Conflicts Brewing Countries at Loggerheads – but Not for Land

Derek Fraser on the Ukraine of tomorrow

Spring 14 | ApR–jun

Conflicts Brewing Countries at loggerheads – but not for land. A look at today’s Top 10 conflicts over riches.

PLUS EU ENLARGEMENT THE UNION’S BIGGEST SURGE, 10 YEARS ON CANADA’S IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE REFORM BUSY IRAN: FRIENDS, FOES AND FORECASTS

Brian Lee Crowley on un-socialist Sweden George Fetherling on Vietnam’s Dragon Lady Margaret Dickenson on Swiss dishes

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Volume 25, Number 2 PUBLISHER Donna Jacobs PUBLISHER EMERITUS Neil Reynolds EDITOR Table of Jennifer Campbell ART DIRECTOR Paul Cavanaugh BOOKS EDITOR CONTENTS George Fetherling CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Don Cayo DIPLOMATICA| CULTURE EDITOR Political cartoons from around the world ...... 14 Margo Roston CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fen Hampson on corruption’s evils ...... 18 Ray Bassett Questions Asked with rights crusader and MP Irwin Cotler . . . . 20 James Bissett Gerardo Ezequiel Bompadre Notes from the Field: The Aga Khan Foundation’s mission . . . . . 25 Marcin Rafał Bosacki Good deeds: The Ottawa Bach Choir gets a helping hand . . . . . 26 Florence Chideya Marie-Anne Coninsx Trade Winds: Ireland, Myanmar and Japan ...... 27 Brian Lee Crowley Diplomatic Agenda: Zimbabwe’s ambassador on its reforms . . . . 30 Joan DeBardeleben Wolfgang Depner Debate: How temporary visas harm relations ...... 32 Margaret Dickenson Derek Fraser Fen Osler Hampson DISPATCHES| Hau Do Suan The world’s resource wars David Long Norihiro Okuda The Top 10 spots where battles for resources could get hot . . . . . 36 Jessie Reynolds Robert i . Rotberg EU Enlargement: 10 years on Rosemary Quipp Pieter Van den Weghe We revisit and analyse the progress and problems ...... 48 Crina Viju Anthony Wilson-Smith Andrew Zhalko-Tytarenko Iran: What it means to the Caucasus and vice-versa ...... 54 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ulle Baum Ukraine: The moving target demands our attention ...... 57 Mike Beedell South Africa: a time of trouble for a once-promising country . . . . 62 Larry Dickenson Sam Garcia Sweden: Reforming the country's socialism ...... 64 Lois Siegel Dyanne Wilson Business Management DELIGHTS| Jessie Reynolds Books: On the Dragon Lady, Pakistan and economics ...... 66 WEBMASTER Gilles Laberge, www .redrocket .ca Canadiana: Vimy and the birth of a nation ...... 70 Distribution Wine: Sulphites and how to avoid them ...... 71 Pierre Pagé and Peixian Han ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Entertaining: the Swiss experience ...... 72 Contact Donna Jacobs Residences: New Zealand’s unique home away from home . . . . . 75 donnajacobs@gmail .com SUBSCRIPTIONS National days listing ...... 93 Diplomat & International Canada is published four Envoy’s album ...... 82 times a year . Subscription rates: individual, one year $35 .70 . For Canadian orders add 13 per cent HST . u .S . orders please add $15 for postage . All other DIGNITARIES| orders please add $25 . SUBMISSIONS New arrivals in the diplomatic corps ...... 80 Diplomat & International Canada welcomes submissions . Contact Jennifer Campbell, editor, at editor@diplomatonline .com or (613) 231-8476 . DIPLOMATIC LISTINGS ...... 88 PRINTER Diplomat & International Canada is printed by Dollco The Lowe Martin Group . destinations| DIPLOMAT & INTERNATIONAL CANADA P .O Box 1173, Station B Argentina’s tempting attractions ...... 94 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1P 5R2 Peru’s captivating culinary and cultural capital ...... 97 Phone: (613) 422-5262 E-mail: info@diplomatonline .com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED . The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material . www.diplomatonline.com No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the pub- Published by Sparrow House lisher . © 2007 ISSN 1190-8343 Publication Mail # 40957514 . Return undeliverable Canadian copies to: Enterprises Inc . Diplomat Magazine, P .O . Box 1173, Station B, Ottawa, ON K1P 5R2 The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors.

10 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN AFTER INAUGURATION|DIPLOMATICA

diplomat and international canada 11 DIPLOMATICA|EDITOR’S NOTE

decessors — Greece, Portugal, Spain and CONTRIBUTORS Italy among them — are giving the EU headaches over their individual financial Derek Fraser hardships, while economies such as that of Poland thrive . We asked three respected political scientists to look back at the historic enlargement and analyse the progress and problems that have resulted . We also have articles written

jennifer campbell by EU Ambassador Marie-Anne Coninsx and Polish Ambassador Marcin Bosacki that give their individual views . The world of resources We also tackle topics that include so- Derek Fraser is an associate fellow at or as far back as one can imagine, cialism in Sweden, regional conflicts in the Centre for Global Studies and ad- there have been wars over religious countries neighbouring Iran and South junct professor for political science at Fbeliefs and territory and now, two Africa’s tenuous future . the University of Victoria . He has sup- world wars later, as civil and territorial Up front, we have political cartoons ported democratization in Ukraine, conflicts and sectarian violence continue from around the world and columnist Fen lectured on various topics and orga- across the globe — Ukraine, Afghanistan, Hampson’s analysis of corruption's cost in nized or contributed to academic and Sudan, Nigeria — there are also wars over governments worldwide . We also include foreign policy conferences, notably resources to consider . Recent history has a column by immigration expert James on Eastern Europe, Ukraine, failed seen a few . Case in point: The u S. . inva- Bissett, who weighs in on Canada’s tem- states, the European Union and China . sion of Iraq in 2003 . The ostensible reason porary visa policy, something that’s weak- In 2012, he led a four-month observer for invading was to rid dictator Saddam ened the country’s relationship with its mission for the Ukrainian Parliamen- Hussein’s regime of weapons of mass de- North American ally, Mexico, particularly tary elections . He had a long career struction, but it’s a widely held view now since Canada has waived the requirement in Canada’s foreign service . He was that stabilizing the oil situation was the for the Czech Republic . ambassador to Hungary, Greece and primary aim . We talk trade with ambassadors from Ukraine . He was on the board of the As Wolfgang Depner surveyed the Myanmar, Japan and Ireland and also hear Canadian Institute of International Af- globe in 2014, he identified 10 hot spots from Zimbabwean Ambassador Florence fairs, now CIC . where wars of a similar kind — those over Chideya, who lists her government’s ef- a finite resource — could potentially break forts to reform after wide criticism of its Brian Lee Crowley out at some point, or are imminent . undemocratic policies . No . 1 on his list was — no surprise here Our Delights section starts off with — the Middle East . But some of the others, books editor George Fetherling’s reviews the Arctic, for example, may surprise you . on topics that include Madame Nhu, the Also in Dispatches, we look back at so-called Dragon Lady of Vietnam, Paki- an historic event and analyse what it stan and former Canadian diplomat Ches- has meant — the good, the bad and the ter Ronning . unexpected . It’s been 10 years since the On our back page, in a feature we call European Union took the historic step “Photo Finish,” we share photographer of inviting 10 new countries into its fold . Mike Beedell’s image of a common loon . Brian Lee Crowley is managing direc- Eight of them, namely Slovenia, Slovakia, Mr . Beedell is a Gatineau Hills wildlife tor of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, the photographer who spent the month of Canada’s only national public policy Czech Republic and Latvia, were post- February in Churchill, Man ., photograph- think-tank based in Ottawa . Previ- communist states, and therefore quite cul- ing a mother polar bear before and after ously, he was founding president of the turally distant — at least for four decades she gave birth . Our back page is a tribute Atlantic Institute for Market Studies . — from their western European counter- to late publisher Neil Reynolds, who cher- From 2006-08, he was the Clifford parts in the union . ished wildlife . Clark Visiting Economist with the Today, they are some of the most solid federal department of finance . He has members of the Eu . Some of their pre- Jennifer Campbell is Diplomat’s editor . also headed the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and has taught politics, economics and philosophy at universities in Canada and Europe . UP FRONT Dr . Crowley has published numer- On our cover, in a u .S . Navy photo, an ous books and is a frequent media army sergeant stands guard near a burn- commentator on political and eco- ing oil well in the Rumaylah Oil Fields in nomic issues . He holds degrees from southern Iraq in 2003 as part of the u .S .’s McGill and the London School of Operation Iraqi Freedom . Our package on Economics, including a doctorate in the world’s Top 10 places where resource political economy from the latter . wars could break out, starts on page 36 .

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Political commentary from around the world

“Biebermania” by Bill Schorr, Cagle Cartoons, U.S.

“Carl Bildt, Rouhani and Khameni” by Riber Hansson, “Military Cuts” by Rick McKee, The Augusta Chronicle, U.S. Sydsvenska, Sweden

14 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN CARTOONS|DIPLOMATICA

“Ukraine: Redrawing Borders” by Patrick Chappatte, The International Herald “Putin Decorates for the Olympics” by Riber Hansson, Tribune, U.S. Sydsvenskan, Sweden

“Ukraine and the EU” by Tom Janssen, Netherlands “China and Korean Abuses” by Paresh Nath, The Khaleej Times, UAE

“Threatening Russia” by Paresh Nath, The Khaleej Times, UAE “Priest Asks Forgiveness” by Dario Castillejos, Diario La Crisis, Mexico

diplomat and international canada 15 DIPLOMATICA|CARTOONS

Courtesy of Caglecartoons.com

“Passing Putin” by Olle Johansson, Sweden “Nesting Doll” by Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News, U.S.

“Ship of State” by Taylor Jones, El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico, U.S. “Syria and Rwanda” by Paresh Nath, The Khaleej Times, UAE

“Putin Beats Obama” by Gary McCoy, Cagle Cartoons, U.S. “Tunisia and the Arabic Spring” by Tom Janssen, Netherlands

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diplomat and internaWWW.LARRIMAC.COMtional canada 17 DIPLOMATICA|corruption

The heavy price of corruption for democracy

By Fen Osler Hampson and Simon Palamar

omy slumps and protesters take to the their unscrupulous political and busi- streets over Erdoğan’s heavy-handed and ness elites . Corruption makes it hard for autocratic ways, his reputation has taken Western-based firms to do business in a big hit . But what has perhaps been most emerging markets because they are often damaging are corruption charges that have forced to line some official’s pockets to been levelled against his inner political cir- secure contracts . This is one reason why, cle . Three cabinet ministers, several major some years ago, the Organization for business leaders and even Erdoğan’s son Economic Co-operation and Development have been dragged into a scandal involv- introduced the Anti-Bribery Conven- ing shady oil-for-gold swaps with Iran tion . It targets corruption by introducing here is a story — apocryphal per- penalties against bribery in international haps — that used to make the business transactions carried out by com- Trounds in Turkish political circles . panies based in the conventions member When he was the mayor of Istanbul, countries . The goal of the convention is Turkey’s current prime minister, Recep to level the playing field when companies Tayyip Erdoğan, was paid a visit by some compete for contracts overseas . of the country’s leading businessmen But corruption’s deeper toll is that about a major construction project . it threatens the lifeblood of democratic At the end of the meeting, after he had development, good governance, political given the project his general blessing, the stability and market-based reforms, where businessmen asked him what he wanted such institutions are needed the most . in terms of his own cut, suggesting that A hundred years ago, American Su- the usual 10-percent bribe might be rea- preme Court Justice Louis Brandeis popu- sonable . “Is that the best you can do?” larized the nostrum that sunlight is the Erdoğan is alleged to have stormed. After best disinfectant . Brandeis made the com- meeting privately, the businessmen came ment in reference to the u .S . Congress’s back with a higher offer of 15 percent . investigation of Wall Street bankers, Again, Erdoğan asked, “Is that the best who were alleged to control the nation’s you can do?” After another round of pri- finances through a series of shadowy deal- vate discussions, 20 percent was put on ings . the table. Erdoğan asked the same ques- Corruption — commonly defined as tion again . This time, the reply was in the the abuse of public office for private gain affirmative. “Fine,” said Erdoğan. “I am — can be obvious and obscene, or subtle not going to take the bribe, but I am going and part-and-parcel of “ordinary” retail to cut your contract by 20 percent .” politics . A good example of the former A large part of Erdoğan’s public appeal is Indonesia’s late president Suharto, was his carefully cultivated image as Mr . who allegedly embezzled as much as $35 Clean and the fact that he was no ordi- billion during his years in office . In de- nary politician . As mayor of Istanbul, he mocracies, as anti-corruption think-tank brought a new level of professionalism to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo˘gan. Transparency International (TI) points the city’s administration and its delivery out, big political donations can change of public services like clean water and and bribery for major construction projects public policies . Politicians who receive the proper sewage disposal, especially to the allegedly approved by Erdoğan himself, donations benefit . So, too, do donors, who city’s poorer neighbourhoods . His AKP among other allegations . presumably gave the money because they (Justice and Development Party) ran on Turkey’s corruption scandal is a sad expect it will buy the change they desire . an electoral platform that included a com- story that repeats itself over and over Public confidence, however, can take a hit mitment to liberalize Turkey’s economy, again in many emerging markets and if the public sees too-big money in politics . promote transparency and eradicate developing countries . The figures are This is one reason some countries — such corruption . When he became prime min- sometimes mindboggling, as in the case as Canada — cap personal political dona- ister, Erdoğan followed through on those of Russia, where unscrupulous contrac- tions . commitments .The Turkish economy tors and officials siphoned off billions as However, the line between benign and boomed and its successful, moderate, the country struggled to ready itself for malignant corruption is a murky one . In market-based Islamic-style democracy the Sochi Winter Olympics, driving up Thailand, opponents of Prime Minister became a model for other Islamic coun- the cost of the Games to a staggering $50 Yingluck Shinawatra threatened to shut tries. Erdoğan handily won election after billion . down the government, because, they al- election with bigger and bigger majorities . Corruption is a massive global prob- lege, she is nothing but the puppet of her Today, however, as the Turkish econ- lem . As countries get richer, so, too, do brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra UN photo

18 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN corruption|DIPLOMATICA

(himself democratically elected, but de- former governor of Tamaulipas has been posed in a coup in 2006) . indicted in the United States . And the low Thaksin’s crime, according to the Bang- regard for public officials extends to state kok Post’s Voranai Vanijaka, is that even police and the judiciary . in a country plagued with corruption, he Corruption also engenders the politics went too far . “Thai people are quite prag- of patronage . If democratically elected matic…we understand that everybody leaders are supposed to rule in the best takes a little bite of the apple . The problem interests of their citizens, corruption with Thaksin is that he put a sign on the threatens to short-circuit that relationship . whole apple tree saying ‘property of the Thaksin Shinawatra famously declared Shinawatra family’…that’s dangerous to that “provinces that give us their trust de- do here .” serve special care .” Government becomes In Bangladesh, the country’s notori- a path to riches and pits citizens against ously corrupt public sector has contrib- their governments and against each other . uted to the string of violent hartal [protests Many studies have shown that even in causing a massive shutdown of shops and otherwise attractive investment environ- offices] that overtook the country in 2013 ments, the more people believe that the and the increasingly hostile competition private sector is corrupt, the slower the between the Awami League and the Ban- economy will grow and the fewer foreign gladesh National Party (BNP) . Transpar- dollars will be invested . There is also ency International ranks Bangladesh the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra strong evidence that corrupt countries, third-most corrupt country in South Asia . even if they are nominally democratic Bangladesh’s public sector is widely nians who said the former Tymonshenko today, may well be less democratic to- acknowledged to be staffed by political government was ineffective at battling morrow . Freedom House’s Freedom in the appointees and insiders . Even the Elec- corruption said the same thing about her World Index and Transparency Interna- toral Commission, which is supposed to deposed successor, who enriched himself, tional’s Corruption Perceptions Index show ensure the freedom and fairness of Bangla- his family and friends at public expense . that the more corrupt the public thinks a desh’s elections, is considered fair game Public concern about government cor- country’s public sector is, the more likely for political meddling . The results can be ruption crosses partisan lines and finding it will be less free five years later . In other seen in Bangladesh’s election earlier this a way to fundamentally change a demo- words, if today’s corruption is allowed to year . While the opposition BNP boycotted cratic system where lining your own pock- go unfettered, there will be a real loss of the election, the Electoral Commission al- ets has been the norm will be a daunting freedom tomorrow . legedly permitted a number of procedural task, but it is the key to the country's As American philosopher Eric Hoffer lapses that allowed 150 sitting MPs to long-term political stability and economic once wrote: “It has often been said that reclaim their seats unopposed . More than survival . power corrupts . But it is perhaps equally 20 people died in election-related violence, Corruption promotes a law-of-the-jun- important to realize that weakness, too, and the prospect of reconciliation between gle mindset . It erodes public confidence corrupts . Power corrupts the few, while the League and BNP seems remote . It in government and political institutions weakness corrupts the many .” is perhaps no wonder then that some and the effect is corrosive . Mexicans, for employees of SNC Lavalin felt that they example, rate corrupt political leaders Fen Osler Hampson is a Distinguished had to resort to bribery to secure a major among their country’s top major prob- Fellow and Director of Global Security contract, though thits does not justify their lems, just after drugs, crime and human & Politics at the Centre for International actions . rights abuses . The challenge is that drug Governance Innovation (CIGI) and As a new government takes power in trafficking and violent crime flourish in concurrently Chancellor’s Professor at Kiev, reforming the political system and Mexico, in part, because of the corruption Carleton University . Simon Palamar is a breaking the power of oligarchs is a top of public officials . State officials in Mexico research associate at CIGI and a doctoral priority . In a poll taken before the current are regularly implicated in drug traf- candidate in international affairs at Car- crisis erupted, the same number of Ukrai- ficking . Many are under investigation . A leton University .

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diplomat and international canada 19 DIPLOMATICA|QUESTIONS Asked

Irwin Cotler Human rights crusader retires as MP

Photos by Dyanne Wilson

Irwin Cotler, who has been called the “pre- the fact is that we didn’t bring most of the eminent voice in the fight against oppres- Nazi war criminals to justice and that’s an sion,” is retiring after 16 years as an MP, a indication they can get away with it . job he didn’t really want, at least in the beginning. As the tireless crusader for DM: Will you continue this work as a law- human rights, freedom and democ- yer or an activist? racy, tells Diplomat’s editor, Jennifer IC: I’ll most likely do it in the way David Campbell, he has no plans to change Kilgour has . He’s managed to do it in his causes or his work day, except part because he’s remained involved that he won’t be on Parliament Hill with parliamentary groupings that invite quite as regularly. former MPs . For example, the Parlia- mentary Forum for Democracy is one . Diplomat magazine: What are your He also remains active with NGOs . For plans for after you retire as an example, we both sit on a New York- MP? based NGO called Advancing Human Irwin Cotler: The issues — the Ho- Rights . It’s founded by the same person locaust, genocide, human rights who founded Human Rights Watch . and universal lessons — remain . Third, he’s taken on specific causes and Now there are even more com- given them international resonance — memorative events . That’s one ge- the whole question of organ harvest neric area I’ll be involved in . in China, for example . So I think he’s I once moved a motion to have a an example of someone who’s stayed national day of reflection on the pre- involved . There are outlets for former vention of genocide . It was inspired by parliamentarians and the like and when the Rwandan genocide . We adopted it I look back, my human rights advocacy unanimously in Parliament, but, regret- began much before I became a parliamen- tably, the Rwandans are the ones who tarian . are commemorating it every year . So we have to internationalize the advo- DM: You had a successful career as a cacy . This year, I’m hoping that on the McGill law professor and human rights 20th anniversary, maybe we can do lawyer — why go into the messy busi- something different . Last year, there was a ness of politics? good forum in Toronto . IC: It was an accident — an utter accident . Another issue of mine is political pris- I was a very happy law professor and oners . That will still be with us . My in- was happily engaged in human rights volvement now is with a political prisoner and enjoying what I was doing . Sheila on nearly every continent so as to high- Finestone, the sitting member, was ap- light the globality of the situation . Political pointed to the Senate and there was a prisoners are usually a looking-glass into vacancy in the riding . A few people asked a country and its situation of oppression . me to run . Not many . I remember go- In February, I was in Geneva, at a suming overseas and speaking and coming mit focusing on political prisoners . I was back . I found three things: There was an invited to be the guest speaker . We had incipient grassroots movement to get me actual former political prisoners from to run, there were already three candi- Vietnam and Burma, just to highlight the dates who’d declared and the deadline situations [there] . was four days hence . The deadline for The struggle against impunity of bring- nominations was the day after Yom Kip- ing war criminals to justice is another one . pur and I was at the synagogue when It’s scandalous that you can have a situa- the rabbi, who is a close friend of mine, tion like that of Sudan . [Omar al-] Bashir got up and said ‘We’re going to draft has been indicted by the International Irwin Cotler for the nomination . He’s Criminal Court for war crimes, crimes not agreed, he doesn’t want to do it, but against humanity and genocide and you’re invited to his house two hours still, he can move around freely . And after the ending of the fast .’

