GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTFollowing the recommendation of Dr. Mrs. Ter Horst (Minister of Internal Affairs), the Council of Ministers has announced the appointment of Mr. A. Wolfsen as the Mayor of Municipality of Utrecht. The appointment of Mr. Wolfsen takes effect from 1st of January 2008. Before this appointment, Mr. Wolfsen, a member of the labour party (PvDA) is currently a member of second house of parliament.
GOVERNMENT WANT MORE ETHNIC MINORITIES AND WOMEN IN POLICE TOP.Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Ter Horst want more women and members of ethnic minority groups in top police positions. According to Minister Ter Horst letter to the parliament, she want within the next three years that members of ethnic minority groups and women fill half of police leadership vacancies.To bring more balance in police staff make-up, the Minister is also proposing that 30 percent of senior police officers vacancies be filled by women or members ethnic minority groups. Concluding her letter, the Minister pointed out that police force must reflect our multiculturalism and an attractive profession for members of ethnic minority groups.
“Countering radicalisation: perspectives and stategies from around the globe”From the 22 to 24th of October 2007, experts from both Western and Southern Countries gathered in Den Hague, The Netherlands to discuss and share ideas on how to counter international radicalism.The conference, an initiative of Dutch Ministers of Justice and Internal Affairs was organized by NCTb ( Terrorism Control Board), events and discussion was directed by Mr. Ruud Lubbers, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and also former Prime Minister of The Netherlands.The conference organization aligned with the United Nations Strategy on the fight against terrorism. Fight against radicalisation is also a part of this UN strategy that came into force in September 2006.With joint cooperation resulting from this type of gatherings, instruments and strategies are developed to fight radicalisation at all levels.
EUROPE FORMS GENDARMERIE FORCE! The five countries of the European Gendarmerie Force, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and The Netherlands, gathered today at the historic Waterland estate in Velsen, near Amsterdam, to officially sign the Treaty Establishing the European Gendarmerie Force. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Dutch minister of Defence Eimert van Middelkoop, as chairman of the EGF in 2007. The European Gendarmerie Force (EGF) was launched in September 2004 as a multinational co-operation structure of police forces with a military status. In January 2006 a Headquarters was opened in Vicenza and at the end of 2006, 'full operational capability' of the EGF was declared. The EGF can now operate both under military and civilian chains of command and has the capacity to participate in two operations at the same time. The official signing of the Treaty came just in time for the start of the first EGF-mission to Bosnia, for which the details will be worked out with the EU Operation Commander EUFOR. Starting from the beginning of November, the EGF will contribute to the ESDP-mission Althea with an Integrated Police Unit under the operational control of COMEUFOR. The EGF is a robust operational force with an initial rapid reaction capability of 800 persons within 30 days. As a crisis management tool, the EGF will be primarily used for the European Union. However its design makes it available to international organizations (UN, NATO, OSCE) or to an ad hoc coalition. Italy contributes three integrated police units (IPU) to the EGF, Spain two and Portugal one. France contributes two IPU's and fills a third one together with the Netherlands.
NEW POLICE CHIEF APPOINTEDMr R.G.C. Bik has been appointed the new National Police Chief. The appointment of Mr. Ruud Bik (54years old) would take effect fromDecember 1st 2007.The Appointment of a new Police Chief was necessary and follows the honourable dismissal of Mr. Peter van Zunderd in 2006.The new Police Chief until his appointment, is since 2001 the Chairman ofPolice Chiefs Supervisory Board and Chief of Police in the region of South Holland South.He also served several times as substituting District Police Chief in the region of Utrecht.
“REMEMBER TO RESET YOU CLOCK” West Europeanwinter time coming in soon:As 2007 Summer time comes to an end on 28th October, we remind our readers and visitors that the clock would by 03.00hours sent one hour back.As you may remember in 1996 it was calculated that the summer and winter times would take effect on the last Sunday of March and October respectively.Sunday 30thMarch 2008 is the beginning of next summer time.
“TRANSATLANTIC LEADERS MEETING TO DISCUSSEMISSION TRADING” PortugueseEU presidency convenes emission trading forum:The transatlantic leaders from EU, Canada, USA, Germany, The Netherlands and delegates of other National and International governments around the globe are meeting on the 29th October to discuss the international issue of emission trading.This platform, the international Carbon Action Partnership is for the first time and on transatlantic level going to hold discussion on the possibilities of forming a common emission trading system.This gathering is convening at the initiative of the Portuguese European Union Presidency.According to Dutch government news source, this gathering presents a good opportunity to discuss a joint European and American emission trading system.An acceptable and respected worldwide emission system is essential in the prevention climate change, the government sources maintained.The Netherlands State Secretary for European Affairs (Mr.Timmermans) is expected to attend the gathering.
GOVERNMENT TO FIGHT INTERNATIONAL SMUGGLE OF MINORS “The Dutch is to tackle illegal smuggle of minors in their respective Countries of origin”
In an effort to tackle the illegal international trade on children, the Dutch government is to establish the so called SAT ( Quick Action Teams) in the Countries of origin of these smuggled minors.This special action is needed in other to stop this illegal and inhuman trade at its earliest stage, as well as preventing vulnerable children from becoming victims of this criminal and illegal trade organizations, says the government news source. The special intervention action of the Dutch government was revealed by Mrs. Albayrak, the State Secretary for Justice during her speech at the Council of Europe gathering in Spain. According to the State Secretary, the Netherlands has the needed expertise in areas of fraudulent document dictation etc.
