diplomatic connections winter 2009

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US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk part of the Inaugural Parade route January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC

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The third annual European Union Open House will wel-come thousands of visitors on Saturday, May 9, 2009, when the European Commission Delegation and the Embassies of the EU Member States will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The success of past years has shown that the EU Open House is a unique opportunity to promote European Union unity and, at the same time, to showcase the diversity and rich-ness of European culture to the Washington public. It is also the single largest celebration of the EU in the world. Members of the public will be invited to take a rare be-hind-the-scenes look at the EU Embassies, many of which are among Washington’s historic and architectural treasures. Each Embassy will offer a unique program featuring its country’s

OPEN HOUSE and EUROPE WEEKEU

art, music, cuisine, and special events, allowing visitors to taste diverse culinary dishes, wines, and beers. The Embassies’ many special programs, including children’s corners, musical per-formances, and dancers make the EU Open House a festivity for everyone to remember. Last year, over 57,000 people were shuttled free of charge among the Embassies, enabling them to experience the rich diversity of the European Union in one day. The 2009 EU Open House also kicks off Europe Week, a celebration of European culture across the United States. Centers of Excellence, universities, think tanks, non-governmental orga-nizations, and the Embassies and Consulates of EU Member States around the United States will host programs designed to create a better understanding of the European Union. Europe Week events include speeches, seminars, and workshops on EU issues; film screenings, concerts, and cultural events related to the European Union or to one or more EU Member State and pre-sentations at high schools and universities.

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COVER PHOTO President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

INSIDE FRONT COVER Peninsula Hotels ~ Chicago and New York

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Atlantic Council of the U.S. 56

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Best Buddies International 58

British Ambassador hosts Illinois Delegation 14

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Interfaith Dialogue 18

Ireland, Embassy of 54

Italy, Embassy of 46

Malta, Embassy of 32

Mexico, Embassy of 44

National Council on U.S.- Arab Relations 38

New York Palace Hotel 55

Obama, a portrait 64

Obama’s Cabinet 12

Orthodontics, Dr. Golden & Rad 48

Park Hyatt Chicago 45

Presidential Freedom Awards 60

Reflections Photography 36

Roger Christopher Interior Design 21

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 43

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South Africa FIFA World Cup 24

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Cover photo: Mark WIlson/Getty Images

Dear Readers,

The Winter edition of Diplomatic Connections features the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his first days in the

Oval Office. Beautiful photos of the Inaugural parade are included as well.

Thereafter, you’ll read about some unprecedented diplomatic events Diplomatic Connections covered. Here are some highlights:

Saudi King convenes UN high-level meeting on Interfaith Dialogue in New York - many World Leaders attend

British Ambassador Sheinwald hosted the Illinois Delegation three days before President Obama’s Inauguration

South Africa is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010

Tony Blair spoke at a meeting hosted by the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington

Ambassador Richardson hosted a lovely cultural event at the Embassy of Australia

The National Council on U.S. - Arab Relations hosted their 17th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference

After the November elections and before President Obama took office, he met with Mexican President Calderon privately

GWUH and the Italian Embassy convened to discuss new technologies and the integration into the medical field

Joe Grant, 101 Year Old American Pilot, was presented with the Saudi King Abdulaziz Medal - First Class

HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal presented five accomplished individuals with the King Faisal International Prize in January, 2009

H.E. Michael Collins, Irish Ambassador to the US celebrated the Irish Heritage of State Department Goodwill Ambassador Bo Derek

The Atlantic Council of the U.S. held the “Christopher J. Makins” Lecture at the Residence of the British Ambassador, H.E. Sir Nigel

Sheinwald and the guest of honor was former Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger

Best Buddies International hosted their Miami Gala in the Autumn of 2008

Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy, Mr. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia and Colombian President Alvaro

Uribe were awarded the Presidential Freedom Awards in January, 2009 at the White House

Portrait artist K.M. Harvey painted a wonderful portrait as a tribute to President Barack Obama

To feature any upcoming events in the Spring edition of Diplomatic Connections, please submit your written requests to:

[email protected]

Diplomatic Connections is integrating an exciting new item into our website ~ Diplomatic Connections Classifieds! Starting in

March, 2009, you will NOW be able to post your classifieds on the Diplomatic Connections website! See page 49 for details.

We look forward to featuring your upcoming diplomatic and international events!

Sincerely,

Dawn Parker

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On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was sworned in

as the 44th President of the United States. The photos

on the next several pages are of his first days in the

Oval Office with White House Chief of State, Rahm

Emanuel; Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; reading

the letter former President Bush left for him on the

Oval Office desk and his meeting with the National

Economic Director Lawrence Summers followed with

some beautiful photos of the Inaugural Parade.


Diplomatic Connections Salutes

D i p l o m at 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 | W i n t e R 2 0 0 9 7

President Obama

President Barack Obama walks into the Oval Office at the White HouseWednesday morning, January 21st, 2009, for his first full day in office.White House photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama meets with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Wednesday morning, January 21st, 2009, in the Oval Office at the White House. White House photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama meets with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office shortly after she was confirmed and sworn in on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009. White House photo by Pete Souza

During a phone conversation, President Barack Obama reads the letter Tuesday, January 21st, 2009, left on the Oval Office desk for him the previous day by former President George W. Bush. The letter from the previous President to the incoming President has become a White House tradition.White House photo by Pete Souza

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President Obama walking into one of the Inaugural Balls and glancing at his and First Lady Michelle Obama’s official photos.White House photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama is briefed on the economy by National EconomicDirector Lawrence Summers and members of his economic council Wednesday, January 21st, 2009, at the White House. White House photo by Pete Souza

D i p l o m at 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 | W i n t e R 2 0 0 9 ��

Royal Canadian Mounted Police salute President Barack Obama as he passes the Canadian Embassy, January 20, 2009

Inaugural Parade of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama

The White HouseObama Administration


The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings

of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of

the Constitution, the Cabinet’s role is to advise the President

on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each

member’s respective office.

The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of

15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture,

Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and

Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban

Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury,

and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

Vice President of the United States Joseph R. Biden http://www.whitehouse.gov

The White HouseObama Administration

THE CABINET

Department of State Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

http://www.state.gov

Department of the Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner

http://www.treasury.gov

Department of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates http://www.defenselink.mil

Department of Justice Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.

http://www.usdoj.gov

Department of the Interior Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar

http://www.doi.gov

Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack

http://www.usda.gov

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Secretary Shaun L.S. Donovan http://www.hud.gov

Department of Transportation Secretary Raymond L. LaHood

http://www.dot.gov

Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu http://www.energy.gov

Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan

http://www.ed.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki

http://www.va.gov

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet A. Napolitano

http://www.dhs.gov

D i p l o m at 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 | W i n t e R 2 0 0 9 �3

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H.E. Sir Nigel Sheinwald, KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States

Senator John J. Cullerton, (D) IL and Mrs. Pamela Cullerton

Katty Kay, Washington Correspondent, BBC World News America U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief

of The Huffington Post

On January 17th, three days previous to the Inauguration, Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald and Lady Julia Sheinwald hosted a reception in honour of the Illinois Delegation to the Presidential Inauguration. The event honoured a large number of Illinoisians who were in Washington for the Inauguration and provided a wonderful opportunity to continue building on relations between the UK and the United States. Other attendees included U.S. Attorney-General Eric Holder, Arianna Huffington, Judy Woodruff and former Senator John Warner. The Residence was the perfect venue for this event, Ambassador and Lady Sheinwald were lovely hosts and over 400 guests attended.