20 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN QUESTIONS Asked|DIPLOMATICA

That night, a whole slew of people represent that legacy . First, we’d have things that came out of Auschwitz was came to my house . I said ‘No, I’m not in- “Raoul Wallenberg, hero of humanity: that Jews died there because of anti-Sem- terested .’ The next day, someone knocks acts of remembrance and remembrance itism but anti-Semitism did not die . If the on the door and says ‘I’m Jonathan Her- to act .” Under that, we’d seek to expand Holocaust is a metaphor for radical evil, man . You don’t know me but I’ve come to the countries of which he’s an honorary anti-Semitism is a metaphor for radical ha- take you to get your nomination papers . citizen . Right now it’s Canada, u .S ., Israel tred . We will address, as did Wallenberg, The deadline is today .’ I said I wasn’t run- and more recently, Australia, along with racism and anti-Semitism . ning . He said ‘Let’s just go for a drive .’ As his native Sweden . We’d also establish an The fourth, because Wallenberg was a we were driving, the three people who annual Raoul Wallenberg commemorative political prisoner himself, by the Russians, were running pulled out, so suddenly day . We have one in Canada, although will be defending political prisoners . there were no candidates . My lawyer told it’s not that well known . We’d also, in the I’ll do all those things whether or not me to see at it as a sabbatical . ‘You can countries of citizenship, establish a Raoul I do it under that banner, but the banner go there for a year . You’ll be a better law Wallenberg human rights lectureship . would hopefully create a network of ad- professor, you’ll have that experience .’ So We’ve done that at McGill and I’m hop- vocacy . I came for a year… 16 years ago . I was ing now to do it at Yale this April . The last professor on leave for 10 years because it thing under this first theme is determining DM: Then-prime minister Paul Martin was always a thought I’d go back and the the fate of Raoul Wallenberg . The person appointed you justice minister and you intention was real . who saved so many was never saved by seem to have squeezed a lot into your

"We will address racism and anti-semitism." "We made international justice a priority." "Aboriginal people should not be wards of the state."

After 10 years, I felt embarrassed, so so many who could have saved him . The short time in that portfolio . What do you I went to [the administration] . They said answer lies in Russia; that’s where the feel was your major accomplishment? they’d make me emeritus, but I could al- smoking gun is — in the Russian archives . IC: There were a number of things that ways come back . The Wallenberg family has been working struck me then and since . The first was, One of the things I want to do: Raoul all these years with a wonderful group of we enacted the first-ever legislation to Wallenberg is the first honorary citizen of research scholars who have a critical mass combat trafficking in women and chil- Canada and my dream has been, for years, of evidence about what might have hap- dren — the fastest-growing criminal to set up an international human rights pened . A lot of unanswered questions can industry in the world . That was an im- centre . I was already heading one up at only be answered by the Russians . They portant piece of legislation, symbolically McGill called InterAmicus. I was going to finally agreed to have a conference on this and substantively . rename it the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for in December 2013 and at the last minute, Second was the civil marriage act, International Justice . Then I got elected, so they cancelled . giving equal access to gays and lesbi- the whole thing has been put in abeyance . The second theme would be The Holo- ans to civil marriage and also including But the motivations are the same . caust, genocide and human rights: univer- in it freedom-of-religion protection . I I see it as a unique international consor- sal lessons for our time . Those are dangers thought that legislation really addressed tium of parliamentarians, scholars, human of state-sanctioned incitement to hate and the importance of [both] . For example, rights defenders, NGOs and students, genocide, the dangers of indifference in that no priest, rabbi or imam would be united in the pursuit of justice, inspired the face of mass atrocities and the danger forced to celebrate a same-sex marriage by and anchored in Raoul Wallenberg’s of impunity . if it was contrary to their beliefs . What’s humanitarian legacy . It would be orga- The third theme is combating racism, not known is that my wife, [Ariela], who nized around four thematic projects that hatred and anti-Semitism . One of the was prone to do these kinds of things,

diplomat and international canada 21 DIPLOMATICA|QUESTIONS Asked

came out against me when I announced discuss it . I led the Canadian delegation reconciliation and renewal . Unfortunately, the same-sex legislation . By then, people to the first-ever Stockholm conference to we’ve not moved much in the last 10 years weren’t surprised because she’d done it combat genocide . and by not moving, we’ve actually moved before . Her position was that gays and [My colleague] Charlie [Feldman] backwards . Aboriginal people should not lesbians should have equal rights for always reminds me of the two judicial ap- be wards of the state . We’ve got to treat everything except for marriage . She fa- pointments I made — two women [Louise them with the dignity and the quality and voured civil unions . When I went to move Charron and Rosalie Abella] . In appoint- respect they warrant and deserve . ahead with it, she said ‘If you’re really going two women who were superb, we ing to do this, put in a freedom-of-religion became the most gender-equal Supreme DM: The National Post described you component .’ So we drafted the legislation Court in the world . I saw Rosalie Abella as “the pre-eminent voice in the fight with both those principles in mind . When last night at a lecture being given by Jus- against oppression and arbitrary mea- I think about it, I think it’s really model tice Harry Laforme, the first Aboriginal sures of autocracies around the world .” legislation . At the time, I got more angry ever appointed to an appellate court . And IC: I was a bit humbled by that descrip- opposition to that than anything else . But I appointed him in 2004 . He gave a very tion . All I can say is that if you want to today, it’s accepted as a matter of course . moving talk and one of the things he said know the basis for that involvement in The third thing was quashing convic- stayed with me: More aboriginal high the struggle against oppression, you have tions of the wrongfully convicted . That school students are in prison than gradu- to go back to my parents . That’s where was something that I felt went to the ate high school . That was true 10 years ago it all began . My father taught me, when whole question of the rule of law and and it’s still true today . It’s an appalling I was a young boy, that the pursuit of I was pleased to be able to quash more statistic . justice is equal to all the other command- wrongful convictions in one year than my That was why I tried to make it a pri- ments combined . I never understood predecessors . Not that they wouldn’t have ority . I crafted the seven Rs of aboriginal then the profundity of what he was say- done it, but coming in as a law professor, I justice: Recognition of them as the original ing, but he would repeat it . As I got older, knew about them . inhabitants of this country, respect for my mother would hear my father still The fourth thing was that we made their distinct and constitutional status, repeating it and she’d say ‘If you want to international justice a priority . We didn’t redress for past wrongs such as the racist pursue justice, you have to feel the injus- look at the justice agenda just being do- residential school system, representa- tice in your community . You have to feel mestic; we saw it as international as well . tion or overrepresentation as inmates the injustice and combat the injustice . Oth- In that regard, for me, aboriginal justice and underrepresentation as leaders, re- erwise, it [is] a theoretical construct, just was a priority but I went to Australia to sponsiveness to resource development, an abstraction .’ So I think that combined

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22 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN QUESTIONS Asked|DIPLOMATICA

teaching of pursuing justice and combat- wanted . I gave the talk and after I was I am, I’m going to fight against this racist ing injustice led me to get involved in detained . legal regime .’ some of the great human rights struggles One of the police said ‘Do you know Two years ago, I’m back in South Afica of the 20th Century: Human rights in the [Foreign Minister Roelof Frederik] Pik for a meeting with some human rights Soviet Union and the struggle against Botha?’ I said ‘No, why?’ They said ‘He’s lawyers . They asked if I’d been in touch apartheid . asked us to bring you to him .’ So this is with Pik Botha and suggested I give him Those teachings from my parents com- where things converge . I come into his a call . He wasn’t near where I was, but bined with others . There is in the Jewish office and on his wall, there’s a picture of we had a long talk [on the phone] . He tradition an important priority placed on Anatoly Sharansky and some other So- said he never forgot that exchange we had what’s called the redemption of captives, viet prisoners of conscience . He said ‘You in 1981, and that I’d spoken to him in a what we’d call today political prisoners, know who that is?’ I said ‘Yes’ . He said rather blunt fashion . He told me that he such that you’re allowed to transgress the ‘I wanted to see you because I couldn’t became the first South African minister to Sabbath to do it . That involved me with understand how someone like yourself, call for the release of Mandela; he became political prisoners . It’s not accidental that who represents that great hero Sharansky, a member of the ANC [Mandela’s party]; I would focus on political prisoners in the who's fighting against the Communist So- and that he actually served in Mandela’s Soviet Union, like Anatoly Sharansky or, viet Union, can, in the same breath, defend government . Political prisoners are the in South Africa, Nelson Mandela . Nelson Mandela, who’s also a communist face, the identity of the larger repression . The two things converged, you know . and our enemy .’ I said I thought Sharan- In 1979, when I was already counsel for sky and Mandela were both fighting for DM: My next question actually refers to Sharansky, I was arrested and expelled freedom, human rights and democracy . Nelson Mandela and Anatoly Sharansky, from the Soviet Union . I was referred to as He went on to tell me how I didn’t really both of whom you worked with . There a criminal consorting with other criminals . understand South Africa . The talk went on are many others . What fight was most In 1981, I go to South Africa as a guest for about three hours . I told him I thought rewarding? of the anti-apartheid movement . Some the Soviet Union was a great human rights IC: They were all rewarding . To me, these Wits University students asked me to give violator, but I said South Africa is the only were inspirational figures . I would come a lecture . I suggested I talk on ‘If Sharan- post-World War II government that has away, always, inspired from the involve- sky, why not Mandela?’ They said perfect . institutionalized racism as a matter of law . ment in the struggle . Of course, in the I said ‘but Mandela is a banned person so I said ‘Apartheid is not just a racist phi- case of Sharansky, I had a much more I don’t want to get you guys in trouble .’ losophy, it’s a racist legal regime and so, sustained and deeper involvement be- But they liked it and said that’s what they for as long as is necessary, from wherever cause Mandela at least had a wonderful

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diplomat and international canada 23 DIPLOMATICA|QUESTIONS Asked

legal team in South Africa . I was really need this .’ They did release him . shouldn’t be that so few of the countries kind of a cameo presence . But Sharansky in the Middle East are signatories . I think didn’t have any lawyers — they wouldn’t DM: For Nelson Mandela’s funeral, Justin Jordan is the only one . permit him any . So the struggle there was Trudeau gave up his seat on the prime very engaged, very sustained . minister’s plane for you . How important DM: What do you think of the Harper I was talking to Sharansky the other day was that? government’s much-discussed policy on about Mandela . There was a very profound IC: I was going to the funeral anyway . I Israel? moral fibre that they both had and a kind felt that I wanted to be there . This was IC: I’m supportive of the position as of moral courage and a physical courage . something that had been part of world a matter of principle and policy, but I Mandela survived 27 years in an African history and not just my own . It is very don’t like when a position becomes a prison, to come out and not only preside much part of my family . You could call wedge issue . I don’t like when it’s said, over the dismantling of apartheid, but also my four-year-old granddaughter right ‘If you care about Israel, then you must to be responsible for the establishment of now and she’d tell you lots about Man- vote Conservative ’. If Israel is a just and a democratic, non-racial, egalitarian South dela . My daughter used to get taken to principled cause, it’s not just a cause for Africa . It is a remarkable historic achieve- demonstrations as a kid . I remember Conservatives . It’s a cause for all men ment, almost without parallel in the 20th when Mandela was released and Sharan- and women who care about justice and Century . And Sharansky, helped bring sky was released, she said ‘Face it, Daddy, principle . I think it’s undercutting of the about, if I can use a Marxist metaphor, the you have nothing to do anymore .’ [He principled nature of the cause by attach- withering away of the Soviet Union . also points to a photograph on his desk of ing a Conservative label to it . There’s Saad Eddin Ibrahim, whom I his newest grandchild, Zachary, doing a represented in Egypt . He was a very cou- Nelson Mandela arm pump shortly after DM: One last question: Bill C-36 . You rageous Egyptian democrat who’s seen he was born . ‘It’s baby Madiba,’ he says, spent a lot of time trying to achieve the almost three revolutions in the hopeful laughing .] balance between the rights of individu- transition to democracy in Egypt . The What happened was that I got the als and national security . Do you feel you initial hope of Tahrir Square has not yet invitation to go on the prime minister’s achieved that? been realized but I believe that because of plane and after that, I found out that Justin IC: Anne McLellan was minister of justice people like him, it will be eventually . had ceded his place . I think it says a lot when it was introduced in Parliament about Justin . He had an opportunity as the and I got up the day after and said I DM: That’s what Egyptian Ambassador leader of our party to really have interna- had 10 civil libertarian concerns about Wael Aboul-Magd keeps promising . tional presence and resonance in South Af- the legislation, whereupon John Manley IC: Two years ago, I was representing rica in a way more than I would have had . said ‘Irwin, whose side are you on?’ a political prisoner from Tahrir Square And that he ceded it and that I didn’t even Anne McLellan and I were academic named Maikel Nabil [Sanad] . He went know he’d done it, says something about colleagues, so we hammered out some on a hunger strike for close to 130 days . the kind of person he is . When you look changes and seven of the 10 concerns I I went to see the ambassador about him . for a political leader, you look for qualities had were adopted, but I still was raising I was there to see what he could do of character and that generosity of spirit the other three . And finally, she told me about releasing him . I told him ‘Not only is something . It’s utterly selfless and the ‘You’re no longer a law professor . We should he be released in the interest of exact opposite of any self-aggrandizing of have to make a decision and we have justice, but it’s also in your self-interest .’ any political leadership . to act and we need your support .’ And I told him that I’d met Gorbachev years she was right . I gave my support . The after Sharansky was released . I pointed DM: You were a special adviser to the for- government did respond to a lot of my out to [Gorbachev] that Sharansky was eign minister on the International Crimi- concerns and then when I became the released within a year of Gorbachev tak- nal Court (ICC) . What are your thoughts minister of justice, I worked on the other ing power and I asked if there was any on the court? Is it a success? three concerns . I tried to enunciate what connection . He said: ‘You remember I IC: I thought the establishment of the ICC was my whole approach to anti-terrorism visited Canada as minister of agriculture was the most important post-Nuremberg law and policy, which was organized in 1984 to speak to your parliamentary international criminal justice devel- around two foundational principles . committee on agriculture? They were ask- opment, that this was going to be the The first was that terrorism constituted ing me questions about Sharansky, but I’d embodiment of the struggle against im- an assault on a democracy like Canada never heard of him . I left the Parliament punity . I regret that some of the hopes and an assault on the individual and col- buildings and there was a big demonstra- some of us had for the ICC playing a lective rights of its inhabitants . In that tion for Sharansky . Everywhere I went more major role in the struggle against sense, anti-terrorism law and policy was in Canada, people were talking about impunity have not been fully realized, intended to protect the security of a de- Sharansky . I came back [to the Soviet but, in part, it’s not the ICC that is to mocracy and to protect the lives of its in- Union] and ordered up the file . He was blame . It’s because we still have not had habitants . To that extent, I was fully in a trouble-maker, but it was costing us to the major powers become signatories favour . The second principle was that law keep him in prison, so it became in our to the ICC . I think we need to make the and policy must always adhere to the rule interest to let him go .’ ICC the centrepiece of our international of law . It must always comport with the I told the Egyptian ambassador that it criminal justice agenda in the struggle strictures of the Charter of Rights and was the same thing with Maikel Nabil . against impunity and enlarge the number Freedoms . Minorities must be protected We’d organized a group of parliamentar- of countries that become members and against being singled out in any kind of ians for Maikel Nabil . I said ‘You don’t try to get a kind of inclusivity about it . It profiling or against any targeting . D

24 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN NOTES FROM THE FIELD |DIPLOMATICA

Aga Khan Foundation: Bringing world-class health care to hard-to-reach communities By Rosemary Quipp

he lush hills of Tanzania’s Uluguru mountain range have many things Tto offer: 100 plant species found nowhere else in the world, a forest-capped peak towering at 2,630 metres high and rushing rivers that form the main source of water for the urban population of Dar es Salaam . But there is one feature strikingly absent for many Tanzanians who live in villages along the flanks of the Ulugurus: a health clinic . With more than 70 percent of Tan- zania’s population living in rural and remote areas, many are unable to access basic health services, such as vaccines or ultrasounds during pregnancy, because the time and expense to travel to a clinic is simply out of reach for many families . This problem is reflected in the statis- tics: there is a 1-in-38 chance that a woman will die due to complications in pregnancy A mother brings her son to get immunized at a mobile health clinic in rural Morogoro, or labour . (In Canada, that statistic is one Tanzania. Clinic staff provide information to mothers on how to make healthy choices when in 5,200 ). And for every 1,000 births in it comes to nutrition, hygiene and sanitation. Tanzania, 54 children will die before they celebrate their fifth birthday . clinics in remote communities, the project to opportunities — even for those living in Many maternal deaths in Tanzania are in Tanzania is helping rural families access remote rural areas . preventable, but a skilled birth attendant health care services such as HIV testing, As a member of the worldwide Aga (such as a doctor, nurse or midwife) at- pregnancy care, immunizations and vac- Khan Development Network, AKFC is tends fewer than half of births in the coun- cinations for children, and advice for par- part of a group of development agencies try . Similarly, life-threatening illnesses for ents on age-appropriate care for children, with individual mandates that address a children, such as diarrhea and pneumo- including the importance of breastfeeding . broad swath of social, economic and cul- nia, can be easily avoided with access to Since the program began in January tural dimensions of development . proper care and preventive measures . 2012, health fairs and mobile clinics have In carrying out its work, AKFC rec- Working with the national and lo- reached more than 15,000 people (includ- ognizes the considerable resources that cal governments as well as community ing more than 10,000 women) in the tar- Canadians have to share with the rest of partners, Aga Khan Foundation Canada geted regions of the country . the world . These are not only financial (AKFC) and Aga Khan Health Services The project staff members also train resources, but also a wealth of knowledge in Tanzania are tackling these challenges health professionals and upgrade existing and skills . In addition to spearheading head-on by providing better access to health facilities with equipment and new two of the country’s largest fundraising high-quality care, particularly for remote technology . Video conferencing links, for events in support of international devel- and rural populations . The program is example, allow doctors in rural areas to opment — the World Partnership Walk supported by Foreign Affairs, Trade and consult with specialists in major popula- and the World Partnership Golf Tourna- Development Canada as part of the Mus- tion centres . ment — AKFC facilitates opportunities koka Initiative on maternal, newborn and AKFC supports many health initia- for Canadians to contribute their expertise child health announced by Prime Minister tives across Asia and Africa, in addition overseas through long- and short-term Stephen Harper in 2010 . to projects in education, rural develop- placements . “Improving global health, particularly ment and civil society . Aiming to provide Headquartered at the Delegation of the health of mothers and their children, a strong foundation for communities to the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive in Ot- has a ripple effect over the long term,” guide their own development over the tawa, AKFC regularly hosts seminars, lec-

tio n c ana d a says Khalil Z . Shariff, CEO of AKFC . long term, AKFC concentrates its work tures and other events on topics of global “Healthy women give birth to healthy on the fundamental building blocks that importance that are open to the public . children and healthy children grow to a society needs to drive its own develop- Visit akfc .ca to learn more . become productive members of their com- ment: a healthy population, access to edu- munity .” cation from early childhood to adulthood, Rosemary Quipp is a public affairs offi- By facilitating health fairs and mobile strong civil society institutions and access cer at Aga Khan Foundation Canada . Ag a Kh an Fo un d

diplomat and international canada 25 DIPLOMATICA|good deeds

For the love of Bach Photo by Sam Garcia

he Ottawa Bach Choir is an Ottawa institution but it’s just as cherished Tby German transplants in the city, and it has its fans in other quarters of the diplomatic corps as well . “The Germans are very supportive of us,” explains Lisette Canton, founder and artistic director of the choir . “We’re the Ottawa Bach Choir, after all . We’ve gone to Germany many times and this year, we’re going to the Leipzig Fes- tival, which is the biggest Bach festival in the world . We’re the first Canadian choir invited to sing there .” From left, German Ambassador Werner Wnendt, his wife, Eleonore Wnendt-Juber, choir The choir, founded in 2002 by Dr . Can- founder Lisette Canton, artistic director, Colleen Woodhouse, and Ian Sabourin at the Ot- ton, offers audiences a range of choral mu- tawa Bach Choir's Venetian Carnival fundraiser. sic from all historical periods while keeping Bach’s choral oeuvre as the focus of its rep- bassador Werner Wnendt . “We’re very In addition to providing the venue and ertoire . In its short history, it has received happy to support the choir every year .” the food and drink, the embassy is trying national and international recognition . This year, the Ottawa Bach Choir fund- to find a way to get the choir to Turkey as And maybe that’s why the embassies raiser at the German embassy will be part part of the European Tour that will have are so keen to support it . Dr . Canton says of a week-long festival that will otherwise the choir visit Germany, Italy and the diplomats from countries and regions as feature famous performers from Germany . Netherlands this summer . diverse as Germany, France, Britain, South It takes place June 9-12 . These types of events are a win-win for Africa, China and Taiwan have helped The embassy of Turkey was also a big the choir, Dr . Canton says . “People love out over the years . The diplomats gener- supporter last year . It held a buffet dinner going to an ambassador’s residence . They ally provide drinks and food — whether and a short concert . The ambassador says get to experience the culture and eat the a buffet, sit-down dinner, or some hors it plans to do the same again this year . food . We usually provide a short concert . d’oeuvres — and the choir will perform a “Last year’s event was a huge success,” It’s a really nice way to spend an evening . few pieces for its guests . said Turkish Ambassador Tuncay Babali . Every little bit of support we can garner is Germany has had a particularly close “There was a wonderful crowd of music- so appreciated .” affiliation, having provided a garden party lovers . They performed a small concert In January, the choir presented a “Vene- for the past four years . It is planning to do and then we had a dinner and reception . tian Carnival” gala and fundraiser at the so again this year . This year, we’ll have even higher par- National Arts Centre . In this case, the Ger- “The Ottawa Bach Choir is a wonder- ticipation . It’s a good opportunity for us mans — Werner Wnendt and his wife, El- ful example of a combination of Canadian to showcase our food and cuisine and our eonore Wnendt-Juber — continued to and German culture,” said German Am- love of classical music .” show their support by attending . D