“SUDANESE GOVERNMENT AND REBELS TALKING IN LIBYA” both parties expected to declare cease fire from day one of the negotiation: Minister of Development Relations Mr. Koenders would be present in Libya during the peace making talks between the Sudanese government and the rebels. The Netherlands Minister, an Observer is invited to the peace talks by the Core Coordinating Group (an Organization for reconstruction and development in Darfur). The Netherlands who holds the chairmanship of the Core Coordinating Group, has called on all Rebel groups to attend the Peace negotiations in Libya. According to ministry information source, it is expected that cease fire between the warring parties would be declared right from the start of the negotiation in Sirte Libya. Delegates from France, EU, UK, US, China and some African Countries would all be presenting.
“The Army Called In To Fight California Fire”
California State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday calledfor the help of 1500 members of National Guard, fire fighting airplanes and helicopters to join force with the fire service in stopping the raging fire in the West Coast State of United States of America.According to reports, there are about 13 destructive and big raging fire in the state, destroying more than five hundred houses.The damage caused by this fire is also dangerously evident in neighbouring State of San Diego where 250,000 people were evacuated, one person is dead and another twenty wounded.To stop the continuing danger of these fires, 4900 fire service men, 314 fire service water-trucks, 19 airplanes, 8 helicopters and 15 bulldozers are working round the clock.We, here in Europe solidly stand behind the men and women fighting the fires and pray for the Californians and all America in this painful situation!.
Christiane Amanpour honoured by Queen Elizabeth
For her services to journalism, Christiane Amanpour, the CNN's chief international correspondent, on Saturday, June 16, 2007 was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. The award was announced on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II official birthday, Amanpour was one of a select number of public and private British citizens to be honoured with this prestigious award. CBE established as far back asJune 1917 by King George V, is one of five medals that make up the " The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire," which recognizes outstanding contributions in the service of the country and the honouree’s profession. Amanpour is among a small number of journalists to have been awarded a CBE. " I am proud to be part of this tradition," Amanpour said. "I am stunned and delighted to be recognized in this wonderful way for my work, of course for being a True Brit!""This is a wonderful honourfor Christiane and a tribute to her outstanding dedication to the profession of journalism," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "Everyone at CNN is extremely proud of the work she does and very excited for her on this important day." Christiane Amanpour courageous reporting could be traced to among others Rwanda, Somalia, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Israel and the Balkans war. Amanpour is born of British and Iranian parents.
“NATO MEETING IN NOORDWIJK” Turkey military build-up in Northern Iraq may dominate discussion! During the NATO ministerial meeting in Noordwijk, it is expected that Turkey and the tension in Northern Iraq dominate the proceedings.NATO-North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Military alliance of democratic states in Europe and North Americameeting from 24to 25 October in Noordwijk. The meeting to be hosted by the Ministry of Defence and chaired be NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer,will see Ministers of Defence of the member nations coming together to prepare grounds for the Alliance Top meeting in April 2008. The two day ministerial meeting in Noordwijk would among other points, discuss issues concerning the KFOR in Kosovo and ISAF Afghanistan operations.During the NATO Noordwijk gathering, there would be a separate meeting with the Russian Minister (Anatoli Serjoekov) to discuss missiles defence, NATO expansion and conventional fighting force in Europe.The EU, UN and World Bank delegations would all be attending.
“TurkeyWeighs Military Option In Kurdish Northern Iraq” as domestic pressure mounts
With the death of about 12 Turkish soldiers and the captivity of many more in Kurdish Northern Iraq, Turkey Military Heads are urgently considering assault on rebel and guerrilla PKK positions on the rocky mountains of Kurdish Northern Iraq.Recent days have seen the line-up of thousands of Turkish troops and heavy fighting machines along the Turkey-Iraq boarders.A Turkish military invasion as response to escalation of tension caused by the continuing abduction and killing of Turkish soldiers by the PKK guerrilla is further going to destabilize the already fragile middle east region, the military experts say’.According to military and non military experts on middle east affairs, the invasion of Kurdish Iraq in a search for PKK rebels and the war to follow it, will not produce any winner on both sides. The PKK fighter the military experts say, have no visible infrastructure, industries or offices, this scenario make any invasion by Turkey more complex and difficult to accomplish with success. On the side-line, people are asking what should Turkey ( as sovereign state ) do in the face of attack by a non state such as PKK.
McCann FAMILY BACK IN UK
Kate and Gerry McCann have returned back to the United Kingdom after months long stay in Portugal.In an emotionally prepared speech at the Midlands Airport, Gerry McCann said the return to Britain is a carefully planned thought to give their twin kids the chance to have a normal life in their own home Country.Further in his speech, Gerry reaffirmed that they would never give up the search of their daughter and would do everything reasonably possible to find Madeleine.Gerry McCann continued quote: “We played no part in the disappearance of our lovely daughter Madeleine”. unquote: the family used the speech to ask the media to leave them alone so that they can give their twin kids a normal life that they deserve.Gerry also recalled the events of the recent days, which he described as deeply disturbing, however Mr. McCann thanked the people whom he said have stood behind them all these disturbing days, weeks, months and the time ahead.
“KATE AND GERRY McCann HEADING BACK TO BRITAIN”.
The parents of the missing English girl Madeleine are heading back to Britain after months of continuing search for their 4 year old daughter.
With the recent development in the investigation of the disappearance of the little English girl in Portugal since the 3rd of May 2007, Kate and Gerry McCann do not feel comfortable to continue staying in Portugal while the search for their daughter continues.Recently the Portugese police announced that the parents of the missing girl Kate and Gerry are now suspects in the case of missing Madeleine.The Portugese police move to name Kate and Gerry McCann as suspects came as a result of stains of blood found in the rented car used by McCann family. But what is not clear or confirmed at the moment is if the blood stains are actually from the little Madeleine.The confirmation that the found blood stains are actually from missing Madeleine is what the whole world is anxiously waiting to hear from the Portuguese police.