British Ambassador Hosts Illinois Delegation


Christopher E. Isham, VP, Washington Bureau Chief, CBS News and daughter, Darya Isham

Ambassador Sheinwald, Arianna Huffington and Lady Julia Sheinwald, wife of the Ambassador

Jeanne Vandermyd and former Senator John Warner

Barbara Harrison, NBC News


Neil O’Reilly, Press Officer, British Embassy and Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent and Political Editor for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

Mr. Dominick Chilcott, DCM, British Embassy and Mrs. Jane Chilcott

Philip Lader, former U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James, 1997 - 2001, Senior Advisor to Morgan Stanley and Dawn Parker, Diplomatic Connections

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

Simon Shercliff and Jan Smith Donaldson, journalist and wife of news correspondent Sam Donaldson

%


Diplomatic Cultural Events atthe Embassies of Canada, Czech Republic and Denmark

H.E. Friis Arne Petersen, Danish Ambassador to the United States, Ms. Christine Wilhelmsen (daughter), Mrs. Birgitte Wilhelmsen, wife of the Ambassador and Ms. Johanne Wilhelmsen (daughter)

Stuart A. Bernstein, former US Ambassador to Denmark and Ambassador Petersen

H.E. Petr Kolar, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States and Mr. Eric Edelman, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, DOD

Paul Misener, VP, Global Public Policy, Amazon.com, M. Christina Carter, Esq., Benoit Belisle, Jacques J. M. Shore Partner, Gowling, Lafleur and Henderson, LLP

BG Peter Resch, Defense Attache, Embassy of Austria, LTC Hubertus von Strachwit, Assistant Military Attache, Embassy of Germany and COL Istvan Pasztor, Embassy of Hungary

Nancy Groce, PhD, Jeremey E.A. Adamson, PhD, Michael Taft-all of the US Library of Congress and Sally Southey Public Affairs and Deputy Head of Embassy of Canada

Homaira Akbari, CEO of SkyBitz Jean-Philippe Linneau, Embassy of Canada, Uday Shankar, SkyBitz and Alexis O’Brien, Embassy of Canada


Saudi King Convenes UN High-Level Meetingon Interfaith Dialogue in New YorkThe United Nations’ High-Level Meeting on interfaith dialogue (Culture of Peace) convened in New York on November 12-13, 2008 called for by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Representatives from more than 75 countries participated in the

two-day conference, including kings, emirs, heads of government

and heads of international bodies.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivered a speech

welcoming the attendees and expressed thanks to King Abdullah

for calling for the meeting.

Subsequently, several leaders expressed strong support for

cross-cultural dialogue and praised Saudi Arabia for initiating the

process. The speakers included US President George W. Bush, UK

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-

Sabah, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Israeli President Shimon Peres,

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Afghanistan’s President

Hamid Karzai, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Al Thani,

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Moroccan Premier Abbas

Al-Fassi, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Finland

President Tarja Halonen and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip

Erdoan.

“We state with a unified voice that religions through which

Almighty God sought to bring happiness to mankind should

not be turned into instruments to cause misery,” King Abdullah

declared in his address on November 12. “We will continue what

we have commenced, extending our hand to all those advocating

peace, justice and tolerance.”

Continued to page 21

.H.E. Adel Al-JubeirAmbassador of the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia to the United States

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-SaudThe Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

King of Saudi Arabia

R O G E R C H R I S T O P H E RI N T E R I O R D E S I G N

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C O M P L E T E D E S I G N S E R V I C E S

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

D i p l o m at 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 | W i n t e R 2 0 0 9 2�

King Abdullah’s visit was the first

by a Saudi monarch to the UN since

1957. On November 13, the King

received President George Bush at

his guest residence in New York. At

the outset of the meeting, President

Bush welcomed King Abdullah to the

United States and thanked him for

initiating the interfaith dialogue. The

president underscored the importance

of US-Saudi relations, recognizing

that the Kingdom has a pivotal role to

play in resolving Middle East issues.

Earlier that day, President Bush

addressed the UN session on interfaith

dialogue.

That evening, King Abdullah

hosted a small private reception for

Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders

-- most of whom were participants

in the interfaith conference held in

Madrid in July.

Speaking to the gathering, the King

expressed hope that “this dialogue will

constitute a beginning for the good of

the humanity.”

“Whatever has taken place in

terms of killing, enmity and excesses

on others’ rights is quite enough,”

he insisted. “God Almighty in all

religions has urged for mercy and I

think that any person who commits a

sin against another person will repent

and become remorseful to the greatest

extent.” The King condemned

all types of aggression, insisting,

“Religions have nothing to do with

such kinds of acts, but it is Satan

and politics that have penetrated and

confounded religions.”

Continued to page 22


belief and expression, without discrimination on the bases of

race, language or religion.

Ban concluded, “The challenge now we are confronting is

how to go beyond the strong and positive speeches we heard

in the last two days . . . I do believe that this meeting was an

important step forward.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques receives former President Clinton - NY

Representatives of Islam, Christianity and Judaism

delivered remarks as well. Each speaker praised the Saudi

interfaith initiative and stressed their religion’s commitment to

peace.

Saudi Foreign Minister, HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal praised

the strong international support extended to the interfaith

dialogue process initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy

Mosques, King Abdullah. The initiative, he noted, began

with a Muslim scholars’ conference in Makkah, continued

in Madrid with participants of all cultures and religions and

culminated in this week’s UN interfaith conference.

Prince Saud called for the establishment of a committee

on interfaith dialogue, a measure proposed by King Abdullah.

Such an effort would increase understanding and encourage

people to “work together for harmony and peace and not for

confrontation,” he said.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon closed the UN interfaith

dialogue conference, reading the final communiqué issued by

the participants.

The text condemned the use of religion to justify the killing

of innocents. It affirmed that all religions advocate peace,

justice and equality and, therefore, cannot support terrorism,

violence or coercion. The communiqué also expressed concern

over the intolerance, discrimination, hatred and harassment

faced by religious minorities. It called for all governments to

respect basic human rights and liberties, including freedom of

King Abdullah and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques meets with New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.

Left to right: President of the UN General Assembly Miquel d’ Escoto Brookman, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques addresses UN General Assembly at the special high-level meeting on Interfaith Dialogue -- Cultures of Peace

H.E. Dr. Hussein Hassouna, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United States and King Abdullah

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah visitsIslamic Civilization Exhibition at the United Nations HQ

Photos provided by Saudi Press Agency


Mr. Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister attended and spoke at the Interfaith Dialogue Conference held at the United Nations in New York

G-20 Heads of State attended dinner at the White House hosted by the then President George W. Bush - November, 2008Above photo provided by Saudi Press Agency

Directly after the UN meeting, King Abdullah attended the G20 dinner meeting at the White House in Washington, DC along with many other World Leaders

Photo provided by British Press


FIFA WORLD CUPSOUTH AFRICA

By AMBASSADOR WELILE NHLAPO

South African Ambassador to theUnited States of America

2O 1OIn May 2004, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association

(FIFA), turned the tide of modern sporting history, and declared that

for the first time in its 101 years of existence, the 2010 FIFA World

Cup would be staged on African soil, and that South Africa was

selected as the country to host this event. As the host, South Africa

stands not as a country alone, but rather as a representative of Africa

and as part of the African family of nations.