26 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN Trade winds|DIPLOMATICA

Ireland and Canada: Historic ties in a modern relationship

By Ray Bassett Ambassador of Ireland

ive hundred years ago, fishermen from Ireland sailed west to fish cod Dublin, with views of the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Convention Centre, is Ireland's capital. Foff the banks of Newfoundland . In time, a vibrant trade relationship began, have an operating presence in Canada . environment conducive to inward foreign and by the late 17th Century, merchants Ireland ranked seventh in 2012 as a desti- direct investment, Ireland has much to of- in Ireland were exporting supplies such nation for Canadian foreign direct invest- fer Canadian business . At the same time, I as pork, butter and beef to support the ment abroad, with more than $15 .8 billion hope the CETA will open up further access migratory transatlantic fishery . in Canadian investment there . for Irish businesses to Canada, particu- Eventually, many of those fishermen The trade relationship, therefore, is larly in the food and dairy sectors . The im- and traders made the Rock their home, strong and ever-growing . But there is age of Ireland as a green island is one that and today, Newfoundland bears the im- always room to grow further . As a small, bears out in reality . Our dairy industry print of a strong Irish heritage . More than open economy, Ireland relies heavily on shares the lowest carbon footprint in the half its population has Irish roots and external trade as an important tool of eco- EU and our beef industry, the largest net Newfoundland bears the distinction of nomic recovery . Last December, Ireland exporter in the northern hemisphere, is being the only place outside of Ireland to successfully exited from a three-year EU/ also among the lowest . have a direct translation of its name into IMF program of support . Three years ago, Access to Ireland, whether for business the Irish language: Talamh an Éisc means we faced a shrinking economy and an or pleasure, has never been better . I am “the land of the fish .” exploding deficit, but today our economy very pleased that 2014 will see a major According to the 2011 National House- is growing again . We have seen more than opening up of air access between Ireland hold Survey, 4 .5 million Canadians de- 58,000 new jobs created, and in February, and Canada . In addition to the seasonal clared Irish heritage, a result of successive we returned to the debt markets and raised direct service already provided by Air waves of Irish migration to Canada . The $5 .6 billion through the sale of a new 10- Transat from Montreal and Toronto to ties that bind our two countries stretch far year bond at a yield of 3 .54 percent . Dublin, Air Canada Rouge will extend back into history and the foundation of Ireland is now a highly competitive and its seasonal service between Toronto and modern day Canada . stable location for investment and jobs . Dublin to year-round service . Irish airline However, the relationship today is also We have seen relative improvement in our Aer Lingus, starting in April, entered the a modern and dynamic one . It is our trade labour costs, reductions in property costs, market with year-round direct flights be- relationship that perhaps best exempli- increased use of innovation and technol- tween Toronto and Dublin . I am delighted fies this dynamism . Since 2006, Ireland’s ogy and downward pressure on prices that WestJet has chosen Dublin as its goods exports to Canada have more than across professional and business services . first European destination to commence doubled . Total trade with Canada in As a result, we had the honour in De- a seasonal service from St . John’s, Nfld ., goods and services amounted to $4 billion cember 2013 of Forbes magazine labelling in June . This new route mirrors the first in 2012 . Canada is Ireland’s 15th largest Ireland the best small country in the world transatlantic flight made by Alcock and market for goods exports at present . Phar- for business . Brown when they crossed from New- maceuticals, medical devices and alcoholic With the CETA [Comprehensive Eco- foundland to Clifden in County Galway beverages (primarily Irish whisky) are nomic and Trade Agreement] due to come back in 1919 . And that’s just another ex- the main goods exported from Ireland to into force, I hope that Canadian investors ample of historic ties again translating into Canada . and traders will see Ireland as a primary a modern, dynamic relationship . It may also surprise people to know destination in which to establish a pres- that Canada receives one quarter of Ire- ence in the EU market . As the country Dr . Ray Bassett is the ambassador of Ire- land’s foreign direct investment abroad geographically closest to Canada, with a land . Reach him at Gurpreet .Bajwa@dfa . and today, more than 60 Irish companies long and historic association, and with an ie or (613) 233-6281 . T o u rism I rel an d

diplomat and international canada 27 DIPLOMATICA|Trade winds

Myanmar: A new frontier of trade and investment for Canadian business

ments with an aim of building investors’ confidence . We are taking steps to practise the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the concept of corporate social responsibility is now widely accepted . According to the Economist Corporate Net- work’s recent Asia Economic Outlook 2014, Myanmar is the fourth most preferred investment destination in Asia after China, Indonesia and India . In recent years, a growing number of Canadian companies and organizations By Hau Do Suan have been exploring business opportuni- Ambassador of Myanmar ties in Myanmar . Sixteen companies from Canada have so far invested $46 .07 mil- ver the past two years, soon after lion, just 0 .1 percent of total foreign direct Myanmar embarked on the path investment . I would like to encourage Oof democratic transformation and more Canadian investment in areas where economic reforms, many positive and sig- Canada has comparative advantage, such nificant developments have taken place in as extractive industries, infrastructure, Myanmar-Canada bilateral relations . agriculture, value-added and high-tech The year 2012, in particular, ushered industries and capital-intensive industries . in a new relationship between the two There is ample room to improve cur- countries . Foreign Minister John Baird A market in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. rent bilateral trade, although it is on an was the first Canadian foreign minister to upward trend . Trade between Myanmar pay an official visit to Myanmar when he days for companies to establish a business . and Canada for the 2012-2013 financial travelled to the country in March 2012 . In To further facilitate investment, we’ve year totalled $10 million, an 84 .7-percent return, Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung established a one-stop service centre in increase from the previous year . Myanmar Lwin came to Ottawa in October, 54 years Yangon to assist with and facilitate inves- exported $2 .8 million worth of fish, gar- after the two countries established diplo- tors’ requirements . ments, rice, beans and pulses to Canada . matic relations in 1958 . One month prior, Myanmar is a country the size of Texas, Myanmar’s imports from Canada were Trade Minister Ed Fast visited Myanmar but with a population of more than 60 valued at $7 .2 million . The main items of and opened a new chapter in trade and million . It is strategically located between import included telephone and communi- commercial relations between Canada and two huge consumer markets — China and cation devices, unmilled wheat seed, pulp, Myanmar . India . It is also a member of ASEAN, the aircraft and parts . As Myanmar’s econ- Moreover, Canada suspended eco- fastest-growing market of about 600 mil- omy is rapidly expanding, there are good nomic sanctions imposed against Myan- lion people . Moreover, being positioned at opportunities to further promote bilateral mar, opened an embassy in Yangon and the gateway to India and Bangladesh from trade of new commodities in the future . appointed its first resident ambassador Southeast Asia, Myanmar will serve as a In this regard, we look forward to the Ca- in 2013 . A trade commissioner was also bridge between South Asia and Southeast nadian government re-granting general- sent to Myanmar and there were several Asia . In short, Myanmar sits in the midst ized system of preferences (GSP) status to parliamentary exchanges . The emergence of more than two billion people, living in Myanmar, which will significantly benefit of such a positive political climate and one of the fastest-growing markets in the our exporters . diplomatic rapprochement has strength- world . I wish to emphasize that this is the ened the friendship, understanding and My country is also known for its abun- best time for Canada to seize the golden co-operation between the two countries . dant natural resources, such as oil and opportunity to invest and do business My country’s dramatic political and gas, gold, minerals, precious stones and in Myanmar . Canadian investment and economic reforms have opened up great lumbers . Its long coastlines and vast fer- strengthened economic co-operation with opportunities for business and invest- tile lands are ideal for fisheries and agri- Myanmar will not only bring mutual ments . In particular, we’re looking for culture . Besides, Myanmar can provide economic benefit, but will also help Myan- companies with capital and technological young, intelligent and relatively cheap mar’s democratic transition and reform know-how to further our economic devel- labour . We are also expanding service sec- process . opment and create employment . We’ve tors such as tourism, telecommunications, just adopted a new foreign investment law banking and financial services, health care, Hau Do Suan is the ambassador of that is transparent, clear, simplified and education and infrastructure . Myanmar . He can be reached at meot- investor-friendly . It will take just a few We are promoting responsible invest- tawa@rogers .com or (613) 232-9990 . wor ak

28 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN Trade winds|DIPLOMATICA

Enhancing Canada-Japan economic relations

like to closely co-operate with the Cana- dian government to support such private companies . Third, we are actively promoting partnership and joint activities between economic organizations in both countries . Notable organizations include the Cana- dian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren), Japan Chamber of Commerce and the Japan Association of By Norihiro Okuda Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) . Ambassador of Japan Some of these organizations are already starting new initiatives to work with gov- anada and Japan have long enjoyed ernments to advance the Canada-Japan complementary economic rela- EPA and the TPP . Such initiatives are Ctions, each specializing in products expected to promote business opportuni- for which the other has a strategic need . ties in both countries, as well as enhance Canada is rich in natural resources and broader business relations between Can- yields a multitude of agricultural prod- ada and Japan . ucts of which Japan is a major importer . Finally, further scientific and intellec- Meanwhile, Japan has developed cutting- Tokyo is Japan's capital and business centre. tual co-operation is an important prior- edge manufacturing technologies and ex- ity due to its ability to stimulate further ports a variety of manufactured products ner of our two countries . innovation . Under the Canada-Japan to Canada . According to the Report of the Joint Agreement on Science and Technology, For instance, according to Industry Study on the Possibility of a Canada- signed more than 25 years ago, we have Canada, in 2012, Japan’s top five export Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, facilitated research activities in a variety products to Canada were passenger motor a Canada-Japan EPA is expected to in- of fields including nanotechnology, life vehicles, motor vehicle parts, bulldozers, crease Japan’s GDP between 0 .08 percent sciences and sustainable energy technolo- printing machinery and automotive tires . and 0 .09 percent, and Canada’s between gies through joint funding projects . We Japan’s top five import products from 0 .24 percent and 0 .57 percent . In absolute are actively exploring future opportunities Canada were coal, rape seeds, copper ores, terms, estimates of GDP gains would be to promote the exchange of students and pork products and lumber . Overall, the to- between $4 4. billion and $4 9. billion u S. . researchers with a view to building broad tal value of exports from Japan to Canada and $3 8. billion and $9 billion u S. . for Ja- and robust networks of current and future was $15 billion, and the total value of im- pan and Canada, respectively . innovators between Canada and Japan . ports from Canada was $10 .3 billion . Second, we are strongly promoting As stated above, Canada and Japan One of the most important missions liquefied natural gas (LNG) export proj- share a common policy agenda to actively for our embassy is to strengthen bilateral ects in western Canada, based on the promote innovative and high value-added economic relations between Canada and Statement of Oil and Gas Co-operation, businesses, such as high-tech, service and Japan by improving the business environ- which was signed between the Ministry content industries . These businesses will ment to facilitate the free trade of goods of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan attract new investments and create jobs, and services and further investments and Natural Resources Canada in October leading to further economic growth for without substantial barriers . of last year . future generations . The following four priority areas are After the nuclear accident in Fuku- Promoting trade and investment in especially important in realizing this goal . shima in 2011, the Japanese government these areas is one of the biggest challenges First, we are making efforts to conclude has placed a high priority on secure and in bilateral relations between Canada and free-trade agreements as soon as possible, stable LNG supplies from around the Japan . During my tenure as ambassador including the Canada-Japan Economic world at competitive prices . Japan plans to Canada, I intend to work tirelessly to Partnership Agreement (CJEPA) and the to conduct policy dialogues with Natural promote such new business and contrib- Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partner- Resources Canada and relevant provinces, ute to better relations between our two ship Agreement (TPP), both of which are including British Columbia and Alberta . countries . currently under negotiation . As many Japanese companies are already Concluding these agreements will pro- participating in LNG export projects in Ambassador Okuda can be reached at mote trade and investment, create new British Columbia, with their final invest- the embassy of Japan atinfocul@ot .mofa . businesses and jobs and benefit every cor- ment decisions expected soon, we would go .jp or (613) 241-8541 . Oka j un , 2009

diplomat and international canada 29 DIPLOMATICA|diplomatic agenda

Zimbabwe has come a long way in 34 years

Community, and vestors, as no investor would be willing Florence co-chair of the to invest in a “sanction-infested” country . FIRST NAME: Africa Carib- The sanctions have militated against the LAST NAME: Chideya bean Pacific-EU country’s economic development efforts, Zimbabwe parliamentary resulting in suffering for its citizens . The CITIZENSHIP: assembly is fur- EU delegation disputed the notion, argu- PRESENTED CREDENTIALS AS ther expression ing that the sanctions were only targeted Dec. 13, 2005 AMBASSADOR: of confidence in at a few individuals and entities, when, in Civil servant, the country . effect, they were affecting ordinary people . previous JOBS: It is against That notwithstanding, the govern- departments of health, this back- ment of Zimbabwe endeavours to ac- transport, industry and ground that celerate economic growth and wealth commerce. Zimbabwe is creation through the implementation of calling for the the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable removal of Socio-Economic Transformation program, sanctions imposed against the country known as Zim Asset (www .zimtreasury . n April 18, Zimbabwe will mark by western countries . The behaviour for gov .zw/zim-asset) . This program will be its 34th year of independence . which these punitive measures were put implemented up to 2018 and is meant to OThis year’s independence anni- in place has since changed, warranting give the government and other stakehold- versary comes alongside a number of key their abolition . This fact was acknowl- ers direction in an attempt to beat stagna- national developments, including a new edged by members of the European Union tion and boost economic performance constitution and free and fair harmonized (EU) delegation, which visited Zimbabwe to improve the lifestyle of the people . elections held in July 2013 . The election, in February 2014 . The delegation noted Under Zim Asset, the government has won by the Zimbabwe African National that the sanctions were scaring away in- identified four major pillars it will focus Union – Patriotic Front [ZANU (PF)] party, was endorsed by the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) . ZANU (PF) received 62 percent of the vote against the Movement for Demo- cratic Change (MDC) party’s 39 percent . This translated into 190 and 49 members, respectively, in the country’s eighth parliament . ZANU (PF) was thus given a new five-year mandate as the ruling party . Parliament saw an injection of 124 women out of 350 members, amounting to 38 percent, a massive leap towards the gender parity target of 50 percent and more than double the number of women in the 7th parliament . The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Canada joins the nation of Zimbabwe in celebrating its independence anniversary as well as the peace and tranquility pre- vailing in the country . As testimony to the credibility of Zim- babwe’s elections, in August 2013, the country successfully co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organization with Zambia . The event was attended by representatives from more than 90 countries at the mighty Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, one of the seven wonders of the world . The election of Zimbabwe to the position of deputy chair of the African Union and Southern African Development Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, is one of the seven wonders of the world. D re a mstime

30 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN diplomatic agenda|DIPLOMATICA

on to rejuvenate economic performance . platinum reserves in the world . Invest- Those include food security and nutrition, ment opportunities in the mining sector social services and poverty eradication, include prospecting of these minerals, as infrastructure and utilities as well as value well as gold, coal and granite, among oth- addition . This blueprint needs funding to ers . In Zimbabwe's agro-based economy, be successful . Zim Asset presents a lot of opportunities abound for investment in investment opportunities in all sectors of the agricultural sector, for example, and in the economy through various initiatives meat, wood and cotton processing . such as public-private partnerships and When it comes to infrastructure de- issuance of bonds on the local and interna- velopment, investment opportunities tional markets . include building toll roads, building and The country is well-endowed with upgrading airports, constructing dams, mineral resources, which provide an op- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe upgrading power-generating facilities portunity for the growth of resource-based and telecommunication systems . The industrial activities . Agriculture, manu- government of Zimbabwe is commit- facturing, mining, tourism, distribution, Zimbabwe derives her name . There are ted to guaranteeing an attractive oper- finance and insurance are some of the the sprawling Eastern Highlands and the ating and investment environment as sectors with huge opportunities for in- mythical Lake Kariba, Hwange National enshrined in international laws . It also vestment . Furthermore, the country has Park, the mighty Zambezi River, and provides incentives such as tax holidays a highly educated and skilled workforce . Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which and duty-free importation of raw ma- Zimbabwe’s geographical location facili- brings together Gonarezhou National Park terials for the manufacture of goods for tates easy access to regional markets such (Zimbabwe), Kruger National Park (South export . as SADC and COMESA . Africa) and the Limpopo National Park We look forward to meaningful and ef- Tourism is the fastest-growing indus- (Mozambique) . Investment opportunities fective collaboration with all progressive try in the world, and in Zimbabwe, it’s in the tourism sector include the construc- members of the international community . a vibrant sector with great potential for tion of hotels and lodges in designated We are willing to engage even those with growth . The major tourist attractions in- tourism zones and general development whom we have previously been at odds . clude Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe of related infrastructure . As one great politician once said, there are monument and a grand medieval palace Zimbabwe has a vibrant mining indus- no permanent friends or enemies in inter- full of architectural mystique, from which try and one of the largest diamond and national relations . D

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diLaserdermplomat ad_halfpage.indd and interna 1tional canada 2/9/2014 11:08 AM31 DIPLOMATICA|debate

Temporary visa versus refugee status reforms

By James Bissett

he beginning of the 20th Century ushered in the increased need for Tglobal travellers to obtain a visa before entering another country for a temporary period . The visa is a means of pre-screening to ensure people who may be inadmissible for health, security or criminal reasons are prevented from arriving at a port of entry . It is also a means of facilitating the entry of people who are genuine visitors, without intentions of remaining permanently . Although possession of a visa is not a guarantee of entry, it speeds up examination procedures upon arrival . Canada exempts citizens of most of the developed countries, including the United States and much of the European Union, from requiring temporary visas . Occasion- ally Canada is compelled to impose a visa requirement on a friendly country, when Canada's imposition of temporary visa requirements on a “friendly country” has been an some of its citizens prove to be abusing effective, if blunt, way for Canada to stop potential asylum-seekers. But Prime Minister Ste- their visa-exempt status . This can cause phen Harper heard again at the Three Amigos Summit hosted by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, that it comes with a price in Canada’s bilateral relations with Mexico. problems . Forcing visitors from a friendly country to acquire a temporary visa is interpreted directly related to Canada’s generous asy- The word soon spread that entering as an unfriendly act and damages rela- lum system . Canada and applying for asylum was an tions between the two countries . More- Canada permits anyone from any coun- almost iron-clad guarantee for permanent over, it is not in any nation’s interest to try who has entered the country to apply residency, not to mention free housing, slow down tourism and inhibit trade by for refugee status and the Supreme Court medical care, welfare and legal costs, placing restrictions on travel . There is also has ruled that asylum claimants are en- while waiting for a decision from the Im- a risk that the affected country may recip- titled to due process of law guaranteed by migration and Refugee Board . The first rocate by demanding that visiting Canadi- the Charter of Rights and Freedoms . This group of individuals who arrived as tour- ans have temporary visas . has meant, in practice, that the system for ists in 1980 and then promptly applied for Despite these drawbacks, the use of dealing with asylum applications became asylum were Sikhs from India . When the the temporary visa has been the method entangled in long, drawn-out legal proce- numbers kept increasing, the government of choice by successive Canadian govern- dures, effectively paralysing expeditious was forced to impose a temporary visa ments to stop the flow of visitors from decision-making . Even if after months, if requirement on India . This action stopped countries whose citizens have been shown not years, a negative decision was made the flow, but did not improve relations to be abusing visa-free privileges . The on the claim for refugee status, the indi- with India . abuse has been widespread and has been vidual was seldom removed . Since 1980, there have been a number PMO

32 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN debate|DIPLOMATICA

of other “friendly” countries whose citizens entered as visitors, but then applied for asylum, including: Pakistan, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, the Czech Repub- lic, Slovakia, Hungary and Mexico . Again, Canada reacted by imposing a temporary visa requirement on these friendly countries . As was to be expected, the countries concerned did not welcome this decision, which they regarded as an unfriendly act . Some reacted by imposing temporary visas on Canadian travellers and others, such as the European Union, threatened to do so . Nevertheless, the use by Canada of the temporary visa proved to be an effective, if blunt, measure to stop potential asylum- seekers from reaching Canadian territory . But this was always done as a desperate last step and always after many thousands of bogus asylum seekers had already entered . In 1980, Canada received 1,600 asylum claims and by 1988, the number had reached 45,000 . It is estimated that close to one million claims have been registered in the past 30 years . In 2008, asylum claims were filed by citizens of 188 countries, in- Immigration reform, now overseen by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, cluding 22 of the 28 countries of the Euro- was long overdue, argues James Bissett. pean Union and 2,300 claims from the u .S . Canada was not alone in experiencing had risen to 560,000 . Germany alone had cratic, followed the rule of law, had a good the asylum-seeker phenomenon of the 438,000 claimants that year and 322,000 human rights record and were also sig- 1980s, when thousands of people from in 1993 . natories of the UN Refugee Convention . developing countries began to move into All of the Western European countries The designation measure was not only the industrialized countries of Western reacted to the overwhelming numbers by effective in stopping the flow, but had the Europe and North America . Most of these enacting stricter methods for dealing with added advantage of avoiding the need to travellers gained entry and then applied asylum seekers . Germany acted quickly use the temporary visa requirement; thus for refugee status, as they were entitled to in 1993, despite having to change its 1949 maintaining good relations with the “des- do under the 1951 United Nations Refugee constitution, and passed new and tough ignated” country . Convention . It is estimated that from 1980 asylum laws . The most common feature of Notwithstanding the success of the EU until the end of the 1990s, more than five the new laws was the designation of cer- countries in stemming the flow of asylum million asylum claims were registered tain countries as “safe” for refugees and seekers, successive Canadian governments in Western Europe and North America . prohibiting asylum claims from individu- refused to enact legislation adopting the The numbers accelerated at great speed . als coming from those countries . “safe country” provision . Indeed, any at- In 1980, Western European countries had Normally, those countries chosen for tempt to reform Canada’s outdated and 20,000 asylum claims; by 1992, the number designation were ones that were demo- dysfunctional asylum system was fiercely tio n citize n ship an d immigr a

diplomat and international canada 33 DIPLOMATICA|debate

resisted by a powerful refugee lobby com- posed of refugee advocates such as the Ca- nadian Council for Refugees, immigration lawyers and consultants and a multitude of NGOs and agencies (described by the Department of Citizenship and Immigra- tion as “stakeholders .) These “stakeholders” were often supported by a compliant media wanting to demonstrate sympathy for anyone claiming asylum despite evidence that only a small percentage were found to be genuine refugees . Finally, after a quarter of a century of tolerating a dysfunctional and seriously flawed asylum system that had damaged bilateral relations with many countries, was terribly costly to the Canadian tax- payer and was a threat to Canada’s ability to control its borders, the government decided reform was essential . In June 2012, Citizenship and Immigra- tion Minister Jason Kenney ushered in new refugee legislation that incorporated the “safe country” provisions similar to those used by EU countries . There can be little doubt that it was the outcry by the Czech Republic and Hungary, backed by threats from the European Union, of retali- ation over the use of the temporary visa imposition that played a part in convinc- ing the government to act . The new law had an almost immediate effect in reducing the asylum-seeker intake . The flow of asylum seekers was cut in half from 20,000 claims registered in 2012 to 9,700 in 2013 . Moreover, the average wait time for a claim to be heard by the Refugee Board in 2012 was 20 months . In 2013, it was reduced to two months . In the three previous years, 25 percent of the asylum claims were filed by claimants from “designated countries,” but in 2013 that number had been reduced to 8 percent . The reform — long overdue — should now enable Canada to play a more useful role in assisting the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (currently António Guterres) in his efforts to care for and protect the more than 43 million refugees under his mandate . As well, it is doubtful that Canada will be forced again to impose temporary visas on friendly countries .

