vendors.”

-- Sharon Allen Gilder, Metro Montessori, International Consultants

Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Dr. Maqsood Chaudhry, DDS, Grove Dental Clinic

at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia “I have been a long standing veteran in the Hospitality Industry. In my years working in this industry and in being in Washington, D.C. and other popular destinations, I have attended well over 100 tradeshows ranging from MPI; GWSAE; Springtime in the Park; SGMP; POW WOW; etc. and this is the first time I attended The Diplomatic Connection Tradeshow. I am very delighted to say that this has been a very productive tradeshow; I have collected over 90 business cards from well over 65 Embassies that were represented

by Top Officials from these Embassies. My time was well spent by meeting people that were decision makers. As a result of this tradeshow, I have already booked business for The Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row. I am looking forward to attending this again in 2010.” -- Shirley Phull, Director

Shirley Phull, The Fairfax Hotel Embassy Row and BGEN Shaker

AVM Osley, Defense Attache, Embassy of Australia

of Diplomatic Sales, The Fairfax Hotel Embassy Row

“The event was very well attended by a wide range of the diplomatic community.”

-- Brian P. Miller | Manager | Patient Advocacy | International Services | Executive Health Assessment Program Washington Hospital Center

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SAUDI NATIONAL DAY Ambassador Al-Jubeir, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) with Saudi students

Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Dr. Saud Alsati, Ambassador Al-Jubeir, Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and wife Jeanie

General Khaled Al-Nabhani (Saudi Embassy) and Sherry Cooper (Saudi Embassy) Photos provided by Saudi Information Office

General Jim Jones, National Security Advisor to the President, Ms. Sarah Farnsworth, Assist. to Gen. Jones and Ambassador Al-Jubeir

H.E. Dr. Imad Mustapha (Syrian Ambassador to the US) and Mr. Hassan Yassin (Saudi Embassy)