Nelson Mandela photo by Matthew Willman © NMF


Preparations to ensure that South Africa delivers a truly

world-class event, began when South Africa made its first bid

in July 2000 to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup. South Africa

lost that bid, but went on in 2004 to overwhelmingly win the

bid for the 2010 World Cup. Since then, the South African

Government, together with its partners, the South African Lo-

cal Organising Committee, the private sector, and the South

African public, have been hard at work to ensure the unpre-

cedented success of the World Cup in 2010. The South Afri-

can Government views the World Cup as a significant eco-

nomic opportunity for South Africa as well as for the African

continent, and is using the hosting of this event as part of

the country’s extensive programme, aimed at pursuing faster

economic growth and achieving its development goals. The

South African Government is also collaborating with African

countries on a number of 2010 related projects, in the context

of an African Legacy Programme.

In line with its commitments as the host country, various

South African National Government Departments undertook

responsibility to provide 17 guarantees to FIFA to ensure a

successful tournament. These guarantees were consolidated

into Act No. 11 of September 2006, entitled “the 2010 FIFA

World Cup South Africa Special Measures Act.” The guaran-

tees cover issues surrounding access to South Africa, a sup-

portive financial environment, intellectual property and mar-

keting rights, safety and security, healthcare services, transport

and telecommunications. Concerns have been raised, both

within the guarantees outlined above, as well as outside these

guarantees. The South African Embassy is pleased to report on

progress that has been made in the following specific areas:

1. Crime, Safety and Security South Africa submitted a comprehensive security plan for the 2010 World Cup to FIFA on 30 June 2008.

Part of this multi-facetted plan includes the deploy-ment of 41,000 police officers specifically for the event. Recruitment and event-specific training for the police force is under way. The number of police reservists is set to increase from 45,000 members to 100,000 in 2010. In addition, countries competing in the event will send their own specially trained police officers to assist with language and cultural differences and to support the South African Police Services. South Africa will assign 2010 police stations within close proximity to each of the stadiums, as well as dedicated crime-investiga-tion teams and special courts to investigate and deal with all event-related crimes on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week. A 24-hour multilin-gual hotline will assist visitors requiring police or medi-cal services. A Regional Southern African Development Community Security Plan has been finalised. Border security and sea and air security strategies are currently in place.

2. Stadium Construction The 2010 World Cup matches will be staged at 10 venues across nine South African cities. Stadium con-struction and upgrades are on track, and all 10 stadiums will be ready by the end of 2009.

3. Public Transportation System The Department of Transport, in consultation with the transport sector, has developed a far reaching 2010 Transport Action Plan, which aims at revolutionising

Stadium construction


South Africa’s public transport system. A total of R11.7 billion ($1.138bn) has been invested in rail upgrades, bus rapid transit systems, inner-city mobility systems, airport city links, and other public transport and road infrastructure projects. The Airports Company of South Africa has also invested R19,5 billion ($1.897bn) inan airport infrastructure expansion programme, to ac-commodate the surge of visitors in 2010.

4. Accommodation The Chairman of MATCH Services AG, a professional services company selected by FIFA to provide ticketing and accommodation services for the 2010 World Cup, noted that South Africa offers five-star luxury accom-modation, especially with regard to the conventional Bed and Breakfast establishments. The Chairman further noted that it was the diversity of accommodation op-tions, which made South Africa a tremendously afford-able destination for people seeking to enjoy the World Cup. Football fans will have the opportunity to see how South Africa will deal with some of these concerns when South Africa hosts the eight-nation FIFA Confederations Cup in June 2009. Hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup is more than just a sporting event. For South Africa, foot-

ball is intrinsically linked both to the struggle for free-dom and democracy and to our national identity. Former President Nelson Mandela once described the game of football on Robben Island as a sport for survival, in that it “helped uphold the values of tolerance, inclusiveness, reconciliation, non-racialism and peace.” These values still hold true for all South Africans today. South Africastands ready to receive the world for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and to make your visit a wonderfully unique African experience.


Blair Sees Glimmer of Hope for Progress on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

By ROBERT McMAHON

Deputy Editor, Council on Foreign Relations, CFR.org

Mideast peace envoy Tony Blair, citing “slender and real

grounds for hope,” says an opportunity exists to advance

negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians but urged

swift and concerted action by international and local actors

to restore credibility to the flagging peace talks.

Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy speaking at meeting hosted by CFR in Washington, D.C.


Blair, the former British prime minister, has served for the past eighteen

months as envoy for the Mideast “Quartet,” consisting of the United States,

European Union, United Nations, and Russia. He told a December 3

meeting at the Council on Foreign Relations he has been encouraged by

some security and economic improvements in the West Bank, controlled

by the Palestinian Authority; but, he said broader efforts to improve living

conditions must accompany the peace process if it is to make meaningful

progress. “The political process and changing the reality [on the ground]

have to march in lockstep,” Blair said.

Improving conditions on the ground, he said, could help shore up

confidence on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which seeks to

reach a comprehensive two-state solution. At the moment, Blair said, “each

people has lost faith in the other’s good faith. Israelis don’t believe they’ve

got a partner for peace. Palestinians don’t believe Israel is sincere in offering

statehood.”

Blair outlined four priorities:

Pursuing a serious negotiating process marked by what he called

“creativity” and “goodwill” and pursued with “vigor and determination.”

Advancing a comprehensive plan for Palestinian security building

on current efforts to train Palestinian forces in Jordan and other moves to

set up a competent system of law and order. It is “not just an idle dream,”

Blair said, pointing to Palestinian security efforts he has witnessed in

Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron in the West Bank.

Bringing economic and social change. Blair said international help is

essential and should take note of positive trends in the West Bank like the

revival of Bethlehem as a tourist destination, rising housing development,

and falling unemployment. “There is plenty to despair of but there are

slender and real grounds for hope,” he said.

Providing a new strategy to resolve the Palestinian impasse over Gaza,

which has been controlled by the militant Palestinian group Hamas since

June 2007. Blair said Palestinian elections expected by early 2010 offer

one way toward a solution if moderate politicians from both factions are

elected to power. “However much we are tempted to set Gaza to one side

because of the chaos it causes to Palestinian cohesion it cannot be. But

neither is its predicament inevitable,” Blair said. “It can and it must be

reversed.”

CFR President Richard N. Haass, who worked closely with Blair during

his time as U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland’s peace process, agreed that a

cohesive Palestinian “partner” in any talks would be vital.

“Israelis need to see Palestinian institutions and they need to see

Palestinian capacities up and working if they are going to take risks and

make the sorts of concessions that are going to be necessary if peace is going

Mr. Richard N. Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Mr. Tony Blair


to happen,” he said. “It is important that these institutions are

functioning well and that these capacities are adequate to the

challenges they will surely face if a Palestinian state, if and

when it comes to exist, is not to become a failed state.”

Blair also praised some members of the foreign policy

team that has been appointed by the then U.S. President-elect

Barack Obama as being well suited to helping guide a Mideast

solution.

“I think there is a consensus now amongst the international

community, not just America but everywhere, as to how

to deal with this, more or less around the points that I am

making,” he said. “The question is now--what people will

watch for--is it taken forward with the requisite urgency and

determination and I have every confidence that it will be.”

Blair’s comments echoed some of the findings of a new

report by the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings

Institution. The report, coauthored by Haass and Brookings

scholar Martin Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel,

cited an “urgent need for a diplomatic effort to achieve a final

peace agreement based on a two-state solution while it is still

feasible.” But the report added: “deep divisions within the

Palestinian leadership (not to mention divisions within Israel’s

body politic), and the Palestinian Authority’s questionable

ability to control territory from which Israel would withdraw,

sharply reduce prospects for a sustainable peace agreement no

matter what the outside effort.” The report also emphasized

the need to expand talks to include an Israeli-Syrian track, as

well as the importance of opening a dialogue with Iran in an

final effort to convince that country not to develop nuclear

weapons.