James Bissett is a former Canadian ambassador and was executive director of the Canadian Immigration Service from 1985 to 1990 . He is on the board of direc- tors of the Centre for Immigration Policy Reform .

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An oil-well set ablaze by the occupation forces of Iraq at the Al Maqwa oil fields in Kuwait during the Iraq invasion of 1991, a precursor to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. UN photo

36 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN Resource wars|Di spatches

Resource Wars

The search for dwindling resources, including oil, could mean war in the future.

By Wolfgang Depner

t is an article of faith among large sections of the left-leaning intelligentsia that the United States invaded Iraq in 2003 simply to secure the country’s oil reserves . It’s one thing to hear Ithis line from Noam Chomsky, but another thing to hear it from a figure such as Sir David King, Britain’s former chief scientific adviser to the government of Tony Blair . It was Blair, remember, who famously supported the u S. . invasion because Saddam Hussein’s regime allegedly pos- sessed weapons of mass destruction, not oil wells . While King never articulated this position when he held his old job, he was notably not alone . “It was certainly the view that I held at the time, and I think it is fair to say a view that quite a few people in government held at the time,” he said in a 2009 interview with the Guardian . “But … the chief scientific adviser’s view on that matter was not sought .” He has since made it clear that he considers the Iraq war to be the first “resource war” of the 21st Century . “Future historians might look back on our particular recent past and see the Iraq war as the first of the conflicts of this kind — the first of the resource wars,” he said in a lecture the same year as the Guardian interview . And he thought oil would not be the only target of such conflicts . In a future defined by human population growth and climate change, water and land would become increasingly more valuable and contested . “Unless we get to grips with this problem globally,” he said, “large, powerful nations will secure the resources for their own people at the expense of others .”

diplomat and international canada 37 Di spatches|Resource wars

ccess to resources has always First, China is about to become the larg- So the world’s major powers, whether played a part in the history of hu- est oil-importing country and is expected established or emerging, will continue to Aman conflict, and King’s thoughts to replace the u .S . as the largest oil-con- see the Middle East as crucial to their po- should be seen in light of other develop- suming country in 2030 . The demand for litical and economic interests . ments — such as the rise of China as a oil in India will exceed Chinese demands global power, gathering resources for a by 2020 . So the world’s two most popu- burgeoning economy, and the relative de- lous states will find themselves in compe- 2. South Sudan cline of the United States as a global stabi- tition for oil . The short civil war that scorched much of lizing force . With all this in mind, we take Second, some of the largest energy pro- South Sudan over Christmas 2013 seemed a look at the top 10 regions or countries ducers will also become some of the lead- to be over in January, when forces loyal to likely to suffer resource-related conflict ing users . Oil consumption in the Middle South Sudanese President Salva Kiir cap- or already carrying the scars of such con- East will overtake consumption in the Eu- tured Bor, the last major city held by forces flict in their past . Sadly, a cursory glance ropean Union by 2030 . In other words, the belonging to Riek Machar, Kiir’s former at this list reveals that Africa’s resource world’s leading producers are increasingly vice-president . Both men struggled over riches may be more curse than blessing, becoming their own customers . control of the Sudan People’s Liberation and a similar shadow hangs over the Third, unconventional sources of hy- Movement and their ruptured relationship Middle East . These parts of the world drocarbons (such as Canada’s oil sands) escalated into an intense conflict between have a long tradition of being the object of and ways of producing renewable energy the country’s two largest tribes, Kiir’s resource exploitation, but the list also il- are on the rise . Fourth, the u .S . is “moving Dinka and Machar’s Nuer . luminates the growing importance of the steadily” towards meeting all of its energy Within weeks, the conflict claimed 10,000 Pacific and Arctic . As readily accessible needs from domestic resources by 2035 lives and displaced close to 200,000 people resources dwindle, previously neglected thanks to hydraulic fracturing (fracking) as both sides vied for control of the north- areas will take centre stage, along with of shale oil and gas . ern cities where most of South Sudan’s oil new resource seekers . In short, emerging economies, paris located . Alas, predictions of peace were Conflict will remain a constant, accord- ticularly China, India and the Middle East, premature . Western diplomats are con- ing to a u .S . academic who studies the will drive the demand for global energy, cerned that South Sudan’s neighbours will geopolitics of oil . Jeff Colgan at American while energy sources themselves will turn the state into a battleground for their University in Washington identifies eight become increasingly diverse . But the Inter- respective grievances . At the start of the ways oil means war or near-war: (1) out- national Energy Agency leaves no doubt conflict, neighbouring Uganda, Kenya and right war with states using armed force to that the Middle East will remain king of Sudan sided with Kiir, fearing a prolonged acquire oil reserves; (2) petro-aggression, the hill in the longer term, no matter what . civil war would endanger relations with as oil wealth shields aggressive leaders Yes, rising energy production in countries South Sudan, said to have the third-largest from domestic opposition and encour- not belonging to the Organization of Pe- oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa . ages them into risky foreign policy; (3) the troleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will Sudan’s budget depends on transit fees spilling over of civil wars in oil-producing temporarily reduce the region’s influence . South Sudan pays for shipping oil across states into neighbouring states; (4) financ- But non-OPEC production will start to fall its territory to the Red Sea and Uganda ing of insurgencies through oil revenues; back in the middle of the next decade and and Kenya both recently signed a deal (5) conflicts that break out, triggered by most increases in global supply will come to build an export pipeline . Machar’s fears that one country might dominate from the Middle East . rebellion represented a threat to regional the oil market; (6) clashes that happen over oil transit, such as shipping lanes and pipelines; (7) resentment of foreign workers in oil-producing states that help extremist groups recruit locals; and (8) oil as a source of friction in multilateral relations . These mechanisms have been responsible for between one quarter and one half of interstate wars since 1973 . No wonder the most important oil-producing region, the Middle East, remains the most volatile . We’ll look at it first .

1. Middle East: The Middle East will likely remain the focus of energy-related security issues in the foreseeable future . That’s a central message in the most recent World Energy Outlook as published by the International Energy Agency in 2013 . Consider some of its predictions as background .

A vessel approaches an oil refinery in Fujairah, UAE. dre a mstime

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the regionalization of the conflict goes, an embarrassment of largely unexploited the question is not if, but when,” Casie riches . Copeland, South Sudan analyst for the This combination of present dysfunc- International Crisis Group think-tank, told tion and future possibility compels com- the Pakistani Daily Times . petitors from every corner of the globe to The world’s major powers also have seek fortune in one of the most inhospi- interests . For China, South Sudan is an table places on the planet . The southern increasingly important oil supplier, after Sahel is a harsh desert so hot it hurts to NATO’s intervention in Libya damaged breathe, according to Robert Fowler, the Chinese-owned refineries there . China Canadian-born diplomat held hostage doesn’t want this repeated in South Su- several months by Al Qaeda in the Islamic dan, where it has made significant energy Maghreb (AQIM) during his time as a UN investments . envoy in Niger . South Sudan is significant for the u .S ., This former French colony first made because it played a central role in creat- global headlines in 2003 when then-u .S . ing the world’s youngest state . Its inter- President George W . Bush announced that ethnic disputes threaten to undo this and the British government “has learned that turn South Sudan into another Somalia . Saddam Hussein recently sought signifi- Indeed, it was almost Black-Hawk Down cant quantities of uranium from Africa .” revisited when the American military had Later reporting revealed this falsehood Civilians fleeing the fighting seek refuge at to evacuate u .S . citizens from Bor; three relied on forged intelligence reports that a UN compound in Bor. of its aircraft faced gunfire and wounded claimed Iraq had tried to purchase yel- u .S . soldiers had to be airlifted to a Ke- lowcake — enriched uranium — from economic interests, one that has inspired nyan hospital . Niger, the world’s fifth largest producer of unusual alliances . that mineral . Ten years later, the country’s The most intriguing of these is Kiir’s uranium reserves are contributing to a alliance with Omar al-Bashir, president of 3. Niger conflict with ramifications far beyond its Sudan, from which South Sudan seceded Rife with ethnic-religious conflicts and borders . in 2011 after decades of civil war . In the devoid of institutions, this fragile African Niger plays a pivotal part in the energy 1990s, al-Bashir backed Machar as the state has five major ethnic groups, a Mus- portfolio of its former colonial master, South Sudanese feuded among them- lim majority, about 17 million people and France, and, by extension, the European selves . Now, he may seek to develop a sustained relationship with Kiir, despite the fact that they can’t stand each other . Whether this brings peace to South Sudan is a different question . Kiir’s victory might have allowed the Dinka to re-establish their historical dominance over the Nuer and smaller ethnic groups, but it hardly addresses the larger problems that con- front South Sudan . The country remains divided and possesses few, if any, viable institutions that could withstand destabi- lizing influences . Which brings us to the current situation . Relations with Sudan have been historically frayed despite recent improve- ments and al-Bashir, who faces charges for crimes against humanity, has proven himself to be an erratic partner . Case in point, tensions between Sudan and Uganda have worsened in recent weeks . In fact, some fear their disagreements may spill over into South Sudan, an ally of Uganda . Meanwhile, Eritrea is seen as a middle-man for Sudanese weapons that end up in the hands of South Sudanese rebels, a prospect said to anger rival Ethio- pia, which has served as a mediator in the South Sudanese conflict . In other words, what began as a local conflict threatens French troops en route to Mali as part of Operation Serval. The French have an interest in to morph into a regional one . “As far as UN photo / U.s. a ir f orce Mali and its immediate neighbours, particularly Niger.

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Union . Up to 76 percent of France’s energy comes from nuclear power and almost 40 percent of the uranium it needs comes from Niger, according to Stratfor Global Intelligence . The French government has a direct role in the affairs of Niger through Areva, its state-owned nuclear power company, which operates two mines in Niger that produce roughly seven percent of global uranium output . So France possesses an immense strategic interest in Niger and its immediate neighbours, including Mali, where French troops have been trying to stabilize a weak pro-Western government since their arrival (Operation Serval) more than a year ago . President François Hollande has framed this intervention as a counter- insurgency against Islamists threatening to destabilize the southern flank of the Sahara from Senegal to Chad . Security wonks increasingly call this region “Sa- helistan,” an allusion to the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan . Critics see Hollande’s move as part of a neo-colonial agenda to protect the French economy . This critique gained more currency in February 2013 when France deployed soldiers to protect an Areva mine near Arlit to prevent an attack similar to Guided-missile destroyers USS Cowpens (foreground) and USS Fitzgerald sail in formation in the one that had killed 37 employees when the Pacific. A close-call took place between the USS Cowpens and a small Chinese warship accompanying the Liaoning in December. Islamist militants seized a gas plant in neighbouring Algeria . Several weeks later, an Islamist suicide waters . While accounts vary — Chinese there has been a high-stakes game of cat attack against this very uranium mine officials claim the American guided-mis- and mouse as both sides test the resolve killed one Areva employee and injured sile cruiser harassed their aircraft carrier of the other . 15 others . The environmental fallout from — it was the most serious incident since These tensions shape, and are subse- Areva’s mining has further stoked local 2009, when five Chinese naval ships sur- quently shaped by the “rising apprehen- resentment against France and its allies in rounded the American surveillance ship sions about the growth of China’s military Niger’s government . USNS Impeccable patrolling in an area that power and its regional intentions,” as the But if Niger remains beholden to France China claims as an “exclusive economic Council on Foreign Relations notes . Such for its political and economic security, it zone .” fears are bound to increase as China and its also finds itself in the middle between Incidents such as this are the most neighbours compete for access to the area . China and the United States . The former likely to provoke an armed Chinese An emerging flashpoint are the Sen- seeks to exploit Niger’s oil reserves, while response, according to the Council on kaku (also known as Diaoyu) islands in the latter sees Niger as an important front Foreign Relations . It deems the risk of the nearby East China Sea . While Japan, in its anti-terrorism efforts . Agendas are conflict in the region as “significant” for Taiwan and China claim these islands, bound to clash . two reasons . The first is resources . China, China recently expanded its Air Defence Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Identification Zone to include them . Its the Philippines have competing jurisdic- rules specify that all aircraft entering the 4. South China Sea tional claims over the right to exploit the region must notify Chinese authorities It will likely take several years before region’s potentially extensive reserves of and are subject to emergency military China’s first aircraft carrier will be in full oil and gas . The second issue is freedom measures if they don’t . service, because the Liaoning still lacks of navigation, the question of whether The u .S . immediately tested this claim operational fighter jets . Yet this floating u .S . military vessels can freely operate in by flying two B-52s through the zone symbol of China’s emerging global am- exclusive economic zones . The u .S . says without notice . A day later, the Liaoning set bition was the focus of an incident that yes it can, citing common practice and the sail for the South China Sea and its close symbolized the China-u S. . struggle for absence of rules in the UN Conventions on encounter with the USS Cowpens. Expect supremacy in the South China Sea . the Law of the Sea . China, however, in- this sort of brinkmanship to intensify, On Dec . 5, 2013 a small Chinese war- sists reconnaissance without prior notifica- especially in light of u S. . defence agree- ship escorting the Liaoning nearly clashed tion and permission violates domestic and ments with nearby countries, including vy with the USS Cowpens in international international law . So in the last few years Japan and the Philippines . U S N a

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because a “shared interest in profit has observers, including China, which has trumped the instinct to compete over ter- expended much effort to gain a foothold ritory .” in the region and is pushing for a greater Arctic countries, he argues, have begun role on the council, something not every- “making remarkably concerted efforts to one likes . co-operate rather than fight, as the region opens up, settling old boundary disputes peacefully and letting international law 6. Nigeria guide their behaviour .” And, he notes, the These days, Africa’s most populous, and Arctic possesses at least two conditions arguably most important, nation rarely to dampen future conflict . Most countries appears in western media accounts unless with territory above the Arctic Circle have they involve Boko Haram, the Islamist the money for the infrastructure neces- group that has claimed to establish a sary to exploit the region, but also protect Sharia-conforming state in northern Ni- it . Most of them (minus Russia) have geria . These stories are often formulaic, well-functioning legal systems and clear neatly conforming to the narratives that regulations favoured by foreign investors . sprang to life after the events of 9/11 — “Thanks to good governance and good Christians versus Muslims, modernity geography, such cities as Anchorage and versus religious intolerance, good versus Reykjavik could someday become major evil . shipping centres and financial capitals — It’s true that Boko Haram’s actions are the high latitude equivalents of Singapore indefensible and its agenda reprehensible . and Dubai,” Borgerson writes . But a closer look also reveals that it is only The Russian flag planted in the Arctic seabed. But Borgerson understates the difficul- the most recent threat in a tapestry of cor- ties that lie ahead . The region is difficult ruption and violence that has pervaded 5. The Arctic to reach, under-populated and under- Nigeria since the late 1950s, when multi- Almost a decade has passed since a Rus- resourced . This hampers any response to national companies began to exploit the sian mini-submarine planted its country’s emergencies, environmental or otherwise . oil in the Niger Delta . The group’s nar- flag on the seabed at the North Pole . Was Issues such as the status of the Northwest rative relies on the notion that Nigeria’s it the opening salvo in a scramble for the Passage — Canada claims it as an internal Christian south has disproportionately riches of the Arctic, or just a stunt by Rus- waterway, the u .S . insists it be interna- monopolized the country’s leadership and sian President Vladimir Putin to promote tional — remain unresolved . profited from its oil at the expense of the his corrupt, territorial regime? Opinions Finally, the number of would-be actors north . differ, to say the least . in the region is not limited to countries In fact, neither north nor south has If we believe Michael T . Klare, who has with Arctic shorelines . In addition to its benefited from the oil . Despite being one written extensively on this subject, the in- eight full-time voting members, the Arc- of the largest oil producers in the world, cident was part of the race for a shrinking tic Council also includes 12 non-voting Nigeria finds itself towards the bottom of supply of natural resources, a race he pre- dicts will stoke worldwide rivalries and leave behind devastating environmental, economic and political consequences . This “race for what’s left” is bound to be intense in the Arctic, where “some of the world’s largest untapped reserves of oil and natural gas” are waiting to be found . Writing in Foreign Affairs, Scott g . Borgerson agrees with the larger narrative that accelerating climate change will open a treasure trove of resources, including massive deposits of valuable minerals and nearly a quarter of the world’s estimated undiscovered oil and gas . This “Arctic boom,” Borgerson says, will involve more than just mining and drilling . It will also improve access to wood, water and a wide variety of commercial activities, including increased air and ship traffic, as melting ice turns “once-fabled shipping shortcuts” like the Northwest Passage into reality . But unlike Klare, Borgerson believes the economic potential of the region will Multinational oil companies began exploiting Nigerian oil in the 1950s. Shown here is encourage co-operation, not competition, Abuja, the capital. W i k / istoc

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the UN Development Index, thanks to a national flavour: corrupt local politicians, The DRC also suffers from other pa- corrupt elite whose allegiances transcend ruthless warlords from inside and outside thologies — unresolved ethnic tensions, religious and regional loyalties . This helps the country and a shadowy network of non-existent institutions — that plague explain the appeal of Boko Haram’s mes- global financiers who sustain these groups most African nations . It’s no surprise to sage, which blames western modernity while siphoning the country’s wealth into learn that the coltan reserves are in the for all that ails northern Nigeria . This mes- their own pockets . To appreciate this form contested Kivu region where Congo bor- sage might be simplistic and misleading, of contemporary capitalism, consider ders its much smaller neighbours, Uganda but is a variation on the larger point that Congo’s role in the trade of coltan, a rare and Rwanda, both of which have sought economic inequality leads to violence . It’s ore used in electronics and other industrial coltan profits through sponsoring rebel a rerun of the mid-to-late 2000s, when the goods . Up to 80 percent of global coltan groups opposed to the DRC’s govern- Movement for the Emancipation of the reserves lie in the Congo, yet officially the ment . The UN is trying to stabilize this Niger Delta waged an insurgency against country plays no major role in its global region through one of the largest, most the Nigerian government and western oil markets . Most of Congo’s coltan leaves expensive and most robust interventions companies held responsible for the social the country through unofficial channels as in its history, with some success . But the inequality and environmental devastation competing warlords operate ad hoc mines, DRC will likely remain a deadly El Do- that defines the Niger Delta . where workers, many of them prisoners rado for greedy privateers . In short, Boko Haram is neither the captured from rival militias, slave away first, nor the last, armed militia to chal- under dangerous conditions, often with lenge the Nigerian state at considerable nothing more than their bare hands . 8.The Caspian Sea Basin cost in blood, property and stability The mineral then finds its way onto in- and Central Asia throughout the region . ternational markets through a network of dubious dealers, many based in Belgium . The 19th Century witnessed what histo- Yes, would-be users of coltan are aware rians call the Great Game, the political 7. Democratic Republic of this system, but its opaqueness makes struggle between Czarist Russia and the of Congo it difficult to know where their purchases United Kingdom for strategic supremacy come from . This system has perpetuated in Central Asia, as Russia tried to reach the Two sorts of people live in the Democratic the violence that has gripped Congo since Indian Ocean in challenging British con- Republic of Congo — those who try to the mid-1990s and cost millions of people trol of the Indian subcontinent . exploit its resources and those who suffer their lives, because it flushes money into We may well see a New Great Game, at their hands . This sociology has defined the hands of competing warlords who use this time revolving around the oil and Africa’s second-largest and fourth most it to equip and pay their troops . natural gas in the same region . While populous state since the days of 19th Century European colonialism when Belgium's King Leopold II declared the country his “private property .” Belgian colonial rule ended in chaos decades ago, but exploitation of the Congo