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Blair met later that day with Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir

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Cottonera commonly referred to as the Three Cities,

namely Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, forms an integral

part of the Grand Harbour conurbation facing Valletta, Malta’s

capital city. Although each of these towns has its own specific

identity, the Three Cities have collectively been interlinked

due to their common history and unique topography of land

peninsulas bordering sheltered inlets set within the environs of

the Grand Harbour.

When the knights of the Order of St John were offered

Malta in fiefdom by Emperor Charles V in 1530, the maritime

town of Vittoriosa was the natural choice for the knights to

establish their base. The Order of St John relied heavily on its

fleet of galleys and other maritime craft and securing a safe

haven was a determining factor in the selection of Vittoriosa

as its first home base. The small town set on a peninsula

offered excellent berthing facilities. Furthermore, the old

medieval Castello a Mare or Castrum Maris, today referred to

as Fort Saint Angelo, provided the starting point for setting

By Dr. CONRAD THAKE Photographs by Daniel Cilia

an elaborate network of military defences. The knights built

their first auberges or hostels within Vittoriosa. Initially their

intention was to isolate themselves from the rest of the native

population by creating a segregated collachio as they had

done when based in Rhodes. However, given the densely

populated urban fabric, the knights found it almost impossible

to displace the local inhabitants to impose the collachio model

and they soon abandoned their original plan.

Fort St. Angelo at the tip of the Vittoriosa peninsula

became the seat of the Grand Master of the Order. It was to

play a heroic role during the Great Siege of 1565. From its

ramparts Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette directed all

the major battles fought between the knights and the Maltese

against the Ottoman Turks. It was from the fort’s cavalier that

a shot aimed at the enemy camp in Sliema point caused the

death of Dragut, the feared leader of the Turks’ elite corps.

After the victory of the Great Siege, the project of establishing

a new city to be called Valletta assumed a high priority in

order to better repel any future Turkish invasion. The knights

transferred their base from Vittoriosa to Valletta in 1571.

Still, the former town continued to play an important role

tHe leGacY oF malta’s

Three Cities

for the Order as it hosted its arsenal, ship-building and ship-

repair yards and a waterfront lined with Baroque palaces

and warehouses that flourished during the late seventeenth

century.

The other two towns were Senglea and Cospicua. Senglea

was founded by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle on the land

peninsula opposite Vittoriosa towards the end of the sixteenth

century. Cospicua was developed as a densely populated town

at the neck of the inlet of the creek then referred to as Porto

delle Galere, or as it is known today as Dockyard Creek. The

knights embarked on building highly elaborate fortifications

and military defence works around the three cities. Besides

the land-front fortifications to Vittoriosa and Senglea, the

entire Three Cities were encircled by the massive Margherita

and Cottonera fortifications that were built during the late

seventeenth century to secure a virtually impregnable line

of imposing defense works. To this day the fortified urban

enclave of Cottonera represents one of the finest examples of

fortified cities in the world.

During the nineteenth century the British colonial

authorities established H.M. Victualling Yard and an extensive

network of Drydocks and ship-repair facilities to service the

British navy. Malta had become a highly strategic naval station

and military base at the crossroads of the Mediterranean

Sea. The Three Cities continued to increase their resident

population as many sought employment at the dockyards or

with the Navy. One of the finest architectural developments in

the mid-18th century was the construction of the Naval Bakery

building which supplied tack or dry biscuits to the whole

British fleet within the Mediterranean. Today, the former

Naval Bakery has been transformed into a Maritime Museum

which displays several artifacts testifying to the town’s

centuries-old connection to maritime events.

The Second World War had a catastrophic impact on the

Three Cities. During 1942-43, Malta was severely bombed by

the German Axis forces and Cottonera suffered the brunt of

most of these aerial attacks given its location within the Grand

Harbour and the dockyards. A number of historic buildings

and monuments in Vittoriosa were destroyed, Senglea was

virtually reduced to a heap of rubble and Cospicua’s dense

urban fabric was also severely affected. Anticipating the

oncoming onslaught, most of Cottonera’s residents had prior

to the war sought safe refuge in the outlying rural areas

as far as possible from the Grand Harbour conurbation.

The extent of the war damage was severe with the loss of

thousands of houses. In the aftermath of the war, most of

the former residents rendered homeless relocated elsewhere.

The population of Cottonera was drastically and irretrievably

reduced to its pre-war levels. In spite of its glorious history,

the Cottonera region degenerated into a socially depressed

area with some neighborhoods characterized by poverty and

substandard housing.

Fortunately over the past two decades there has been

a sustained interest in the urban regeneration of the Three

Cities. A number of historic palaces along the Vittoriosa

waterfront were restored to their original splendor, the Order

of St John established its seat in the upper precincts of Fort

St Angelo and recently the world-renowned firm Camper

& Nicholsons has taken over the management of a new

yacht marina along the waterfront. There are other urban

regeneration projects in the pipeline and certainly more needs

to be done. Still, it is comforting to note that the renaissance of

the Three Cities is well on its way.

Dr. Conrad Thake is an architect, urban planner and architectural historian. He earned a Ph.D. degree at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.

On December 9, the Embassy of Australia hosted a reception

to open the exhibition Sublime Symmetries Photographs by

David Stephenson, presented in association with the Embassy

of Portugal. Curated by Jorge Calado, the exhibition was first

presented at the Centre Culturel Calouste Gulbenkian, Paris,

in 2006.

The exhibition was formally opened by Director of Calouste

Gulbenkian Foundation, Dr João Pedro Garcia. Stephenson,

born in Washington DC but resident in Australia since 1982,

is one of the world’s foremost contemporary photographers.

Using a long exposure, he reveals the incredible architectural

geometry of domes and vaults usually not visible to the naked

eye.

The 150 guests, including the Ambassadors of Australia

and Portugal, were also able to enjoy the performance of

Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd.

AUSTRALIA

All photography by Paul Morigi

SublimeSymmetries

H.E João de Vallera, Ambassador of Portugal to the United States and H.E. Dennis Richardson, Ambassador of Australia to the United States


Ruth and Sam Alward; Ambassador de Vallera

Ambassador de Vallera, David Stephenson; Jane Scott, Director of Cultural Relations, Embassy of Australia

Jane Hardy; Paul Kang; Lauren Pasternack Jorge Calado

David Stephenson; Elizabeth Stephenson; Ambassador Richardson

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The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

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

The National Council

on U.S.-Arab Relations

convened its 17th Annual

Arab-U.S. Policymakers

Conference on October

30-31, 2008 at the Ronald

Reagan Building and

International Trade Center

in Washington, D.C.

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More than 800 participants representing the diplomatic,

governmental, military, business, think-tank and academic

communities turned their attention to the conference theme:

“Transitioning the White House:

Challenges and Opportunities

for Arab-U.S. Relations.” Com-

ing just days before the presi-

dential election in the United

States, the conference examined

a wide range of issues confront-

ing Arab-U.S. relations. Partici-

pants considered how the new

American president might seek

to deal with the regional chal-

lenges and objectives he will

inherit upon inauguration, how

the global economic slowdown could impact the United

States and Arab countries, and how the transition might

present opportunities for reordered priorities and new direc-

tions in U.S. policies regarding the Arab world.

Conference speakers included former NATO Command-

ing General Wesley Clark (Ret.), dealing with Arab-U.S.

strategic relations; United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign

Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, examining regional develop-

ments and commerce between the United States and the Ara-

bian Peninsula; media personality Ms. Mona Abu Sulayman,

renowned co-host of Kalam Nawaem (“Softly Speaking”) and

Managing Director of the HRH

Prince Awaleed Bin Talal Kingdom

Foundation, offering perspectives

on the changing demograph-

ics and cultural dynamics across

generations; The Hon. Chas. W.

Freeman, Jr., Middle East Policy

Council President and former As-

sistant Secretary of Defense, who

reexamined the successes and

failures of U.S. foreign policy in

the region in recent years; and

Arab League Ambassador Dr. Hus-

sein Hassouna, who examined how U.S. policies have been

viewed in the Arab world and suggested steps forward that

might be taken by the new U.S. administration.

A special highlight of the conference was a roundtable

discussion with current U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia,

Ford Fraker, and three of his predecessors – Ambassador Wal-

ter Cutler (1984-1987), Ambassador Wyche Fowler (1996-

2001), and Ambassador Robert Jordan (2002-2003). H.E. Hou-

da Ezra Nonoo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the

United States, hosted an evening embassy reception for confer-

ence participants. Additional speakers included HRH Prince

Turki Al Faisal Al Sa’ud, former Ambassador to the Court of

St. James and to the United States of America; H.E. Marwan

Muasher, Senior Vice-President for

External Affairs at the World Bank

and former Foreign Minister of the

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as

well as a former Jordanian ambassa-

dor to the United States; H.E. Imad

Moustapha, Ambassador of Syria to

the United States; and H.E. Ali Su-

leiman Aujali, Libyan Ambassador

to the United States. Other sessions

examined Arab and U.S. interests

and key foreign policy objectives

pertaining to Lebanon, Syria, Israel,

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal, Chair-man, King Faisal Foundation; former Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States

Ambassador Dr. Imad Moustapha,Ambassador of Syria to theUnited States

Ambassador Ford Fraker,Ambassador of the United Statesto the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Wyche Fowler, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dr. Nadia Hijab, Senior Fellow, Institute for Palestine Studies

Mr. Daniel Levy, Director, Prospects for Peace Initiative, The Century Foundation

H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates

Hon. David Bohigian, Asst. Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

General Wesley K. Clark (USA, Ret.), Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe

Dr. Kenneth Katzman, Senior Middle East Affairs Specialist, Congressional Research Service

Ms. Karen Harbert, Executive Vice President and Managing Director,Institute for 21st Century Energy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; formerAssistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, U.S.Department of Energy

Ms. Nablah M. Al-Tunisi, Ras Tanura Integrated Petrochemical Project, a joint venture of Saudi ARAMCO and Dow Chemical

Mr. Ryan M. Lance, President, Exploration and Production - Europe, Asis, Africa and the Middle East for ConocoPhillips

Mr. James Burkhard, Cambridge Energy Research Associates - Managing Director, Global Oil Group

Ms. Muna AbuSulayman, Managing Director, HRH Prince Awaleed bin Talal Kingdom Foundation


Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Arab-U.S. defense cooperation, develop-

ments for the energy industry in a changing global economy,

and the dynamics of the presidential campaign in the United

States as seen through the eyes of Arab media specialists.

Dr. John Duke Anthony, Founding President and CEO of

the National Council, served as host for the conference and

moderated the proceedings. The Council is celebrating its 25th

Anniversary (1983-2008) of promoting a relationship between

the United States and its Arab world strategic partners, friends,

and allies that rests on as solid and enduring a foundation

as possible. The annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference

is a central part of the National Council’s mission to educate

Americans about U.S. interests and involvement in the Arab

countries, the Mideast, and the Islamic world.

Ambassador Walter Cutler, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom ofSaudi Arabia; President Emeritus, Meridian International Center

Mr. Jay M. Pryor, Vice President for Corporate Business Development, Chevron Corporation

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

Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman, Arleigh Burke Chair in Strategy, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Mr. Jeffrey C. McCray, Vice President International Marketing, BAE SYSTEMS

Amb. Edward W. “Skip” Gnehm, Jr., Elliot School of International Affair, George Washington University

Ambassador Barbara Bodine, Diplomat-in-Residence, Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs, Princeton University

H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher, Senior VP of External Affairs, The World Bank; former Foreign Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft (USAF, Ret.), President and Founder of the Scowcroft Group

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

Mr. David D. Arnold, President, American University of Cairo

Ambassador Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., President, Middle East Policy Council and former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

H.E. Ali Suleiman Aujali, Ambassador of the Great Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United States

Dr. Abderrahim Foukara, Washington Bureau Chief, Al-Jazeerah International

Mr. Hisham Melhem, Washington Bureau Chief, Al-Arabiya

Ms. Dalia Mogahed, Senior Analyst and Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies


Mr. Mohamed Elmenshawy, Editor in Chief, Taqrir Washington

H.E. Dr. Hussein Hassouna, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United States

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

Mr. Patrick Mancino, Vice-President and Director of Development, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations


THE RONALD REAGAN BUILDING AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER

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held this event at the

TradeC enter


BILATERAL MEETING

resident-elect Obama didn’t waste any time after the November elections and took the opportunity to meet with Mexican President Calderon in the Autumn of 2008. President Calderon hosted this very private meeting at the Mexican Cultural Institute to discuss is-sues of interest for both countries, such as the economy, the environment and security. “It is an honor for the Mexican Government to receive President elect Barack Obama in this Mexican Institute,” said President Calde-ron. He also stated the meeting was the start of a very close, constructive relationship between President Barack Obama’s and his administration.

Between Mexican President Calderón and President Barack Obama

This is the start of a very close, constructive relationship between the two administrations. President Calderón

PPresident Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon


They spoke generally about several issues ranging from securi-

ty to the regional competitiveness of North America, including

Mexico and Canada. Issues were discussed in which common

concerns such as the environment, the Green Fund and the

need to collaborate in dealing with the critical situation the

world is facing in the economic sphere. President Calderon

expressed his wish to work together for the principles and

values he and President Barack Obama share. President Calde-

ron proposed to President Obama that they form a strategic

alliance between the American and Mexican governments to

manage common problems, such as Homeland Security for

both nations. “I think that the safer Mexico is, the safer the

United States will also be. The idea is that we will have to fight

the common problem of organized crime, terrorism and drug

trafficking, which is an international problem, together,” said

President Calderon. Lastly, they discussed the importance of

promoting far more constructive relations in the international

sphere and participating in the groups to which they belong:

the G-20, the G-8, the G-5, the APEC Forum and the United

Nations Security Council. “Although, our conversation was

extremely general, I am certain it will be the start of an ex-

traordinary period of relations and cooperation between the

United States and Mexico,” President Calderon concluded.

President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon at the Mexican Cultural Institute

Photos by Embassy of M

exico/Sergio Ochoa


The meeting was organized by Dr. Borjanka Oljaca-Leiboff, Director of the GWUH International Medicine Program. Hospital CEO Trent Crable, Chief Information Officer Gretchen Tegethoff, ER doctor Neal Sikka and neurology resident Dr. Mateja de Leonni met with Dr. Vittorio Daniore, Science Attaché for the Italian Embassy, Dr Michele Iorio, President of Italy’s Molise region, and Dr. Nelida Ancora, External Relations Attache to discuss how rural and remote areas in Italy may benefit from the hospital’s burgeoning telemedicine program. Dr. Michele Iorio says he came to build “an alliance for today and for tomorrow,” by implementing a profes-sional collaboration between GWUH and the University of Molise. He also says that such a partnership would provide low-cost, readily available medical expertise to trainees and doctors at healthcare facilities in his region and possibly for developing nations worldwide.