A Guatemalan member of MONUSCO, the largest and arguably most robust intervention mission in the UN’s history, in the DRC. continued through the immediate post-colonial period, the Cold War and the ethnic wars that then erupted across Africa . The Russia has been keen to maintain control of the pipelines that carry energy from the land- current gang of plunderers has a multi- locked Caspian Sea to foreign markets. UN PHOTO / D re a mstime

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these reserves across Armenia, Azerbai- Coast offers untapped business oppor- jan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, tunities, especially in gold mining . The Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan country lies along the Birimian Green- are likely not as extensive as the Middle stone Belt, a rock formation two billion East’s, they have attracted all the major years old and stretching from Senegal to energy-consuming nations . Ghana . According to the Guardian, it con- The region also includes Iran and Rus- tains some of the richest gold deposits in sia, even though neither requires such the world . So Ivory Coast might overtake resources because each is rich in its own its neighbour, Ghana, to become Africa’s right . But each pursues strategic interests second-largest producer of the precious there, especially Russia, which consid- metal after South Africa . ers the area its “Near Abroad,” the term Mining would diversify the country’s used to describe the former Soviet repub- economy, which for decades has relied on lics ringing its borders . Russia has been the sparser returns from cocoa, coffee and particularly keen to maintain control of cashew exports . But the gold rush is im- the pipelines that carry energy from the pending while the country is still seeking landlocked Caspian Sea Basin to foreign a solution to the problem that caused the markets . A rebel in northern Central African Republic. preceding violence in the first place: ethnic Geography has made the Caspian disputes over farmland . Sea Basin attractive to Chinese interests been accused of siding with the rebels . This issue occurs against a backdrop because that country’s relative proximity Christian militias have retaliated against of the global rush for arable land . Private means it can import oil and natural gas the country’s minority Muslims, who companies and governments from China, through pipelines . This calms Chinese make up about 10 percent of the popu- India, Saudi Arabia, Europe and the u .S . anxiety about losing access to the Middle lation . This violence has cost countless East, because it can’t defend oil shipments lives, displaced thousands of people across seas against the strength of the u .S . and brought further misery to one of the navy . worst-governed states in Africa . This said, the pipelines that cross the There are multiple reasons for the region are not exactly traversing realms of bloodshed, but many would insist that it peace and prosperity: Russia and Georgia has little to do with religion . Before recent remain at odds over the status of South events, Muslims and Christians had long Ossetia and Abkhazia following a five-day co-existed in peace . Observers would war in 2008; Islamist separatists have em- instead point to a battle for control over broiled Russia in Chechnya; Armenia and the country’s natural resources . While rich Azerbaijan dispute the status of Nagorno- in diamonds, timber, gold, uranium and Karabakh, an Armenian enclave located oil, the Central African Republic remains inside Azerbaijan . The region beyond the among the poorest African nations, thanks eastern shore of the Caspian Sea is just to decades of political turmoil and corrup- as rife with potential flashpoints among tion . simmering ethnic tensions, corruption and As Reuters news agency noted, the repression in the Central Asian republics . Seleka rebels launched their uprising to Militia clothing, boots and equipment are Beyond that, the agony of Afghanistan get at resource wealth, especially the oil destroyed during a disarmament and demo- could easily spill across borders to the east being exploited by the China Petroleum bilization mission in Ivory Coast. and south, namely China and Pakistan . Corporation . These efforts failed, but the failure hardly means the end of instabil- lease and buy land in the developing ity, no matter how long France chooses to world to grow food, biofuel and cash 9. Central African remain the region’s gendarme. crops . Critics have decried this land grab Republic as neo-colonialism and warned it threatens global food security in the face of cli- How do you spell “quagmire” in French? 10. Ivory Coast mate change and warned also that it could The Economist asked this about France’s Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan trigger social unrest as foreign corpora- most recent military involvement in its could not have been clearer when he ad- tions ignore the locals . Ivory Coast has of- former colony . In late 2013, Paris deployed dressed a group of potential international fered a historical precedent for what could 1,600 troops to the landlocked country investors last December . “We are really happen if businesses or governments com- as part of a UN mission to end sectarian open to all the world,” he said . “We are pete over non-renewable resources . violence that had started when Muslim now normal … and we want the rest of Seleka rebels embarked on a reign of ter- the world here .” Wolfgang Depner is a doctoral candidate ror that raised the spectre of the Rwandan Duncan’s message was intended to as- at the University of British Columbia – genocide . It’s still uncertain whether sure his listeners that the government of Okanagan and the co-editor of Readings France’s involvement has stabilized the his West African country was legitimate in Political Idealogies since the Rise of Mod- country, which borders six neighbours, and stable after more than a decade of ern Science, published by Oxford Univer- including Chad, whose government has conflict, and to convince them that Ivory sity Press . W i k / UN PHOTO

diplomat and international canada 43 Di spatches|EU Enlargement EU Enlargement: Ten years later Is the EU’s eastern expansion still a success story?

By Joan DeBardeleben, Crina Viju and David Long

On May 1, 2004, 10 countries became new members of the EU: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Celebrations took place across Europe.

n May 2004, the EU embarked on its hope was that the new members would lenges . By joining NATO as well as the largest expansion, with the admis- integrate, be able to implement EU law, EU, the new member states (except Malta Ision of 10 new member states, eight of and realize its political and economic val- and Cyprus) have been brought under them previously part of the Soviet bloc . ues . Nonetheless, the expansion had risks the Western security umbrella . The EU’s In a Brussels speech two years earlier, as well as opportunities for the EU — and increase in size and weight has made it European Commission president Romano for the new members . an international powerhouse, especially Prodi predicted this move would be “one Would adding more than a third to a economically . It has sewn together a of the most successful and impressive sometimes unwieldy group paralyse al- previously — and sometimes mortally — political transformations of the 20th Cen- ready difficult EU decision-making? How divided continent . And it has encouraged tury ”. would new members and old be affected and supported the democratic aspirations And when the Nobel Peace Prize fol- economically? Would open borders en- of the new member states . That curious lowed in 2012, the selection committee courage mass migration from East to West, mythic thing called Europe has created credited the EU with opening “a new era” causing brain drain on one side and social tangible policy implications, above and in European history, because “the division instability on the other? And would the beyond the powers of individual states . of East and West has to a large extent been enlargement push the East-West divide While the expanded EU has not erased brought to an end… .” further east, creating new tensions with the East-West divide in Europe, it has not To gain admission, the eight post-com- Russia? aggravated it . Though Russia has strongly munist states (plus Malta and Cyprus) had Ten years after, the balance sheet is objected to NATO’s eastern bulge, it has to meet unprecedented requirements . The strongly positive, despite remaining chal- been more accepting of the EU’s expanded dre a mstime

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borders . Only when the EU’s influence to additional policy areas such as external economic benefits to the new members as has extended into Russia’s “privileged border control and asylum . This has eased well as to the 15 countries (the EU-15) that interests” (a term used by then-Russian decision-making . While it is often difficult were part of the club before the 2004 ex- president Dmitry Medvedev in a 2008 to gain consensus among the 28 member pansion . Financial assistance, such as that interview) has Russia been threatened and states of the EU on some issues, such as provided to Central and East European threatening — as in the Ukrainian crisis . social policy and foreign policy, differ- candidate countries under the PHARE But whatever difficulties there are in ences are, by and large, not a result of EU program before they joined the EU, has getting along with Russia in the shared enlargement . Most disagreements have partly continued for the new members, neighbourhood, they are not primarily not fallen on an East-West axis . even if in a different form . For example, a product of EU enlargement . Indeed, Economically, on balance, enlargement benefits are now channelled through co- Poland has become a strong voice for has been a success, even if the crisis that hesion and structural funds that aim at constructive engagement with Russia took off in 2008 (and the ensuing Eu- reducing regional disparities in the Eu . ever since Donald Tusk became prime rozone crisis) has complicated matters . But economic advantages for new minister in 2007 . In 2011, for example, Po- Despite those relatively poorer countries members have mostly resulted from land and Russia co-operated on visa-free arriving all at once, they have not con- single-market integration . Trade had been cross-border transit between Poland and partly liberalized and barriers to foreign Russia’s exclave Kaliningrad Oblast . The direct investment were eliminated before sense of security that EU membership 2004; however, EU membership reduced provides for states bordering Russia may risk for investors even further, since EU well, over time, reduce the emotion that states are perceived to have more stable lingers from their difficult shared histo- institutions and better economic pros- ries . However, beyond the EU's borders, pects . So after 2004, there was an explo- the Ukrainian crisis is sparking new division of foreign direct investment, portfolio sion in Europe . investment and private and official bor- The EU has always been in a state of rowing from global credit markets and becoming rather than being, adapting to international financial institutions . In new members while preparing for further 2012, the level of foreign direct investment applicants . That said, the 2004 “Big Bang” ranged between approximately 35 percent expansion eastward required a rethinking of GDP in Slovenia and 85 percent in Esto- of decision-making . But precedents made nia; about 80 percent of the new members’ that easier — notably when the u .K ., Ire- exports went to the rest of the EU, and land and Denmark joined in 1973 . This about 10 percent of the previous 15 EU big change required renegotiation of EC members’ exports went to the newcomers . funding . Particularly controversial was A less tangible — but nonetheless real the Common Agricultural Policy and the — effect of increased trade and investment UK’s net contribution . The admission of is sharing of knowledge, technology and Greece in 1981, the Iberian enlargement of ideas; this has meant increased productiv- 1986 and the addition of Austria, Sweden ity, business transparency and corporate and Finland in 1995 had lesser effects on accountability . More diverse and better the union’s fundamental processes, but On balance, enlargement has been a success consumer goods and economies of scale still required adjustments as they changed in spite of the 2008 crash that led to pro- have brought lower prices and transaction the balance of influence within the union . tests against austerity measures in Greece. costs, reducing the costs of doing busi- For example, the 1995 enlargement shifted ness . Additionally, open doors for the free policies regarding the North and the envi- tributed to the EU’s sovereign debt crisis . movement of labour give people greater ronment . But more members also meant The new members have been among the freedom of choice, while their remittances less influence for the Big Three — the UK, least debt-laden in the union . One of them, represent a cash flow for some of the new Germany and France . While most new Poland, was the only EU country that es- members: Poland saw about 33 billion members have thrived economically, even caped an economic slowdown following such euros come home from 2004 to 2011 . before the latest crisis Greece has done the 2008 crash . At the same time, the EU-15 have also relatively poorly . Though the 2008 crunch was tough gained . There’s now a larger market for Before and after the 2004 enlargement, for weaker economies, they have largely their products, services and investment . there were attempts to accommodate emerged intact enough to adopt the euro . And since the new member states have the now much-larger size . After a failed The first new member states to adopt the lower labour costs, some firms based in attempt to adopt an EU constitution euro were Slovenia (2007), Cyprus and the EU-15 countries moved plants to the (blocked by referendums in France and Malta (2008), then Slovakia (2009), Estonia new ones, lowering production costs and the Netherlands in 2005), negotiations led (2011) and Latvia (2014) . Eurobarometer increasing efficiency . to the Lisbon Treaty, which went into force surveys reveal higher levels of trust in It wasn’t all economic sunshine . The in December 2009 . It extended the use of EU institutions among respondents in the new members had to pay and pay as they “qualified majority voting” — a require- new member states than in the EU overall, adopted almost 100,000 pages of EU rules ment demanding the agreement of 55 and more trust in EU institutions than in and regulations . The European Commis- percent of member states representing at their national ones . sion estimated in 1998 that it would cost least 65 percent of the EU’s population — The expansion of the EU has brought the 10 countries of Central and Eastern dre a mstime

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Europe (eight that joined in 2004 plus Ro- mania and Bulgaria) 100 billion euros to implement EU environmental regulations and 50 to 90 billion euros over 15 years to upgrade roads and railways to Western standards . EU assistance would cover only four percent of these costs . But pay- ing up has meant better roads and better environmental quality . However, EU rules and regulations deprived the new member states of some advantages — new labour market regulations raised labour costs and killed jobs . Likewise, Western standards of food production pushed some producers out of business, but such requirements have improved the quality of life for many residents of these countries . Getting into the EU exposed the new member states to international financial markets through trade, financial integration and large capital inflows . But reliance on international finance was not always a good idea . Lax domestic policies, such as no restrictions on capital flight, meant In May 2004, the EU’s annual “open-door day” coincided with celebrations for the 10-mem- they wouldn’t develop enough exports ber enlargement. Hungarian marathon runners arrived in Brussels wearing the 10 flags of to finance more domestic consumption . the new member states. Their banks wouldn’t match the growth in credits with a growth in deposits . When 2004 to 2 .4 million in 2010, most of them in date) are large countries whose admis- the global economic crisis erupted, many the u .K . and Ireland . This represents less sion to the EU would have geopolitical businesses couldn’t compete internation- than one percent of the working-age pop- significance . Turkey would move the EU ally . Joining the EU was not the direct ulation of the EU-15 . The number of such presence to the Middle East, and the pros- cause of these difficulties, but it created an migrants to Germany and Austria has pect of Ukrainian membership is deeply environment that encouraged this prob- slightly increased since restrictions on mo- unsettling for Russia, as can be seen from lematic strategy . bility into these countries were removed in the latest crisis . Such speculations also Enlargement has not been without 2011 . And research shows that migration run up against “enlargement fatigue,” a costs for the EU-15 either . Some received has boosted GDP in EU-15 countries that concern that the EU may become over- lower amounts of cohesion and structural liberalized their labour markets . stretched . Before it does stretch again, funds to address regional disparities once Another fear was that businesses existing policies, such as those designed to the May 2004 accession took place . This is would move to the new member states, prevent sovereign debt crises, need to be because regions qualify for this financial seeking cheap wages and lax rules and consolidated and implemented . assistance if their per-capita gross domes- regulations . In fact, this happened in the Looking to the East and South may re- tic product (GDP) is lower than a certain short term from some EU-15 countries . quire other tools as well . Most challenging percentage of the EU average . Once the However, as jobs flowed to the new states, right now is finding an accommodation poorer countries of Central and Eastern opportunities arose for new investment in with Russia that does not sacrifice the Europe joined, the EU average decreased . the EU-15 . interests of the EU’s other eastern neigh- Likewise, extending some EU policies, Will this success story be repeated? bours . Finding a response to instability in such as the common agricultural policy, The countries of the West Balkans (suc- Northern Africa and the Middle East will to new member states has created more cessors to the former Yugoslavia, plus require a more unified and resolute EU problems for the EU as a whole thanks to Albania) remain on the EU’s enlargement policy . the creation of more farmers’ lobby groups agenda . Croatia was admitted in 2013, and that will push in the future for more agri- Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro are Joan DeBardeleben is a professor in the cultural support . candidates . Past instability in this region Institute of European, Russian and Eur- But one fear hasn’t materialized . There notwithstanding, the mission to stabilize asian Studies and in the Department of has been no important flood of migrant Europe remains a fundamental raison Political Science at Carleton University . workers from the east taking jobs from d’être of the union . She is director of the Carleton EU Centre the domestic workforce in the west . At Beyond that, the future is less clear . of Excellence, the Centre for European first there were limits on labour migration Additional enlargements, if they occur, Studies . Crina Viju is an assistant profes- into certain EU-15 countries, but these re- will likely be bit-by-bit, not a dramatic sor in Carleton’s Institute of European, strictions have now expired . People from shift like the one in 2004 . Turkey (in acces- Russian and Eurasian Studies . David the eight post-communist states living in sion negotiations since 2005) and Ukraine Long is a professor at Carleton’s Norman A EU-15 countries increased from 900,000 in (which has not been given a membership Paterson School of International Affairs . E U ROP

46 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN diplomat and international canada 47 Di spatches|EU Enlargement An historic EU enlargement The 2004 enlargement, which brought 10 new member states into the European Union, has been a win for those countries, and a win for the EU as a whole.

By Marie-Anne Coninsx

This acrylic painting by a group of students from Nivelles, Belgium, is called The European Tree. It won first prize in a contest designed to help students understand the concept of European citizenship. Eu rope an C ommissio n A u diovis ua l S ervices

48 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN eu enlargement|Di spatches

hen 10 Central and Eastern foreign direct investment into the acceding mitment and direct engagement from all European countries joined the countries also climbed . Even more telling concerned: citizens, civil society groups, WEuropean Union on May 1, is the fivefold increase in trade among the national authorities and EU institutions . 2004, enlarging the union from 15 to 25 new members themselves . Six of the 10 May 2014, the 10th anniversary of the member states, a new chapter in Europe’s members have introduced the common 2004 enlargement, is also a good time to history books was written with the new currency, the euro, and others will follow ponder the future . The EU has created a members claiming their rightful place suit . Most recently, Latvia adopted the unique model of society many European within the European family . euro in January 2014 . nations aspire to join . Countries are lin- It was an historic development and Increased intra-EU mobility has also ing up to join the EU, despite the talk of the most ambitious initiative in Europe’s had a positive impact . Contrary to fears “enlargement fatigue .” The EU’s doors enlargement process — the largest single that enlargement would trigger a mass remain open for European countries com- enlargement in terms of number of coun- wave of Eastern Europeans emigrating mitted to its agenda . tries, territory and population . The 10 West and jobs moving East, workers from In 2013, the EU welcomed Croatia, its acceding countries — Poland, the Czech the new EU countries in fact helped ease newest member, continuing a trend that Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, labour shortages while contributing to will contribute to the consolidation of sta- Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Cyprus and economic growth in receiving countries . bility and prosperity in the entire western Malta — brought nearly 80 million Eu- Balkans, a region that not so long ago was ropean citizens to the Union, along with torn by conflict . their dreams of freedom and prosperity . Negotiations for Serbia’s accession For years, EU enlargement has been began in January 2014, while accession ne- a force driving personal freedom and gotiations with Montenegro have been un- economic vitality . It has been a force der way since 2012 . The Commission has spreading stability and democracy and recommended since 2009 that accession advancing the rule of law and the protec- negotiations be opened with the former tion of human rights to its new members Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia . Nego- and even beyond its borders . tiations are ongoing with Turkey, while in Enlargement has increased the EU’s Iceland, at the time of writing, a political global standing by giving it a bigger debate is under way on the direction the weight in world affairs, whether in trade country should take with regard to its EU talks or addressing issues such as climate membership application . change, energy security and regional sta- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and bility . Enlargement has also helped boost Kosovo are potential candidates . Coun- the EU’s crisis management capacity . With tries aspire to join the EU because they the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty know membership means peace and sta- and under the leadership of Catherine bility . They know membership will help Ashton, high representative for foreign them recover from recent conflicts in the affairs and security policy and vice-pres- region and consolidate the rule of law . ident of the European Commission, the They know it creates a win-win situation EU has been able to effectively lead peace- for the current and future member states making, peacekeeping, recovery and re- The new European Central Bank headquar- and allows them to join the largest single construction missions in a more coherent ters is expected to be completed this year. market in the world . manner . The accession perspective provides There’s little doubt the 2004 enlarge- In short, enlargement has helped ex- strong encouragement for transforma- ment resulted in major economic, socio- pand the borders of the EU’s highly- tion, for political and economic reform political and institutional changes . Both integrated internal market that today in the acceding countries . Reforms in the the new and old member states stood to has more than 500 million consumers . It area of the rule of law, including judicial gain from the 2004 enlargement . To be has fully liberalized the labour market, reform, and the fight against corruption eligible for EU membership, acceding although that was done over a transition and organized crime benefit the countries countries had to adopt all EU rules and period . It has kept state protectionism at concerned and the European Union as a regulations, fast-tracking the moderniza- bay . It has helped enrich the EU's cultural whole . These reforms reinforce peace, station of their economies, which in turn diversity and has created new regional bility and democracy in Europe and save generated stronger economic stability and co-operation initiatives and advanced the EU money that would otherwise have more opportunities for businesses and the multilateralism . to be spent on crisis prevention, reinforced labour market . They had to reform their Naturally, challenges did arise along border controls and combating illegal im- judiciaries and public administrations, the way . Making the transition to a single migration . making them more transparent and ef- market, reforming institutions and accom- Next month, as we celebrate the 10th ficient . modating cultural and linguistic differ- anniversary of the 2004 enlargement, I am Figures show that there were benefits ences has certainly not been an easy task . more convinced than ever that enlargement across the board . Trade between the old Accession is indeed a long, complex is one of Europe’s greatest achievements . and new member states increased more process, a balancing act with the absolute than threefold in the years since the 2004 aim to create a level playing field among Marie-Anne Coninsx is the European and 2007 enlargements and the flow of all members . It requires goodwill, com- Union ambassador to Canada . S ims a l bimb m

diplomat and international canada 49 Welcome to Ottawa! Diplomacy at its best. Star Motors of Ottawa is proud to serve the diplomatic community. The For several decades, and like no other model series, the S-Class has embodied the dealership was founded in 1957, making it Canada’s oldest Import Dealer. claim to leadership of Mercedes-Benz. The latest generation likewise intrigues with The dealership also has the distinction of being the oldest independent numerous technical innovations – and goes a significant step further. In the S-Class Mercedes-Benz franchise retained under the same ownership in Canada. you will find ideal working conditions and the perfect feel-good atmosphere in which Our success is directly attributable to our devotion in providing complete to use your potential to the full. At the same time innovative safety and assistance customer satisfaction. Our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your systems, and a powerful and efficient drivetrain ensure serene performance. automotive needs.