By EKENE OKOBI

TELEMEDICINE

George Washington University

Hospital (GWUH) hosted a delegation

from the Italian Embassy on 4 February,

2009. Hospital staff demonstrated new

technologies being used to train doctors

and discussed how such methods can be

integrated into a U.S.-Italian partnership

on science and technology.

Forging International Connections

Professor Vittorio Daniore, MD, Embassy of Italy and Mr. Trent Crable, CEO of George Washington University Hospital (GWUH)

Professor Vittorio Daniore, MD, Scientific Attache, Embassy of Italy, Dr. Michele Iorio, President of Italy’s Molise region


Also known as “remote medicine,” telemedicine allows skilled and experienced physicians to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients in distant locations. “I do an X-Ray today, here in Washington. I’m in doubt about my diagno-sis—and then about my therapy—then I consult—maybe the best expert is in India, or in Italy—and I and the expert in Italy or India will have a dialogue, and give the right therapy to the patient. It’s a kind of brainstorming,” explains Dr. Da-niore. By electronically transmitting photos, video and data like X-Rays, EKGs and MRI results, a physician can get a second opinion and provide the best treatment possible for his or her patient without anyone ever having to step on a plane. Tele-medicine is already in use on some cruise ships and by the U.S. military. “The civilian use of telemedicine will improve medicine,” says Dr. Iorio. “I think this is something that we definitely want to ex-plore. It would be a great step in our International Medicine Program,” says Gretchen Tegethoff when asked about the likelihood of GWUH expanding its nascent telemedicine program beyond the boundaries of on-site classroom instruc-tion. During their visit, the delegation got the opportunity to glance into an experimental Integrated Operating Room and witness the program in use. The program is so new that Tegethoff is not at liberty to discuss specifics on the network, or plans to further integrate it into the general medical school curriculum. Dr. Daniore says that he hopes plans for telemedicine pro-grams are included in a bilateral U.S./Italian MOU partner-ship on science, technology and healthcare that was signed under the previous administration and must now be renewed with the Obama White House. “GWUH is the most advanced, technologically speaking, for long-distance diagnostic thera-py,” and so, Dr. Daniore says he hopes that the hospital will take a leadership role in any telemedicine partnership agree-ments between the U.S. and Italian governments. The best part of deal would be providing “the best services at the low-est price,” to any patients the partnership serves, according to Daniore, who hopes to see it implemented within a year.

Dr. Mateja de Leonni Stanonik, Neurology resident, GWUH and Dr. Daniore

Dr. Borjank Oljaca-Leiboff, Director, GWUH International Medicine Program, Dr. Daniore, Mr. Trent Crable, CEO of GWUH, Dr. Iorio and Dr. Nelida Ancora, Embassy of Italy

Ms. Gretchen Tegethoff, CIO, GWUH and Dr. Borjank Oljaca-Leiboff, Director, GWUH, International Medicine Program

Above: Dr. Daniore, Dr. Iorio and Dr. Ancora

Dr. Neal Sikka, ER physician, GWUMFA and Ms. Tegethoff

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On January 28, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir presented the King Abdulaziz Medal - First Class to Mr. Joseph W. Grant, a U.S. World War II pilot, on behalf of King Abdullah

bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

“Mr. Grant’s contributions to helping foster Saudi-U.S. relations

are deeply appreciated to this day,” said Ambassador Al-Jubeir.

“We are pleased to honor such a longstanding friend and wish

him happiness and continued good health.”

Joe Grant, who turns 101 years old in March, is the pilot

who in 1945 flew a Douglas-DC3 aircraft to Saudi Arabia to be

delivered as a gift to King Abdulaziz Al-Saud from President

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, following their historic meeting on-

board the U.S.S. Quincy on February 14, 1945. Subsequently,

Captain Grant served two years in the Kingdom as the first pilot

to King Abdulaziz, founder of the modern Saudi state. Captain

Grant was also instrumental in the establishment of Saudi Ara-

King Abdulaziz Medal

101 Year Old American Pilot Honored

First Class

HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz King Abdulaziz Al-Saud King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz


bia’s first national airline and the training of its pilots. In the

fledgling years of the airline, Grant flew routes between Ri-

yadh, Jubail, Khafji and other more populated cities in Saudi

Arabia. “We started the airline before we had the airports,”

Grant said. “Sometimes, we’d just find a little strip of desert

to land on when we picked up our passenger loads.” Return-

ing to Riyadh two years ago aboard a Saudi Arabian Airlines

747, Grant marveled at the country’s transformation into an

oil-rich powerhouse since World War II.

“They are a great people,” Grant said. “What was once

desert is now fertile farms.” “This is a really big honor for me

and I couldn’t be happier,” Grant said of the award. “I feel

quite surprised and grateful, and it is a wonderful thing to

have been part of the start of such a terrific airline.”

Aviation has been Grant’s lifelong passion, but his time

in Saudi Arabia inspired him to master the craft of jewelsmith

after he became an admirer of a silversmith who designed

“puzzle rings,” a series of bands that fit together to form one

ring.

In 1968, after a 20-year-career as a pilot with TWA,

Grant opened Jose Grant Fine Jewelry, in Stamford, Con-

necticut, where he still works today and continues to design

puzzle rings, which include elaborately worked metals em-

bedded with jewels and semi-precious stones. “I love design-

ing jewelry for people and designing something beautiful,”

Grant said.

The King Abdulaziz Medal is awarded in recognition of

significant contributions made by an individual to the

Kingdom.

HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz King Abdulaziz Al-Saud King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz

Left to Right: Mannal Farid, Shahla Izadi, Iman Aboulhosn, Sherry Cooper, Joe Grant, Lisa Grant, Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir, Edward Grant, Muhammad Mustafa, Nada Moukalled, Thamir Al-Faheid, Ismat Gabbani. Front (kneeling): Tarik Allagany

Left to Right: Mr. Khaled Al-Nabhani, Mr. Joe Grant, Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir and B. Gen. Ahmed Al-Qahtani

Mr. Edward Grant, son of Joe Grant


II rizenternationalPP

The King Faisal Foundation was established in 1976 by the

sons of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The Director-General is HRH

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal. The Foundation is thought to be one of

the largest philanthropic Foundations in the world.

The foundation presents an annual award, King Faisal Interna-

tional Prize, to “dedicated men and women whose contributions

make a positive difference” in one of the following areas:

• Service to Islam

• Islamic studies

• Arabic Language and literature

• Science

• Medicine

Each of the five prizes, awarded annually, consists of a certifi-

cate hand written in Diwani calligraphy summarizing the laure-

ates work; a 24 carat 200 gram gold medal -- uniquely cast for

each winner; and a cash prize of SR 750,000 (US $200,000). The

prizes are awarded at an annual ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Ara-

bia, by the King of Saudi Arabia.