Star Motors of Ottawa is a Mercedes-Benz Canada 2014 Star Dealer Award Winner for customer satisfaction, sales and operational excellence

For sales, service & parts: 50 400 West Hunt Club Rd.Spring613-737-7827 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN www.starmotors.ca Open Saturdays 8 am - 5 pm Welcome to Ottawa! Diplomacy at its best. Star Motors of Ottawa is proud to serve the diplomatic community. The For several decades, and like no other model series, the S-Class has embodied the dealership was founded in 1957, making it Canada’s oldest Import Dealer. claim to leadership of Mercedes-Benz. The latest generation likewise intrigues with The dealership also has the distinction of being the oldest independent numerous technical innovations – and goes a significant step further. In the S-Class Mercedes-Benz franchise retained under the same ownership in Canada. you will find ideal working conditions and the perfect feel-good atmosphere in which Our success is directly attributable to our devotion in providing complete to use your potential to the full. At the same time innovative safety and assistance customer satisfaction. Our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your systems, and a powerful and efficient drivetrain ensure serene performance. automotive needs.

Star Motors of Ottawa is a Mercedes-Benz Canada 2014 Star Dealer Award Winner for customer satisfaction, sales and operational excellence

For sales, service & parts: 400 West Hunt Club Rd. 613-737-7827 dipwww.starmotors.calomat and international canada Open Saturdays 8 am - 5 pm 51 Di spatches|EU Enlargement Poland’s amazing accession Don’t write the EU off too soon. Poland, the biggest country in the largest expansion in the history of he EU, is the success story both economically and politically, and a model for states such as Ukraine.

By Marcin Rafał Bosacki

he past 25 years of regained inde- interpretation, as well as mathematical pendence after the fall of commu- skills (respectively 9th, 10th and 14th place Tnism were the most successful in in the world) . Finally, we took 8th place the last 400 years of Poland’s history . To a in the ranking of non-English-speaking large extent, that’s thanks to entering into countries whose citizens have the best the Eu . knowledge of the English language . This is why 2014 will be a special year Our economy is currently a power- for my country . It is an opportunity to house that is developing at a rapid pace . celebrate the anniversary of a series of We have joined the club of states listed as events that have had an enormous impact “very high” on the Human Development in shaping contemporary Poland, and the Index . This contrasts to where we began whole of Europe . This year marks the 25th in 1989 — below the USSr . Right now, we anniversary of the successful end of the are the 21st largest world economy and long fight with communism, which first we’re still growing . In recent years, Po- began in Poland in 1980 with the creation land’s GDP, despite the turbulence in the of the Solidarity movement, and conse- global and European markets, has grown quently spread to the countries of Central steadily . For the last 20 years — as the only and Eastern Europe . It is also an opportu- country in the Western world — we have nity to celebrate the 15th anniversary of recorded uninterrupted economic growth, Polish accession to NATO, the alliance that an average of 4 .31 percent over the past strongly enhanced a sense of security in nine years (in comparison to 1 percent for our part of the world . all of the EU) . This year, we also celebrate the 10th That is why we are looking to the fu- anniversary of Poland’s accession into the ture of our continent with optimism . We EU, together with nine other countries . challenge the notion of Europe’s (or the This was the single largest enlargement in West’s) decline . We are convinced that the history of the EU in terms of the num- Europe’s powerful weight in the global ber of people and the number of countries Enlargement celebrations take place in 2004 economy will remain stable . Despite the that joined at the same time . Though EU in Brussels. Poland hasn’t looked back after recent crisis — which was not generated its accession. officials frequently referred to this enlarge- in Europe — the EU proved to be strong ment as “an historical opportunity” and enough to overcome even the most com- a “moral imperative” that reflected the billion; Germany’s, from $22 .5 billion to plex challenges . desire of the EU to admit these countries $143 billion . To make sense of the state of the EU, let as members, many people were afraid of Prior to 2004, due to its size, Poland us remind ourselves of the facts within the welcoming states that were clearly less was often mentioned as one of the biggest big picture . EU countries generate roughly developed than their Western European question marks and a potential threat to a quarter of the world’s GDP . That is more counterparts, as a result of 45 years of the stability of the EU’s economy . On the than the u S. .; it’s more than the combined communism and Soviet domination . contrary, it turned out that Poland quickly GDP of China, Japan and the 10 ASEAN Time has proved that these concerns became an important EU player and countries . Europe is the world's largest aid were totally wrong . leader in many fields . Our GDP reached donor . More than half the money spent on It is the enlargement that has created $790 billion (from about $228 billion in helping poor countries comes from the EU growth and wealth all over Europe . Ex- 1990), international trade amounted to and its member countries . The EU is the ports from the original 15 member states almost $400 billion (from $30 5. billion in world’s largest exporter and the second- to the EU-10 countries — those that joined 1990) and public debt in relation to GDP largest importer . We Europeans are in- in 2004 — has almost doubled in the last was reduced to 49 percent (from 92 per- vesting in jobs and growth in many parts 10 years . It’s even more striking if you cent in 1990) . The percentage of young of the world, including Canada . Just in break it down by country . Britain’s exports Poles who are studying reached 50 per- the past four years, the Polish companies to the 10 countries that joined after 2004 cent . According to an OECD study, Polish KGHM, Kulczyk Holding and PKN Orlen rose from $3 .3 billion in 1993 to $15 billion students are among the best in terms of invested more than $3 .3 billion in Canada . A in 2012; France’s, from $4 billion to $24 reasoning skills in science, reading and Within Europe, Poland is increasingly E U ROP

52 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN EU Enlargement|Di spatches

influential in political terms as well . To- Chart 1. The cumulative economic growth in Poland and in EU27 (GDP in 2003=100) day, we are not the source of problems, Source: Polish MFA based on Eurostat data. but a source of European solutions . We now have the capacity, and the will, to 150 contribute and take responsibility for the 145 future of Europe . We are a model of a 140 successful transformation from dictator- 135 ship to democracy . We progressed from 150 130 an economic basketcase to an increasingly 145 prosperous market economy . We train 140125 judges from Tunisia, staff from NGOs in 135120 Egypt and we support pro-democratic 130115 changes in our Eastern neighbourhood . I 125110 was rarely so proud in my life than when 120105 I had a chance to be one of the trainers 100 in a civil society/democratic institutions 115 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 workshop in Myanmar (Burma), another 110 Polska UE27 country that started on a path to demo- 105 cratic changes . To our surprise, one of the 100 students was Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 the Burmese opposition and Nobel Peace 8.0% Chart 2. Economic growth in Poland and Polskain the EU27 UE27 Prize laureate . We offer solutions for further develop- S6.0%ource: Polish MFA based on Eurostat data. ment of the EU and stabilizing its neigh- 8.0% bourhood . The Eastern Partnership, with 4.0% its focus on Eastern European prosperity, 6.0% the European Endowment for Democracy 2.0% and the Common Security and Defence 4.0% Policy are just a few examples of that co- 0.0% operation . During the Polish presidency 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2.0% at the Council of the EU, we also played -2.0% an important role in presenting initiatives 0.0% to fight economic crises . It was Poland -4.0% that led EU efforts to solve the crisis in 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 -2.0% Ukraine peacefully and democratically . -6.0% The bloodshed on the streets of Kiev has Polska UE27 been stopped by an agreement negotiated -4.0% by the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, and his counterparts -6.0% from Germany and France . Polska UE27 A recent World Bank report professed that Poland has started a “new golden age” of its history . That might be a bit of including our allies as well as Polish 1989, we were located in the mysterious an exaggeration, but our success is indis- diaspora all over the world . We will al- and frozen Eastern Europe . Then, after putable . This, however, did not happen all ways remember that Canada was the first getting rid of communism, we became by itself . We owe it to tens of millions of country to ratify our accession to NATO in part of Central Europe . Since the outbreak hard-working, innovative and determined early 1998 . of the global crisis in 2008, with our finan- Poles and to good policies of different Today, the European Union is not only cial discipline and strong growth, we have governments in the last 25 years . Govern- the world’s largest economy but also the moved again: to hard-headed, efficient ments from the left and the right under- largest region of peace, democracy and Northern Europe, becoming a vibrant and took many crucial steps to lay foundations human rights . No wonder people to the significant state . for today’s success, from privatization to East and South of our borders are taking So this year, when millions of Poles at pension reform to being one of the first Europe as an inspiration and Poland as home and across the globe will celebrate 25 nations on Earth to introduce a public debt an example . Just a few weeks ago, Vitali years since the defeat of communism and anchor within our constitution (60 percent Klitschko, leader of the pro-democratic the resurrection of an independent Polish of GDP) . and pro-European movement in Ukraine, state, it is also a chance for us in Canada to European Union support was also a told hundreds of thousands of people on highlight my country's achievements . Po- key element, primarily due to significant the streets of Kiev: “Look, we can be like land is back on the world stage — demo- financial resources supporting the devel- Poland one day, too .” cratic, prosperous and vibrant again . opment of our country . We are grateful We like to say — only half-jokingly — to all those who supported our struggle that Poland’s place on the map of Europe Marcin Rafał Bosacki is Poland’s ambas- to change the country and join the West, has recently changed dramatically . Until sador to Canada .

diplomat and international canada 53 Di spatches|Iran

Iran’s other side: the South Caucasus By Andrew Zhalko-Tytarenko

he recent loosening of anti-nuclear economic sanctions against Iran will Tchange its role along its northern frontier, which faces the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan . Iran will be able to sell more oil, and the ensuing revenues, linked with new means of transportation, will allow it to throw its weight around, to bring grief to some of its neighbours and satisfaction to others . Iran has been active in Central Asia over the past two decades . In the east, Iran-Turkmenistan relations have been sometimes tense, mostly due to irregulari- ties in Tehran’s payments to Turkmenistan for natural gas, but overall they have remained positive . Existing pipelines allow Iran to buy up to 20 billion cubic metres of Turkmenistan natural gas per year, and after the anti-nuclear embargo is lifted, Iran will be able to use all available capacity of the pipelines . Another eastern interest for Iran is construction of a railway linking Kazakh- stan, Turkmenistan and Iran . This project would allow Central Asian oil and other mineral resources to reach Iranian ports for further export . But to the west, below the Caucasian Mountains running northwest to southeast between the Black and Caspian seas, Iran borders — and would benefit from — Eurasia’s oldest “frozen conflict:” Na- gorno-Karabakh’s 1991–94 war in south- western Azerbaijan between the majority ethnic Christian Armenians and Muslim Azerbaijan itself . So geography dictates Iranian involvement and merits a closer Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev at the 2014 Davos look at Iran-Azerbaijan relations . Economic Forum, where Rouhani offered assistance in oil servicing, a field in which U.S. This has been a rocky history, compli- companies already operate. cated today by the two countries’ competition to sell their oil and gas internationally . was established in Iran in 1995 to separate baijan’,’’ a not-so-veiled claim to Iranian And then there’s the ethnic dimension . these three provinces from Iran and merge territory . In November 2010, Azerbaijan’s Three western provinces of Iran together them with Azerbaijan . president, Ilham Aliyev, called for tougher have a population of about eight million, During the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Western sanctions against its neighbour . and more than 70 percent of these people Azerbaijan reached out to Iran for nor- Anti-Iran demonstrations in Azerbaijan are Azerbaijani . There is a sentiment for mal relations, but they deteriorated later . continued through 2011 and 2012 . Iran reunification among them on both sides of More than 10 years ago, then-Azerbaijani responded accordingly . the border . The separatist Southern Azer- president Heydar Aliyev reportedly said, Then Israel, Iran’s chief bête noire baijan National Awakening Movement “When I say ‘Iran,’ I think ‘Southern Azer- for decades, got into the act . It supplied W orld E co n omic For u m

54 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN iran|Di spatches

Baku-Novorossiysk oil pipeline

Baku-Supsa oil pipeline

Nabucco gas pipeline to Central Europe (planned) Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan armenia oil pipeline

Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Trans-Caspian gas pipeline gas pipeline (proposed)

IRAN

This map shows the existing and planned oil and gas pipelines from Baku, Azerbaijan, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline.

military drones to Azerbaijan, and helped destroyer in the Caspian Sea . It will enter Iran and the West, and Iran and Azerbai- Azeris produce their own . Israel’s El- service in 2014 and be a powerful argu- jan could possibly to flow open the tap for bit Systems Ltd . (a defence electronics ment in the dispute with Azerbaijan over Azerbaijani natural gas into Europe . There manufacturer employing 11,000 people the offshore Sardar-e Jangal oilfield . Iran are plans to use a combination of the exist- worldwide) and other companies were will have more money for arms after oil ing Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline (BTE) part of the modernization of Azerbaijan’s revenues start coming in and will prob- and the proposed Trans-Anatolia pipeline, armaments . The possibility of an Israeli ably spend it . to carry the gas through Turkey to Europe . air strike on Iran’s nuclear projects in- It’s impossible to distinguish between These and other pipelines share a narrow cluded the option of landing its jets at state-sponsored and grassroots Shia reli- corridor along the Kura River in Azerbai- Azeri airfields (one of them, Lankaran, gious extremism in Azerbaijan as long as jan, uncomfortably close to its Nagorno- close to the Iran border, is operational Iran remains a Shia Muslim state . Azer- Karabakh “security belt” districts . now) . Since 2010, the country has also baijan’s security ministry is alert to Iran- So, fixing the Nagorno-Karabakh con- acquired two squadrons of Russian air sponsored networks in Azerbaijan and flict is critical for Azerbaijan, and Iran and defence missiles . reported on them in 2008, 2009, 2011 and Russia know this . From the standpoint of None of these weapons would be much 2012 (twice) . In all these cases, Azerbaijan their economic interests, it is to their ad- use against Armenia, the longstanding claimed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vantage to preserve the volatile situation enemy with no military aircraft, but they had targeted Israeli interests in Azerbaijan . of Azerbaijan and have less competition can provide air defence against Iran, the All of which further tangles relations be- for their own oil and gas sales . possible new threat . tween the two countries . The realities of the economic blockade Azerbaijan also co-operates with the The election of Iranian President Has- of Armenia by Turkey and Azerbaijan u .S . military . Blackwater (now called Aca- san Rouhani brought some change . He since 1993 and sanctions against Iran prac- demi) mercenaries trained Azerbaijan’s and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev met at tically forced both countries to build closer marines and the u .S . provided vessels for the 2014 Davos economic forum, where relations and get maximum advantage the Azerbaijan navy . The prime targets Rouhani offered assistance in oil servicing, through their 42-kilometre common bor- for all this Azerbaijan hardware are still a field in which u .S . companies already der . In 2007, Russia’s Gazprom company Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, but the operate, so it will be an uphill battle for built a 140-kilometre natural gas pipeline possibility of conflict with Iran was part of Iran . Some improvement of Azerbaijan- for Iranian natural gas to Armenia from its planning . Iran relations is likely, but disputes over this gap . Armenia exports electricity to From its side, Iran has beefed up its Caspian Sea shelf oil and gas will over- Iran in exchange . Trucks between Ar- military along its northern border and shadow it . menia and Iran also cross here . After the in March 2013 it launched the Jamaran-2 The relaxation of the tensions between sanctions on Iran are lifted, this road will T hom a s B lomberg

diplomat and international canada 55 Di spatches|IRAN

With Ilham Aliyev making some headway in meetings with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, some improvement of Azerbaijan-Iran relations is likely, but disputes over Caspian Sea shelf oil and gas will overshadow it.

become an important alternative to Geor- railway could provide a land gateway Sam Garcia gia’s ports for Armenia . for Russian access to Iran, and possibly The possibility of closer Armenia-Iran to Iran’s Indian Ocean ports . This would Freelance Photographer co-operation is a stimulant for the Minsk benefit Russia, Armenia and Iran and bol- Group countries (peace brokers who came ster ties among them . together following the Nagorno-Karabakh Naturally, the stronger such a de-facto war) to be more, but not very, receptive alliance, the weaker will be Armenia’s Diplomatic Functions to Armenia’s demands . Armenia wanted willingness to concede anything to Azer- Iran to send peacekeepers to the contact baijan . This would guarantee a continua- Presidential and line between Armenia and Nagorno- tion of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a Karabakh, and Iran responded enthusias- near-war that threatens the export routes Ministerial Visits tically . But Minsk Group members such of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas through the as Russia, the u .S ., France, Turkey and South Caucasus . Russia and Iran, oil Social Events Azerbaijan wanted no such Iranian troops producers, would benefit from continued Cultural Events in the region, so the idea died . Neverthe- high risks for Azerbaijan energy exports less, ideas like this will keep coming back, along this route . Corporate Events mainly because of Russia’s revitalized The increase of Iran’s oil revenues af- interest in the region and Iran’s sanction- ter the sanctions are gone will allow it to Private Parties free strength . energize its role in the South Caucasus, In September 2013, Russia persuaded supporting Armenia and freezing the Armenia to drop plans to sign the associa- Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in place . So, tion agreement with the European Union tension in the South Caucasus is, remotely Tel. 613-733-8761 in favour of the Eurasian Union, Russia’s or not, one possible result of lifting sanc- [email protected] project to build a rival to the Eu . The ar- tions on Iran . guments Russia used are not known, but they succeeded just as an announcement Currently an independent consultant, Dr . was made about reactivation the Abkha- Zhalko-Tytarenko is the former head of zian railway between Armenia and Rus- the National Space Agency and member sia . Coincidence? Who knows? of National Disarmament Committee For its part, Iran could provide Arme- of Ukraine . He is grateful to Robert M . nia with access to its ports if the Arme- Cutler, senior research fellow at Carleton nian rail network were to be connected University, for fruitful discussions on the to the Iranian one . Such an Iran-Armenia subject of this article . UN PHOTO

56 WINTER 2014 | JAN-FEB-MAR

Anuncio Pa.indd 1 3/23/2014 8:36:27 PM ukraine|Di spatches Understanding Ukraine By Derek Fraser

Ukrainians took to the streets in December and January to overthrow the government of former president Viktor Yanukovych.

he political crisis that led to the about the same time, for several reasons, Europe and the Balkans, Ukraine did not, downfall of Ukrainian President Ukraine has been hampered in achieving a after the fall of communism, receive an of- TViktor Yanukovych stemmed from stable democracy: fer of EU membership and Ukraine has, at Ukraine’s inability to make a permanent • Ukraine was only obliquely affected by times, faced severe pressure from Russia transition to a stable democracy since it the gradual evolution of Western Europe seeking to block Ukraine’s move towards became independent in 1991 . To under- from authoritarianism to pluralism; democracy and the West, and to force it stand this difficulty, we must examine • It had no tradition of the separation of into Russia’s economy and security orga- three factors: Ukraine’s history, the role of powers nor the rule of law; nizations . the EU and the influence of Russia . • Ukraine had no previous experience as The transition from authoritarianism an independent state, to give it a sense The role of the EU to democracy is difficult . As the history of of national identity and cohesion; The EU’s relationship with Ukraine has most Central and Southern European coun- • It also lacked much of the apparatus of been one of missed opportunities . Succes- tries in the 20th Century illustrates, many a state; sive Ukrainian governments have sought countries that try democracy for the first • It had never experienced democracy; membership in the Eu . In the opinion of time fall back at least once into dictatorship . • It had no knowledge of a market econ- many observers, an earlier offer of EU omy . membership could have totally changed The Burden of Ukrainian History Two other factors have influenced the political landscape in Ukraine by pro- Compared with the countries in Central Ukraine’s democratic prospects — the EU ducing a consensus among all major par- Europe that achieved independence and Russia . Unlike the states of Central ties in favour of democracy . D re a mstime

diplomat and international canada 57 Di spatches|ukraine

In 2004, the EU did introduce the Euro- Russian policy towards Ukraine mistake . pean Neighbourhood Policy for the EU’s Relations between successor states to a Moscow regarded the coloured revolu- eastern and southern neighbours such vanished empire often remain unsettled tions that, from 2003 to 2005, shook Geor- as Ukraine . This policy was, however, for a long period after the breakup . What gia, Kyrgyzstan, and especially Ukraine as intended to spread democracy and free makes the Russian-Ukrainian relationship the result of Western plots . Moreover, the markets without offering membership . especially difficult are three factors . revolutions raised the spectre of a demo- The policy was proposed to the demo- The current Russian leadership appar- cratic revolution in Russia . cratic government that emerged from the ently refuses to accept the reality of Ukrai- Following the admission of Estonia, Orange Revolution, that of Viktor Yush- nian independence . Putin has repeatedly Latvia and Lithuania to NATO and the EU chenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymosh- described the Russians and Ukrainians in 2004, Moscow also considered the at- enko . The Ukrainians were not enthused as one people . He has also stated that tempt by repeated Ukrainian governments by the idea because there was no member- Ukraine’s independence in 1991 was a to join NATO and the EU, was the result ship offer and the amount of assistance of a Western attempt to weaken Russia . proposed was inadequate . Putin reportedly told Bush at the NATO The EU, having missed the boat with Bucharest Summit in 2008 that Ukraine Yushchenko, a democrat, then offered in was “not a real nation,” that much of 2010 a more generous association and free- its territory had been “given away ”. He trade agreement to his successor, the thug- warned Bush that if NATO put Ukraine gish Viktor Yanukovych . The proposed on the path to membership, Russia might association agreement hinted at eventual instigate the partition of Ukraine . EU membership, but still was stingy in its When it appeared likely last August offer of financial assistance . that the Ukraine would sign the EU As- sociation Agreement, Russia temporar- The policies of Yanukovych ily blocked the import of all Ukrainian In reaction to the incompetence of Yush- goods . In September, Putin’s point man chenko and Tymoshenko, Ukraine fol- on Ukraine, Sergey Glazyev, stated that lowed the past pattern of many other Ukraine could expect worse if it went European states by, in the 2010 presiden- ahead with the EU Agreement . Glazyev tial elections, choosing the dictatorial also stated that if Ukraine signed the asso- Yanukovych . President Yanukovych pur- ciation agreement, Russia could possibly sued two major goals — to enrich himself intervene if pro-Russian regions of the and his family through corruption and to country appealed to Moscow . remain in power through repression . In turning to Russia, instead of the IMF Nevertheless, Yanukovych accepted President Viktor Yanukovych enriched him- on 17 December, Yanukovych received the the EU’s offer of an association agreement, self through corruption and coercion. promise of the 15 billion Euros he sought and the EU’s conditions of political and in order to avoid bankruptcy . In return, economic reform . however, he had to surrender a substantial Yanukovych believed the EU’s condi- part of Ukrainian sovereignty . In particu- tions were not serious and furthermore, lar, vast sectors of the Ukrainian economy expected that the IMF would relax its re- were to come under joint control . Ukrai- quirement for economic reforms in return nian customs regulations were to be for a loan of $14 .3 billion . He therefore aligned with those of Russia’s Customs continued his policy of repression and ig- Union . Trade agreements with anyone else nored economic reform . He did away with would require Russian approval . the rule of law . He threw his chief rival, Bringing Ukraine back into Russia’s Tymoshenko, and others of her party, in orbit through Ukrainian membership in jail . He hobbled the media, harassed the Russia’s planned Eurasiasn Economic opposition, fixed elections and neutralized Union (to replace the existing Customs parliament . Union next year) and the Common Secu- In consequence, since the EU main- rity Treaty Organization would be highly tained its conditions, Yanukovych an- advantageous to Russia . It would in Rus- nounced on Nov . 21, 2013 that Ukraine sia’s estimation, make a success of the two would not sign the association agreement . organizations . It would also give Russia However, Ukraine’s refusal to comply control of Ukraine’s international eco- with the IMF’s terms left the country in nomic policy and its defence policy . imminent danger of a currency collapse and sovereign default . If the money could Prospects for Stable Democracy after not come from the West, Russia was the Yanukovych alternative . To understand the significance What began as a simple demonstration on of this shift, we must turn to Russian Mr. Yanukovych threw his main rival, Yulia the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Indepen- policy towards Ukraine since its indepen- Tymoshenko, in jail. dence Square in Kyiv, by students against dence . the refusal of President Yanukovych rty Αντώνης Σα μ α ρ ά ς Πρ ω θυ π ουργ ό της Ελλ δ / Eu rope an P eople’s Pa

58 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN ukraine|Di spatches

to sign the EU Association Agreement, speaking population . The new law was, to destabilize Ukraine further . Ukraine’s grew and multiplied with each attempt however, vetoed by interim President signing the EU’s association agreement at suppression until demonstrations were Turchynov . in March, if allowed to stand, would end occurring in most of Western and Cen- Parliament’s abrogation of the language Russia’s hope of bringing Ukraine into tral Ukraine . The Maidan demonstration law nevertheless provided the excuse for Russia’s customs union . On the same day, survived, at the cost of 88 lives, the final President Putin to equip himself with the Russia imposed a total boycott on Ukrai- brutal assaults ending in February by the legislative authority to invade Ukraine in nian goods . security forces . Then, Yanukovych’s par- support of supposedly oppressed Russian If Ukraine’s second attempt at de- liamentary supporters turned against him, speakers . mocracy is to succeed, therefore, an ex- and his security guards deserted him, In view of Russia’s repeated warn- traordinary amount of Western economic leading to his flight from Kyiv on Feb . 21 . ings that it might promote the secession and political support will be needed . In The overthrow of Yanukovych is an of parts of Ukraine if Ukraine decided the face of the Russian trade boycott on event comparable to the Orange Revolu- to align itself with the West, the Russian Ukrainian exports, the economic support tion of 2004 . If the new government is takeover of Crimea should have come as that the West has so far promised Ukraine, allowed to survive, it gives Ukraine a sec- no surprise . may be insufficient . And in view of the ond chance to accomplish what the victors danger of Russia attacking the Ukrainian of that revolution failed to do — namely, mainland, the West is right to threaten establish a stable democracy . substantially increased sanctions in such The first steps of the new government a case . have unfortunately been exploited by Pu- The burden we would bear would be tin to justify efforts to destabilize, or break considerable, should Russia try again to up Ukraine . The flight of Yanukovych annex parts of Ukraine . Then we could without having signed into law the ele- be faced with a general Russian war with ments of the compromise agreed to with Ukraine, the mass movement of refugees the opposition, forced parliament, so as to and a shift in the balance of power in allow the government to proceed, to pass Europe . a series of decrees, notably relieving the For the long run, we have to recognize president of his powers, and choosing an that Ukraine can only be secure if its in- interim president and prime minister . The dependence is accepted by Russia . Henry High Administrative Court has rejected Kissinger has suggested a neutral status a challenge to the legality of parliament’s for Ukraine similar to that of Finland dur- actions . ing the Cold War . Nevertheless, Putin has maintained his • Ukraine would have the right to choose position that the new Ukrainian govern- freely its economic and political associa- ment is illegitimate . He has refused to deal tions; with it and he refuses to recognize the • Ukraine would not join NATO; early presidential elections on 25 May . In- • Ukraine should be free to create any stead he has announced his support for the government compatible with the ex- return to power of President Yanukovych pressed will of its people; for the purpose of making Ukraine into a • Russia would recognize Ukraine’s federation with the states enjoying respon- Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeat- sovereignty over Crimea in return for sibility for foreign policy, an arrangement edly described the Russians and Ukrainians increased Crimean autonomy and a re- that would give Russia de facto control of as one people. newed guarantee of Russia’s naval base . certain parts of the country . For the Russians to accept Ukraine‘s Certain initiatives of the new constella- The annexation of Crimea may prelude neutrality, it should be embedded in a tion of forces have especially aroused the further Russian attempts at annexation wider East-West rapprochement . The EU opposition if not the fear of the people in and destabilization . In his March speech might actively pursue Catherine Ash- Yanukovych’s heartland — South-Eastern on the occasion of the annexation of ton’s declared willingness to negotiate a Ukraine — since they seemed to confirm Crimea, Putin implied that those in the common economic space with Russia’s Russian propaganda that the new govern- Russian-speaking South-East of Ukraine Customs Union in return for a guarantee tio n Off ice ment was the result of an anti-Russian should also join Russia . He declared by Russia of the right of countries such as neo-Nazi coup: Russia’s guarantee of Ukraine’s further Ukraine to remain outside of the union . In Prime Minister Yatseniuk’s coalition stability and territorial integrity depended addition, the EU might amend the associa- cabinet apparently included only one min- on Ukraine ensuring that the rights and tion agreement so as to allow Ukraine to ister from Eastern Ukraine; interests of Russian speakers were fully have free trade with the EU and Russia’s Although the government is, in the respected . To stir up trouble, Russia has Customs Union . main, centrist, out of eighteen ministers, it repeatedly sent agitators over the border has three from the rightist party, Svoboda; into the cities in the Russian-speaking Derek Fraser is an associate fellow at the The Ukrainian parliament cancelled a areas . In late March, the White House Centre for Global Studies and adjunct law passed under President Yanukovych warned Russian troops may be massing professor for political science at the allowing Russian to be used as an official for an invasion of Ukraine . University of Victoria . He was posted to language in areas with a large Russian- President Putin has a strong motive Ukraine as ambassador from 1998 – 2001 . Ru ssi an P reside n ti a l ress d Inf orm

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We lease all makes and models starting at $499/MTH * diplomat and inAskternatio naaboutl canada our Diplomatic Lease Programs 61 * SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS Di spatches|Africa South Africa’s time of trouble By Robert I. Rotberg

APE TOWN: Nelson Mandela’s with the South African economy faltering death leaves political South Africa well behind the rest of Africa (yearly GDP Cwithout any living moral compass . growth is only about 2 .7 percent com- Symbolically, but tellingly, President Jacob pared to the rest of the continent’s average Zuma was roundly booed when he spoke 5-percent growth) and with the South at Mandela’s memorial service . The coun- African rand plummeting against the u .S . try’s vibrant media carry constant stories dollar, the British pound and the euro, the about the declining popularity of the country is experiencing a great weakening ruling African National Congress (ANC), of confidence among all of its constituents . Mandela’s party and the nation’s histori- Overseas investors, once supportive of cal liberation movement . South Africa as a BRICS economic growth Even committed ANC supporters are prospect, now include South Africa as one appalled by the seemingly endless and of the “fragile five” along with Turkey, all-encompassing corruption of their party, India, Brazil and Indonesia . their leader, politicians in general and the But all of this dismay and disillusion- nation at large . No day goes by without ment does not mean that the ANC will reports in the press of one or another lose the national parliamentary election ANC luminary’s attempt to benefit finan- scheduled for May 7 . Observers believe cially from his or her position . Whether the party’s loss of legitimacy will prob- it is tenders awarded suspiciously and ably cause a fall in its popularity and the rumour of large multimillion-dollar its overall vote from 63 percent to 51 or kickbacks, spouses or relatives of high 52 percent of the poll, still ensuring its functionaries being discovered on ministe- control of parliament, the presidency rial or other payrolls, or wild expenditures South African President Jacob Zuma is (decided by parliament after the election) on automobiles, fortified houses (such the subject of criticism in his country and and nearly all of South Africa’s nine prov- as Zuma’s new $25-million mansion in abroad. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be inces . Africans (80 percent of the coun- a small village in his home province of re-elected. try’s electorate) are not likely to abandon KwaZulu-Natal), travel perks or other lav- Mandela’s liberation party, no matter how ish shenanigans, state funds are allegedly nation in its southern summer of discon- disaffected they may be . Nor is the ANC being allocated and expended improperly tent — because the social contract between likely to remove Zuma as its standard- each day . rulers and the ruled has frayed consider- bearer . He has a firm control of the party President Zuma has become the object ably . There have been serious township machinery at the local level . Because of mockery at dinner parties, shebeen (un- protests (34 in January in Gauteng Prov- South Africa uses a pure proportional licensed African saloon) gatherings and ince alone) about water shortages, bad representation system with only nominal conversations among wage-earners and and dangerous policing, the appalling constituencies, he controls its parliamen- other labourers . His excesses, detailed lack of safety and security in the African tarians and parliament . in the South African press — his house, townships (16,200 murders nationwide To the ANC’s left, there is a new Eco- his implication years ago in the purchase in 2013 — among the 10 highest rates per nomic Freedom Front party led by Julius of armaments, frigates and submarines capita in the world, after Honduras, El Malema, described in milder character- from France and Germany, his multiple Salvador and Venezuela), and about the izations as loud-mouthed and brash, a (currently four, plus two previous) wives government’s abysmal failure to build 32-year-old populist firebrand who was and 21 children and his disdain for HIV/ roads, houses and infrastructure . The edu- removed last year as head of the ANC AIDS — have created a massive loss of le- cational system is in shambles, too, with Youth League for verbally abusing his gitimacy for the South African presidency the quality of teachers and schools poor, elders (such as Zuma) and behaving and the party . Several years ago, Zuma capacity shortages everywhere and overall disrespectfully to the party as a whole . admitted having unprotected sex with a accomplishments being underwhelming . Malema, however, may soon face a ma- young woman and said he “took a shower There is a shortage of electrical power as jor corruption indictment based on his afterwards… .” to limit the risk of contract- well, with no near end to blackouts and operations in the Youth League and Lim- ing HIV/AIDS . load shedding (rolling blackouts to control popo Province . He also confronts serious Platinum miners, postal workers and demand .) Householders and industries charges for “negligent, reckless driving .” others frequently lay down their tools, both suffer . Some opinion polls suggest that Malema striking for higher wages, but also for With the ANC itself experiencing a and his party could attract 10 percent of greater respect, and — like so much of the loss of legitimacy similar to Zuma’s loss, the total vote . W orld E co n omic For u m

62 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN Africa|Di spatches

The ANC’s main rival for parliamen- well continue . Discontent will flourish . 2013, and presumptive national deputy tary prominence, however, is the Demo- Corruption will grow . Scandals will mul- president after the national poll in May . cratic Alliance (DA) . In the last election, it tiply . The trade union federation ties to Ramaphosa is well-educated, well- won 17 percent of the total vote and thus the ANC may wither . Investors will stay read, sophisticated and accomplished . If has 17 percent of the seats in parliament . away . Even domestic businesses will slow anyone has the ability, assisted by Gigaba, It gained solid majorities in the Western their activities . South Africa may more to reform the ANC from within, he is that Cape Province and in the city of Cape and more rely on China . person . However, he is from a disdained Town and thus administers both of those Zuma is unlikely to change his transac- minority ethnic group — the Venda — and important political jurisdictions . Helen tional method of governing, or the ANC, the Zulu (Zuma’s people) and the Xhosa Zille, its charismatic leader, is the Cape premier and Patricia de Lille, another key DA operative, is mayor of Cape Town . In late January, these two formidable women, each of whom is widely praised for running efficient service administrations in the province and the city (Cape Town has four million residents), were joined by Mamphela Ramphele, former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (the best university in Africa) and former World Bank official, as a central figure in the Democratic Alliance as it moves toward the election . Ramphele, whose stark criticisms of the ANC earned her national fame and notoriety, last year formed a new political party — Agang, or “Build” — but after that party had gained very little following, she abandoned it to become the nominal presidential candidate of the DA . Then, a week later, she suddenly reneged on her decision to join the DA, leaving both parties and the public agog at her indecision and political naiveté . Merging Agang with the DA was meant to help position the DA (the de- scendant of the party of Helen Suzman The Democratic Alliance hopes to win control of the rural Northern Cape Province and and other white progressives, and one Gauteng, the industrial heartland province around Johannesburg, pictured here. led by Zille, a white) as a truly multiracial party . Ramphele and de Lille, and Lindiwe to reject opportunities for enrichment . (Mbeki’s people) comprise much larger Mazibuko, its young parliamentary leader, But just conceivably, Zuma’s new deputy ethnic pluralities . Gigaba is a Zulu . are black . Some opinion polls suggest that president — Cyril Ramaphosa — may be But if Ramaphosa becomes deputy the DA could obtain 30 percent of the vote able to reform the ANC from within . Ra- president this year, and if Zuma survives, in the national election . That would not be maphosa, 61, and Malusi Gigaba, 42, now the next general election will be in 2019 . enough to displace the ANC, but it would minister of public enterprises, are younger That is a very long time to wait, given plausibly double the national standing of than Zuma (72 by the time of the elec- South Africa’s current crisis of gover- the DA and position it to provide a strong tion) and other old-guard party stalwarts . nance . Whether South Africa can stagger central opposition to the ANC . Ramaphosa was a young, university- through five more years of deficient lead- Even without Ramphele and Agang, educated trade-union leader in the 1980s ership, poor education, weak energy and the DA hopes to win control of another when he led the anti-apartheid struggle slow economic growth is questionable . Ra- province or two, conceivably the rural from within South Africa . He was the key maphosa and the ANC may need to find Northern Cape Province and Gauteng, ANC negotiator of the post-apartheid some way of replacing Zuma and turning the industrial heartland province around peace settlement that led to Mandela’s South Africa back onto the healthy track Johannesburg . That may be a stretch, election in 1994 and a new national con- that Mandela inaugurated . but with its new, more thoroughly black stitution . In 1996, Mandela was persuaded leadership, together with Zille’s astute to give the succession to Thabo Mbeki, Robert i . Rotberg was Fulbright Research guidance, the DA may just have a chance, who became president, not Ramaphosa . Professor at the Norman Paterson School given the falling off of ANC popularity The latter went on to become extremely of International Affairs, Carleton Univer- almost everywhere . wealthy thanks to successful Black Em- sity and is a senior fellow at the Centre If the ANC continues to govern South powerment Enterprise investments . Now for International Governance Innovation Africa after the election, as is very likely, he is back, the ANC and Zuma having and Distinguished Research Associate of an B e n ch the country’s slide into illegitimacy may elected him ANC deputy president in the North-South Institute . E v

diplomat and international canada 63 Di spatches|Social policy Not your grandmother’s Sweden By Brian Lee Crowley

or many Canadians, “Sweden” and “socialist” have simply always be- Flonged together in the same sentence . Today that is still true, but the sentence now reads, “Sweden is no longer socialist ”. For those who haven’t followed political developments in this Scandinavian country in recent years, such a statement may seem improbable and even outland- ish, a bit like saying winter has ceased being cold . The two just seem to go together . But while Sweden’s degree of socialism depends a little bit on what you mean by that term, there is little doubt that it has been furiously backpedalling from many of the nostrums of social democracy for decades . Moreover, it has been doing it in a typically low-key, off-hand sort of way that belies the profound nature of the changes sweeping the country . The Sweden of socialist lore never did have a huge share of the economy owned by the government . What it did have was some of the highest taxes in the industrialized world (a top marginal income tax rate of 87 percent), one of the most elaborate offerings of social services of any welfare state, from childcare to social welfare to Swedish Prime Minister John Fredrik Reinfeldt pensions, and monopoly control by the state in the provision of those services, giving the highly unionized public sector for example, but the scales have tipped While the top marginal rate for personal workers huge bargaining power . Each decisively in favour of allowing private income tax reached 87 percent at its peak, one of these pillars of Swedish socialism citizens and firms to control the majority that was not the end of the tax take . In has come under concerted attack in recent of economic decision-making . fact, combining all taxes (including on decades . The size of the tax burden was a criti- income from capital and small business cal component in finally driving Swedes earnings, for example) marginal tax rates Taxes and the size of government away from the big government status quo . could reach more than 100 percent for Start with the tax burden . Social democracy Swedish-style was premised on the Total Government Spending to GDP idea that ownership of the means of production was largely irrelevant; what really mattered was who got to decide what to do with the wealth the economy generated . According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), at its height in 1990, Sweden’s total tax burden (i .e . all taxes combined) as a share of the economy (or GDP) was more than 52 percent . After a near quarter- century of decline, it now clocks in at 44 .3 percent . Total government spending peaked at roughly 68 percent in 1994 (when the budget deficit was 11 percent of GDP) and has fallen by 20 percentage points . That’s still higher than Canada, Chart credit: The Manhattan Institute W orld E co n omic For u m