The winners of the King Faisal Award for the year 2009 were

announced in January. The award was given to five recipients

Abdessalam M. Cheddadi

By Mr. SULIMAN AL SHUAIBI &DR. HOWAIDA HASHIMSaudi Health Mission, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

King Faisal Foundation

T H E A N N O U N C E M E N T O F T H E

King Faisal

Abd Al-Aziz Nasir Al-Manie

Sir Richard Henry Friend Rashid Alievich Sunyaev

Ronald Levy

HRH, Prince Khalid Al- Faisal


from Saudi Arabia, the UK, the United States, Morocco and

Russia. Egypt’s Principal Shari’ah Society for Qur’an and Sun-

nah Scholars was also honored.

The winners were announced by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,

the director of the King Faisal Foundation.

In the Science category, the prize was awarded jointly to Sir

Richard Henry Friend of the UK, chairman of the Council of

the School of Physical Sciences and Cavendish Professor of

Physics, University of Cambridge, and Rashid Alievich Sun-

yaev of Russia, chief scientist of the Space Research Institute

at the Russian Academy of Science and director of the Max-

Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany.

Friend pioneered the physics and engineering of semi-con-

ductor devices made of plastic materials. The fabrication of

these devices and circuits by ink jet printing that he has intro-

duced is radically different from the traditional manufacturing

technology and has paved the way for the development of a

wide range of applications of plastic electronic and photonic

devices.

Sunyaev has made pioneering and fundamental contribu-

tions to astrophysics and cosmology. His theoretical work on

the cosmic background radiation laid the foundation for the

observational exploration of the structure of the universe. His

work on black holes and binary stars was critical in advancing

the field of X-ray astronomy.

In the category of Medicine, the prize was granted to Ron-

ald Levy of the US, the head of the Division of Oncology at

Stanford University Medical School’s Department of Medicine.

Levy has been recognized for his pioneering studies in

cancer immunotherapy. Almost 30 years ago, he developed an-

tibodies that could distinguish between malignant and benign

tumor cells. This created a tool for diagnosis and therapy. He

showed in 1980 that monoclonal antibodies against a tumor-

associated antigen could be employed to treat patients with

B cell lymphoma. Many of these patients responded well to

the treatment. In the last 11 years the drug he discovered has

been used to treat a large number of lymphoma patients with

remarkable remission and survival results. In his more recent

work Levy has used the patient’s immune system to mount

immune responses against the patient’s own cancer cells. The

ability of a patient to elicit immune responses against his or

her own tumor cells by vaccinating the patient against the

malignancy is likely to become a more effective way for longer

lasting and more efficient therapy.

In the category of Arabic Language and Literature, the prize

went to Abd Al-Aziz Nasir Al-Manie of Saudi Arabia. The pro-

fessor emeritus of Arabic Literature at King Saud University in

Riyadh, Al-Manie was commended for his distinguished efforts

in editing, verifying and elucidating several Arabic literary

works of the third and seventh century Hijrah.

The prize for Islamic Studies went to Abdessalam M.

Cheddadi of Morocco. The professor at the University Re-

search Institute of Mohammad V University in Rabat has been

recognized for his studies on the works of Ibn Khaldun, a

leading authority in Islamic thought and perceptions of Imran.

Cheddadi elucidated the basis, concepts, terminology and

types of Imran as conceived by Ibn Khaldun, comparing them

to modern social theories and addressing a wider international

audience through his writings in different languages.

The prize in the category of Service to Islam has been

awarded to the Principal Shari’ah Society for Qur’an and

Sunnah Scholars in Egypt in recognition of its outstanding

services to Islam and Muslims, which include nearly 100 years

of dawa, using the Qur’an and the Sunnah in extending real

Islamic teachings and calling for unity among Muslims.

The society has also been carrying out a range of social servic-

es such as sponsoring orphans, procuring income-generating

work for widowed women, in addition to building more than

5,000 mosques and numerous, well-equipped medical centers

that provide free medical services. The society’s achievements

abroad are primarily focused on helping underprivileged

Muslims, especially in Palestine and impoverished Muslim

countries in Africa and Asia.

%


The Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Michael Collins, and Mrs.

Marie Collins hosted a reception in celebration of the Irish

heritage of State Department Goodwill Ambassador Bo Derek.

Ms. Derek was also known as Mary Cathleen Collins. To mark

the occasion on 15th January,

Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs,

Micheál Martin T.D., wrote to Ms.

Derek noting that she is part of the

wider global Irish community and

recognising Derek’s work in relation

to raising public awareness about

wildlife trafficking, and on behalf of veterans. Following some

welcoming remarks by Ambassador Michael Collins, Ms. Derek

and other guests spent the evening in informal conversation.

C E L E B R AT I O N O F

Bo Derek, State Department Goodwill Ambassador

Bottom left: H.E. Michael Collins, Irish Ambassador to the United States,Bo Derek, Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, former U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Northern Ireland and Mrs. Marie Collins, wife of Ambassador Collins

Bottom center: Susan Hurley Bennett and Judge Michael Conroy, Dist. Ct. of Maryland

Bottom right: Congressman Dan Lungren, (R), California and Bo Derek

Myles Geiran, Embassy of Ireland and Bo Derek


L E C T U R EakinsChristopher J.M

T r a n s A t l a n t i c R e l a t i o n s

H.E. Sir Nigel Sheinwald, KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States

Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State

Left to right: The Honorable Brent Scowcroft, Chairman, Atlantic Council International Advisory Board, Dr. Henry Kissinger and Ambassador Sheinwald

Frederick Kempe, President and CEO,Atlantic Council

H.E. Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States andH.E. Aziz Mekouar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States


Dr. Henry Kissinger delivered the Atlantic Council’s third

annual Christopher J. Makins Lecture on transatlantic rela-

tions at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC,

hosted by the UK Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Sir

Nigel Sheinwald, KCMG. Kissinger, an Atlantic Council Board

Director, served as National Security Advisor under President

Nixon and Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and

Ford.

Kissinger’s comments addressed the challenges and op-

portunities facing the strategic Atlantic alliance during the

Obama administration and beyond. He first spoke about the

emergence of transnational sovereignty pooling as traditional

nation-states realize they are no longer capable of conducting

global foreign policy. The nation-states of Europe, he said, are

in the process of ceding much of their sovereignty to the EU;

but, this process of transition is still ongoing and is sometimes

unintentionally trumped by national interests. Kissinger noted

that transnational trends also have also emerged in the

By PETER CASSATA

The Atlantic Council of theUnited States

Middle East; but, since the nation-state concept never es-

tablished itself in the region, the unifying element became a

universalist Islamist philosophy.

Because of the continuing financial crisis, Kissinger urged

governments to bring their political and economic policies

much closer together in the future. A realignment of priori-

ties is required to reform the international economic system.

Without arriving at compatible priorities, countries will be

acting as individuals rather than collectively at a time when

no country really believes that it alone can solve either its own

or the world’s economic woes. A new international economic

system that respects the 21st-century global realities of inter-

dependence needs to be established.

The three largest challenges for the Atlantic community

going forward, Kissinger stated, will be relations with Russia,

Iran, and Afghanistan. While the U.S. should never abandon

its belief in the importance of democracy, it must set realistic

time frames for democracy promotion that span many years.

He stressed that it is in the interests of Tehran and Moscow to

engage in dialogue with the U.S. and was optimistic about the

prospects for such action in the coming years.

Air Vice-Marshal Mike Harwood, Head of the British Defense Staff in the US and Air Commodore Graham Wright, UK Chief of Defence Staff Officer to the CJCS

Dr. Kissinger and Ambassador Sheinwald

Dr. Kissinger and H.E. Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States

Commander James Easaw, U.S. Navy, Senior Fellow, Atlantic CouncilAlexia O. Huffman, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO ofAtlantic Council, Dr. James H. Joyner, Jr., Managing Editor, Atlantic Council Colonel Christopher Harness, USAF, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council


Nearly 800 people attended the Twelfth Annual

Miami Gala: La Fiesta Espa–ola on Watson Island

in the Autumn of 2008. The event raised more

than $1.5 million for Best Buddies International, a

vibrant organization founded in 1989 by Anthony

Kennedy Shriver to enhance the lives of people

with intellectual disabilities by providing oppor-

tunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated

employment. Celebrity attendees included: actor

Verne Troyer; actresses Vivica A. Fox; Meagan

Good; Maureen McCormick; Miami Heat Point

Guard Mario Chalmers; Miss USA Crystle Stewart;

Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Olympic gold

medalist Carl Lewis.

www.bestbuddies.org

BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL

M alaGiami

Clint Eastwood and Maria Shriver

Eric Matthis and Brett Banford


Name: Best Buddies InternationalFounded: 1989, by Anthony K. ShriverInternational Headquarters: Miami, FloridaWeb Site: www.bestbuddies.org

Our Mission: To enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friend-ships and integrated employment.

Vision: Best Buddies International envisions a world where people with intellectual disabilities are recognized for their abilities, embraced by society, and valued in the workplace.

Who We Are: Best Buddies® is the world’s largest nonprofit organization devoted solely to providing opportunities for friendships and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. Our 2009 annual budget is $22 million. 91% of all rev-enue goes directly to Best Bud-dies programs for people with intellectual disabilities, while only 9% is spent on admini

tration and fundraising.

History of Service: Best Buddies was born when founder Anthony K. Shriver recognized that people with intel-lectual disabilities lacked opportunities to socialize with their non-disabled peers. Believing that friendship is key to building the self-esteem essential to a happy and produc-tive life, Anthony incorporated Best Buddies as a nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization in 1989. Today, Best Buddies offers six programs: Best Buddies Middle Schools, Best Buddies High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, Best Buddies Citizens, e-Bud-dies® and Best Buddies Jobs.

Participants: With more than 1,400 chapters around the world, Best Buddies positively impacts the lives of 400,000 participants with and without intellectual dis-abilities, as well as their respective network of family, friends, and employers.

Countries: Best Buddies operates accredited programs in 42 countries: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon,Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pan-ama, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States; with addi-tional country programs in advanced phases of development.

2010 Initiative: By the conclusion of the present decade, Best Buddies aspires to operate program offices in all 50 States, expand our international programs to 50 countries, and im-pact 500,000 people worldwide each year.

Fact Sheet

Actress Vivica A. Fox and US Olympic Gold Medalist and co-chair Carl Lewis

Anthony Kennedy Shriver with family and Best Buddies

Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Bret Banford, Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Eric Matthis and Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza

Below: Alina and Anthony Kennedy Shriver

Below: Actress and producer Meagan Good

Verne J. Troyer, a.k.a. Mini-V, is best known for his role as “Mini-Me,” in the hit comedy -” Austin Powers”


he Presidential Freedom award is designed to recognize individuals

who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the secu-

rity or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or

other significant public or private endeavors.”

President Bush presented the recipients with the Award during a

ceremony that took place at the White House in January, 2009. The

three leaders have been strong allies of the United States.

Mr. Blair, who stepped down as British Prime Minister in 2007, is

now the Middle East peace envoy for the Quartet - Russia, the United

States, the EU and the United Nations.

John Winston Howard was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from

1996 to 2007. In a 2009 poll, he was voted as Australia’s favorite prime

minister since World War II. He is currently with a prominent speaking

agency called the Washington Speakers Bureau.

President Uribe is the 39th (2006 - 2010 term) President of Colombia

and is currently serving his second term in office. During his presidency

he has been credited with starting to restore peace to Colombia and for

his support in the war against drugs.

Awards

Presidential

Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy for the Quartet

T

The

highest

civilian

award

in the

United

States

Mr. John Howard, former Australian Prime Minister

ColombianPresidentAlvaro Uribe


Left to right: Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy for the Quartet and former British Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, former Australian Prime Minister and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe


Presidential Freedom Awards

Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy for the Quartet and former British Prime Minister

Left to right: Mr. John Howard, former Australian Prime Minister, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Mr. Tony Blair, Middle East Peace Envoy for the Quartet and former British Prime Minister and President George W. Bush at the White House

Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott, (R) Mississippi

Mrs. Cherie Booth Blair, QC, wife of Tony Blair

General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State

Colombian President Alaro Uribe Mr. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia and President George W. Bush

w w w. D i p l o m a t i c C o n n e c t i o n s . c o m

Did you know...

Foreign missions employ

a total of 9,681 workers in

the District of Columbia with

an annual payroll, inclusive

of housing allowances,

estimated to total $292.5

million.

Consumer spending by

foreign mission employees

in the District of Columbia

is calculated to total $32.4

million with this spending.

Non-payroll spending by

foreign missions is estimated

to total $257.7 million with

36.5 percent of these outlays

captured by District-based

businesses.

Foreign missions attract a

large volume of day visitors

and business visitors staying

overnight; these visitors

whose stay in the District is

directly linked to services of

foreign missions represent

almost 900,000 hotel-room

nights annually and spending

totaling $183.4 million in

the city for lodging, food,

retail purchases and other

services.

Findings from: “The Economic andFiscal Impact of Foreign Missions onthe Nation’s Capital”, prepared forthe National Capital PlanningCommission (NCPC) by Stephen S.Fuller, Ph. D., a Professor of PublicPolicy at George Mason University.June 6, 2002.

Annual TradeshowOctober 15, 2009

Showcase your trade, product and

services to the Diplomatic Community by

participating in the 2009 Annual Diplomatic

Connections’ Trade Show.

This extraordinary event will provide you an

exclusive opportunity to introduce yourself

and your business to hundreds of

Foreign Dignitaries/Diplomats

Staff representatives of the World Bank

IMF, WHO/PAHO

OAS

IDB

EU

Pentagon

and local United Nation representatives

all at one venue.

The guest list for this event is “by invitation

only” and is exclusive to the above

mentioned attendees. As a business,

you may purchase a trade show table to

promote your company to this prestigious,

distinguished and affluent community.

Expand your Diplomatic and International market!Call or email us for additional information.

Diplomatic Connections44�0 massachusetts avenue, nW / suite 200

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“We were delighted with the Diplomatic Connections Events at the German Embassy and the United Na-tions. The elegance and professionalism of your organ-ization is most impressive. Diplomatic Connections provides a depth of exposure for our services to the Embassies and Missions to the United Nations, which we cannot ordinarily experience.” Arnold Wollman, Vice-President of Admiral Leasing

“Our listing in the Diplomatic Connections publication and participation at the diplomatic event held at the German Embassy provide our pathway to supporting the Diplomatic Community. The publication is a valu-able resourse and the event is elegant. Our investment with Diplomatic Connections is money well spent.” Mark J. Deyle, Vice-President - Federal Systems of Ronco Communications & Electronics, Inc.

See five (5) pages of testimonials on our website.

.PORTRAIT ARTIST K. M. HARVEY - A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Mr. Harvey specializes in portraits primarily in oil on linen. His illustrious resume is based on his ability to accurately paint portraits that capture the personality of his subjects. For more information, go to www.kmharveyfinearts.com

diplomatic connections winter 2009

Documents

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r e s e rvat

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r t e r ly w i n t e

o n s p c h

n av e n u ec h i c

t h s t r e e tn e w