64 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN Social policy|Di spatches

those with high incomes . Children’s au- almost-exclusive preserve of the public sec- but also specifically tied future benefits thor Astrid Lindgren (of Pippi Longstock- tor . No more . The change was symbolized to future economic conditions . Instead of ing fame) wrote a famous article in 1976 by St . Göran’s Hospital, Sweden’s largest, making unqualified promises that pen- showing her effective marginal tax rate which was privatized more than a decade sioners will recieve a given level of benefit, was 102 percent . She was actually losing ago . More than 200 clinics have been set the Swedish government has made it clear money on selling additional books . That up by private health-care providers around benefits will be adjusted if their planning article was widely seen as a contributing the country and Swedish health-care con- assumptions do not pan out . factor to the defeat of the Social Democrats sumers have a wide array of choices . As for those cradle-to-grave benefits in 1976 after 44 years in power . Interestingly, former state employees such as social welfare and unemploy- Personal income tax has fallen, with have been at the forefront of the changes . ment benefits, access has been tightened the top marginal rate now still an eye-wa- Instead of obstructing the move to more and benefit levels cut . And in accordance tering 56 .6 percent, but the government’s private provision, for example, the nurses’ with their famous Lutheran work ethic, long-term goal is to reduce it to 50 percent . union became one of the loudest voices the Swedes press benefit recipients hard Corporate income tax, too, has fallen, pushing for its members to be able to to return to work at the earliest possible with Sweden taking 22 percent of profits, opt out and create their own professional moment . well below Canada’s target of a combined services companies, offering their services Critics on the left, who yearn for the old federal and provincial rate of 25 percent . on negotiated terms to public and private days, try to make out that Sweden is aban- Death duties, wealth and property taxes providers . doning its long-standing commitment to have been eliminated altogether . Con- Parents in the Swedish education sys- egalitarianism with these reforms . While sumption taxes remain high, but the total tem have similarly been empowered to the direction of the reforms is clearly to- burden is down, with Sweden relying on opt out of the public system, with what is wards a more market-friendly system, one a more sensible mix of taxes than Canada . also has to put those reforms in context . At the same time it has been reining in The starting point was one of a huge state taxes, the Swedish government has been and public services designed to protect committing itself to balanced budgets, the poor . which are already back after a brief period The reforms have tempered, but not of recession-induced stimulus spending . eliminated, these egalitarian leanings so And that stimulus spending chiefly took that, according to The Economist: “Once the form of tax cuts, not higher public you allow for the progressivity of public spending on services and public works . services, the OECD reckons, Sweden’s A Sweden committed to socialism Gini [coefficient, a widely used measure of might have been expected to balk at such inequality] drops to 0 .18 . That still leaves a major slimming of the state . But Swedes it as the world’s most equal place, as well understood that their predilection for mas- as one of the fastest-growing and fiscally sive taxation and government spending St. Göran’s Hospital, Sweden’s largest, was stable countries in the rich world .” had actually undermined their standard privatized more than a decade ago. In other words, socialism in Sweden is of living . The fourth wealthiest country hardly dead, but it is no longer an article in the world in 1970, Sweden had fallen essentially a universal voucher . The large of faith . Swedes have demanded that high to 17th by 1993 . And since the begin- majority of new schools in Sweden come taxes and generous public services be ning of Sweden’s massive reforms, eco- from private providers . While there have subject to stringent analysis to see whether nomic growth has responded positively, been widely publicized problems with in- they really contribute to a higher standard although unemployment remains rela- dividual schools, what the critics forget is of living . The answer seems to be that tively high in Swedish terms at just a that a voucher-based system gives parents Sweden had too much of a good thing and touch more than eight percent . the power to shift their child to a more governments of all political stripes that When the current conservative govern- satisfactory school, whereas under the have pursued these changes have enjoyed ment was re-elected in Sweden in 2010, old system of public-sector monopoly, the widespread backing from the public . it was largely due to the success of the state decided what school children would That’s not to say that there aren’t dis- government’s policy of cutting taxes and attend and there was little ability to avoid senting voices . But when the Social Demo- reducing welfare to pay for it . For a soci- poorly performing schools . cratic Party, the architect of Sweden’s ety whose hallmark had been high taxes Pensions, too, have been reformed . Like original welfare state, now campaigns in exchange for cradle-to-grave social ser- many western countries, Sweden was against the centre-right government on vices, this, too, was a remarkable reversal . seduced by the old pay-as-you-go model the grounds that it has not done enough to under which today’s pensions were paid create an entrepreneurial culture in Swe- Welfare state reform out of the pension premiums of current den, you know things can never go back Welfare state reform hasn’t just been a workers, with no reserves being set aside to the way they were . matter of cutting benefits, although there against future pension obligations . It is has been some of that . Much more impor- a system that can work when the labour Brian Lee Crowley (twitter .com/brian- tant, Sweden has been at the forefront of force is expanding, but not when it is leecrowley) is the managing director subjecting formerly monopolistic public crumbling throughout the West under the of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an services (schools and hospitals, for exam- weight of aging populations . independent non-partisan public policy ple) to the bracing winds of competition . Sweden not only put its pension system think-tank in Ottawa (www .macdonald- As in Canada, health care used to be the on a more secure, savings-based track, laurier .ca) . rg k lo Va

diplomat and international canada 65 DELIGHTS|books

Slaying the Dragon Lady By George Fetherling

george fetherling

he “Dragon Lady” was the name of a sexy Asian “villainess” in Terry Tand the Pirates, a popular newspaper comic strip of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s . In the 1960s, however, people in the u S. . often applied the decidedly unflattering nickname to Tran Le Xuan, better known as Madame Nhu . She was a 98-pound Vietnamese woman of distinguished family with remote connections to Bao Dai, the last emperor . She was also the wife of Ngo Dinh Nhu . That made her the sister- in-law of Ngo Dinh Diem, the president of anti-communist South Vietnam . As Diem was a lifelong bachelor, Madame Nhu served as her country’s de facto first lady . That’s where the trouble began, for she was no Jacqueline Kennedy . Finding the Dragon Lady: The Mystery of Vietnam’s Madame Nhu by Monique Brin- son Demery (Publishers Group Canada, $30) is a spirited retelling of Madame Nhu’s reign as probably one of the world’s worst goodwill ambassadors (or one of the best ill-will ones) . It’s also a search for a kind of hidden treasure . Ms Demery is a youngish Harvard-educated American of French ancestry whose academic specialty is Vietnam . She knew that following a coup d’état in 1963, Madame Nhu had fled to exile in Europe, where she lived in Tran Le Xuan, better known as Madame Nhu, earned her “Dragon Lady” title when she fear of communists, Americans, the New suggested other Buddhists join Thich Quang Dur, who publicly set himself on fire in protest York Times and who knows who else . In against the policies of her husband’s government. 2005, Ms Demery, by telephone from Chi- cago, managed to track her down in Paris, where the quarry secluded herself when out the rules: In the future, Madame Nhu ger, and it would inevitably lead her back not equally secluded in Rome . herself would initiate all the calls — at to the past . From there, I could tease out Once the Dragon Lady was satisfied unannounced times . “I learned that it was little vignettes from her childhood and ask that neither her caller nor anyone in the better to let Madame Nhu talk,” the author her what she remembered about the dif- caller’s family was a spy or a cop, she set writes . “She would stay on the phone lon- ferent eras of her life .” It was quite a story .

66 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN BOOKS|DELIGHTS

Le Xuan was born in the north in 1924, She built an estate up in the mountains at Another one, intended for the Madame, when the French regime in Indochina had Dalat that had 50 gardeners . She elected destroyed her private living quarters, almost 30 more years to live . She spoke herself to the National Assembly, had but miraculously, left her only with some proper French and in later life couldn’t her father made finance minister and ap- burns . understand the Vietnamese dialect spoken pointed other close relatives to high diplo- The Dragon Lady’s media image by people in central Vietnam . When the matic posts . Diem set up what he named reached its nadir in June 1963 when a Bud- students at Madame Parmentier’s ballet the Service for Political and Social Re- dhist monk named Thich Quang Dur pub- school in Hanoi mounted a production search, or secret police, whereas his sister- licly set himself on fire in protest against of Snow White, the young Le Xuan (the in-law founded a small private all-female government policies . Madame Nhu trum- name means “beautiful spring”) knew that army to do her own dirty work . She called peted the incident as “a barbecue” and the title role “would go to one of the fair- its members “my little darlings .” One offered to supply gasoline and matches so skinned French girls [and that] she might western observer (male) remarked that her other Buddhists could follow suit . Later, as well steal the show with a magnificent, dresses were like the sheaths that conceal she extended the offer to David Halbers- if cruel, performance” as the wicked witch . knives . Among her fashion accessories tam of the New York Times, the author of Talk about being typecast . The Best and the Brightest, and even offered She was 15 when she met Ngo Dinh her assistance . When the western media Nhu, who was twice her age . Three years threw up their hands, she feigned an apol- later, in 1943, once she had converted to ogy by saying that she thought barbecuing Catholicism from Buddhism, they were a person was an English idiom that she married . At the time, her husband, who was using properly . JFK and his advisers came from a family of big landowners, felt they had to get rid of the Nhus . was affiliated with the Japanese invaders On Nov . 2, 1963, while Madame Nhu in an administrative capacity . Demery was busy shooting off her mouth in Cali- suggests that Madame Nhu aided her fornia, Diem and his brother were killed husband’s political career through her in a coup that, as she said, correctly for (the phrase sounds much better in French) once, took place “with either official or coucheries utilitaires . The Second World War unofficial blessing of the American gov- was followed immediately by what she ernment .” Hearing the news, President considered une guerre bizardouille: the curi- Kennedy reacted in a coy and disingenu- ous armed conflict by which the Viet Mihn ous manner, saying privately that the under Ho Chi Minh drove out the French . It was a bloody affair that segued into civil war, from which the Nhu clan’s fierce anti-communism derives . At one point, Tran Le Xuan, aka Madame Nhu communists blew up Madame Nhu’s grand piano with explosives, believing it was a radio used to communicate with was a crucifix made of diamonds . the enemy . Other than that, there was no Madame, having worked hard to im- low comedy, but only tragedy . One of her prove her English, paid flirtatious visits brothers-in-law was murdered — some to the United States, but it was clear that say by being buried alive — and she was she was no diplomatist . When John F . taken prisoner . She endured privation Kennedy sent his vice-president, Lyndon with the steadfastness of Scarlett O’Hara . Johnson, and a party of others to Saigon, When the country was partitioned she shocked Lady Bird Johnson and the into communist North Vietnam and u .S .- president’s sister, Jean Kennedy Smith, by backed South Vietnam, Diem became, by giving them a tour of her bedroom . It was degrees, the president of the latter . His as- entirely carpeted in the skins of tigers — cent had American support, but was over with heads attached and paws and claws the objections of the now-deposed French . intact . They hated him for such policies as “re- Gradually, she and her family lost much naming streets after Vietnamese patriots, of their influence, especially by ruthlessly nationalizing French industries and mak- persecuting the Buddhist majority . Diem’s ing the remaining French in Vietnam feel other problems were infiltration by north- as unwelcome as possible,” Ms Demery ern insurgents and growing disloyalty in writes . Diem’s brother, who was com- his own armed forces . In November 1960, monly held to be the brains of the family, there was a coup attempt that, while not served as his chief political adviser, and actually proposed by officials in Washing- his brother’s wife, the Madame, became ton, wasn’t opposed by them, either . Then, drunk with luxury and power . in February 1962, two disaffected South Everyone knew her tastes and meth- Vietnamese fighter jet pilots attacked the ods, and nobody doubted her tenacity . palace . One bomb fell in the room oc- She swanned round the palace in Saigon . cupied by Diem, but failed to detonate . ovt. o f V iet na m G ovt.

diplomat and international canada 67 DELIGHTS|books

brothers must have been murdered as two PAKISTAN DILEMMA such “good Catholic boys” would never Pakistan has received $40 billion in u S. . have committed suicide . When Kennedy foreign aid in the years since the country’s was himself killed only 20 days later, founding in 1947 . The figure hints at the the Vietnam problem passed to Lyndon complex and (both sides agree) dysfunc- Johnson — the same Lyndon Johnson who tional relationship between the two nations: the subject of a pair of new books . The first is No Exit from Pakistan (Cam- bridge University Press, US$27 .99 paper) by Daniel S . Markey, the senior fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations . The other is Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the Roger Babson was the inventor of the United States, and an Epic History of Mis- employee suggestion box and the modern understanding (Publishers Group Canada, paper-towel dispenser. $32) by Husain Haqqani, who was Islam- abad’s ambassador to Washington from (Princeton University Press, US$29 .95) than 2008 to 2011 . The books tell essentially there is space in which to say it . Prof . Fried- the same tale . Namely, of how for three man, a historian at the Harvard Business decades the country has been ruled by School, writes smoothly and wisely about the military (for more on this, also see The some of the u .S . economic forecasters who Army and Democracy: Military Politics in suddenly started appearing in the first Pakistan by Aqil Shah, Harvard University years of the 20th Century . They include Press, US$35) that has been given fortunes respectable figures such as John Moody to fight communists and, more recently, (1868–1958), founder of the bond-rating terrorists, but has used the funds to redou- service that still bears his name, and the ble its defences against India . The results serious economic theorist Joseph Schum- have turned supposed allies into bitter peter (1883–1950), who once served briefly and mutually uncomprehending antago- as Austria’s finance minister, but fled to once sighed that Diem was “the only boy nists, as in such matters as America’s use the u .S ., where he pooh-poohed the whole we got out there” and publicly called him of drones and Pakistan’s harbouring (or idea of self-proclaimed economic soothsay- “the Winston Churchill of Asia .” some equivalent word — take your pick) ers even while being one in his own way . When Monique Demery and Madame of Osama bin Laden . Of the two books, In the 19th Century, the word forecast Nhu finally met face to face, in Paris, Mr . Haqqani’s is the controversial one . He was almost always applied to the weather Madame picked the spot: a quiet Catho- is a Pakistani liberal, a rare bird indeed, rather than to wealth . Its application to lic church where no one would overhear whose diplomatic career ended when he finance and especially the stock markets them . She opened the meeting by saying: was accused of writing a memo seeking came with the recession of 1907 and was “You are an angel . You have been sent to u .S . help in keeping the military in check . reinforced by the depression of 1921 and help me finish [my] memoirs . Then every- The scandal, inevitably called Memogate, the Great Depression that succeeded the thing will be revealed .” She died in 2011, led the Pakistani supreme court and others market crash of 1929 . These were events age 86 . The following year, Ms Demery to denounce him as a traitor . He now lives that nearly all of the by then numerous, somehow came into possession, through in exile in Boston . successful and even famous forecasters a mysterious third party, of the Madame’s either failed to foresee or even recognize diary . The first entry was dated 1959 . The DISMAL SCIENTISTS or at least didn’t fully understand . Prof . final one was written in June 1963, when There’s far more to be said about Walter Friedman’s book is rich in these influential the monk immolated himself and the out- Friedman’s fine book Fortune Tellers: The cranks, which is what they were, even by side worldAFO at largepub 2014-Avril-Mai-Juin.pdf began to turn on her . 1 Story24/03/2014 of America’s 1:17:48 First PM Economic Forecasters the loose standards of their day .

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68 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN BOOKS|DELIGHTS

My favourite among these (I’ve writ- on China after the Opium Wars, allowing ten about him previously and gleefully) is the creation, for trade purposes, of foreign Roger W . Babson (1867–1947), a bear dur- quarters in certain sites on the China coast ing the 1920s boom . He did in fact predict, and along the Yangtze River, free from sort of, the cataclysmic events of October Chinese law . We read much less about the 1929, if not their effect . He incited dis- somewhat similar, but less coercive and agreement from Irving Fisher (1867–1947), less one-sided arrangement that the Japa- perhaps the shrewdest of the lot, who nese permitted in Yokohama and Kōbe. nevertheless said, to his everlasting embar- To the Japanese, the setting up of “foreign rassment: “Stock prices have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau .” Fisher had been wrong before, at the time of the 1907 tumble, so wrong that he con- templated suicide, but instead embraced the Catholic Church because “she gives me certainty .” Like Mr . Babson, Mr . Fisher was a dietary faddist (and the inventor of what we would call the Rolodex), but he was scarcely Mr . Babson’s equal as an eccentric . The statistical newsletters that made Mr . Babson rich were based on a system of mathematical divination that he claimed derived from the thoughts of Sir Isaac Newton . He was trained as a civil Lois Siegel engineer, but had worked wiring doorbells PhotograPhy before getting a bank job in Boston . He was the inventor of the employee suggestion box and the modern paper-towel dispenser . He forced his employees to keep Special Event Photographer windows wide open throughout the New England winters, so his secretaries had concessions” presented an opportunity Personalized Portraits to wear hats and coats indoors and type to study western methods . Peter Ennals Parties and Fundraisers wearing mittens, using little hammers to of Mount Allison University analyses the strike the keys . He believed in world gov- matter in Opening a Window to the West: Ceremonies ernment and once established a founda- The Foreign Concession at Kōbe, Japan, tion for the study of gravity (Newton once 1868─1899 (University of Toronto Press, again) . Its goal, he explained, was to find $32 .95 paper) . Lois has worked as a photographer ways of promoting human flight without His name is fading now, but Chester for the Ottawa Citizen recourse to airplanes, balloons or rockets: Ronning (1894–1984) was indeed an ex- (Around Town and Diplomatica), arms only, please . In all, he wrote 50 books, traordinary Canadian, an all-round public Ottawa Business Journal, one of which he literally carved in stone . man . The mere title of his 1974 book, A the Glebe Report, Centretown Buzz Memoir of China in Revolution: From the and Cinema Canada. AND THEN, VERY BRIEFLY Boxer Rebellion to the People’s Republic, gives e often hear the phrase “the hint of his breadth as well as his longevity . (613) 830-2509 Great Game” (Rudyard Kipling He was an Albertan who went to China Wcoined it) referring to the es- in 1922 to teach and never lost touch with [email protected] pionage war between Britain and Russia the country . In later life, he was Canada’s siegelproductions.ca during the late 19th Century in oil-rich ambassador to Norway and high commis- parts of Central Asia . Hugh Ford’s book sioner to India . Lester Pearson dispatched America’s Great Game: The CIA’s Secret him to Hanoi in 1965-66 to try to help Arabists and the Shaping of the Modern dampen the worsening Vietnam War . In Middle East (Publishers Group Canada, The Remarkable Chester Ronning, Proud $34 .50) tells how, starting in the late 1940s, Son of China (University of Alberta Press, the brand new CIA, then a more liberal $34 .95 paper), Brian L . Evans, a professor and noble-minded institution than now, of Chinese history of the same university struggled to win over Iran and the Arab and a former member of the Canadian em- countries . Two key players were Theodore bassy in Beijing, has produced a balanced, Roosevelt’s grandson, Kermit Roosevelt, discerning and engaging biography . and Kermit’s cousin, Archie Roosevelt . “Treaty port” is another recurring George Fetherling’s most recent book phrase in writings about Asia . It usually is The Writing Life: Journals 1975─2005 refers to the system that the West forced (McGill-Queen’s University Press) . Photo by Bill Blackstone

diplomat and international canada 69 DELIGHTS|canadiana

The birth of a nation

By Anthony Wilson-Smith

mong Canada’s defining events, the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the AFirst World War ranks high . It was a triumph — a major victory for the Allied side after a long, bloody stalemate — and a tragedy . In the four-day battle, 3,598 Canadians died and another 7,004 were wounded . In the near-century since it ended, on April 12, 1917, it has become something else: an event bordering on myth . “In those few minutes,” said Cana- dian Brig -. Gen . A . E . Ross of the victory, “I witnessed the birth of a nation ”. Observed through history’s rear-view mirror, Vimy Ridge’s significance is clear . At the time, however, the bringing together of the Canadian Corps’ four divisions, for the first time, seemed to simply throw fresh blood onto the kill- ing field that the seven-kilometre-long ridge north of Arras, France, had become over nearly three years . As historian Tim Cook describes it, the ridge was “an open graveyard,” bearing the remains of some of the more than 100,000 French soldiers killed or wounded in previous efforts to remove the Germans . For the Allies, win- Vimy Ridge is the site of one of the most moving memorials anywhere, a limestone structure ning the ridge would destabilize German built atop Hill 145, inscribed with the names of the 11,285 Canadians who died in France lines across the region . For the Germans, with no known grave. the ridge was the “hinge” of their line, protecting their newly constructed Hin- sleet and snow . The first wave of more cacanada .ca/content/heritage-minutes/ denburg Line and a long stretch into Flan- than 15,000 Canadians struck hard, suc- vimy-ridge) . ders . A loss would leave those entrenched cessfully capturing the front line . Three Two months later, Byng was promoted positions open to the Allied guns above days later, they ran the Germans right and the newly knighted Currie took his them . off the ridge, having captured its main place . The battle became symbolic of The Canadians were under the com- heights — “Hill 145” and “the Pimple .” Canada’s contributions and sacrifices in mand of British Lt .-Gen . Sir Julian Byng The log of the 2nd Division’s 6th Brigade the war — more than 60,000 dead — and (later governor general of Canada) . A described the battle’s first day: “Wounded gave prime minister Robert Borden the popular leader with a keen eye for talent, men sprawled everywhere in the slime, in post-war impetus to push for autonomous he had great confidence in the Corps’ 1st the shell holes, in the mine craters, some recognition for Canada from Britain . It Division leader, Canadian Maj .-Gen . Ar- screaming to the skies, some lying silently, led to Canada’s change of status from thur Currie . Together, they prepared and some begging for help, some struggling to colony to dominion and commonwealth rehearsed meticulously with their troops keep from drowning in craters .” Yet the member . Vimy Ridge became the site of for the battle . The men were shown mod- Canadians did what no other army could one of the most starkly moving memorials els and maps, given precise information — winning the Allies a pivotal victory that anywhere, a limestone structure built atop on the location of enemy strong points, shifted the course of the war towards their Hill 145, inscribed with the names of the and infantry soldiers were assigned tightly final victory the following year . 11,285 Canadians who died in France with defined roles such as machine gunners The victory featured new tactics, but no known grave . Just as they are remem- or grenade throwers (instead of the usual most of all, blood and courage . Four bered there, so is Canada’s role in the war presumption they would all be riflemen) . Canadians won the Victoria Cross . (See that, sadly, did not live up to its descrip- Their instructions: Follow your command- further details in The Canadian Encyclopedia tion as the one that would “end all wars .” ing officer and if he goes down, follow the produced by our Historica Canada organi- next in rank in descending order . zation at www .thecanadianencyclopedia . Anthony Wilson-Smith is president of They attacked at 5:30 a .m . on April 9, ca/en/article/vimy-ridge/ and our Heri- Historica Canada and publisher of The Easter Monday, amid bitter-cold wind, tage Minute video https://www .histori- Canadian Encyclopedia. G eorge Lan ce f ield

70 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN wine|DELIGHTS

Warning: This column contains sulphites

Pieter Van den Weghe

e often romanticize wine . We think of it as a product made Wwhen humans gently coax nature into making drinkable art . While true, that image contrasts with that of wine production as a business . Whether a winery is family-run or a multinational Punset’s excellent 2008 Barbaresco is grown in this, the Piedmont region of Italy. giant, grapes are the raw material and wine the finished product . Though less tioned by organic grape growers . don’t trigger a true allergic reaction, indi- poetic, this perspective can help us un- Sulphur can also be used in the winery . viduals with sensitivity to sulphur may derstand the decisions all winemakers When burned, it becomes a gas, sulphur experience a reaction similar to a food make to ensure their wine is successful . dioxide . Many wineries use a traditional allergy . In particular, those who have Using sulphur is one such decision . Often method in which they suspend lit sulphur asthma are at a higher risk . included as a preventative measure, but wicks inside casks and barrels to disinfect While the use of sulphur dioxide is sometimes as a fix, using sulphur in wine them against the bacteria that cause acetic very common, some winemakers eschew production is, for many grape growers acid . Beyond sterilizing equipment, sul- its practice . For instance, those who pro- and winemakers, less a choice than a re- phur dioxide can also be applied directly duce “vin nature” would either not use quirement . to grapes and wine to prevent oxidation, it at all, or only in very small quantities Sulphur is a naturally abundant non- bacterial spoilage and undesired fermen- when bottling white wines . For those who metallic element that, while essential for tations . When skilfully used, sulphur are sensitive or wish to avoid sulphur, life, is also an antioxidant and a germicide . dioxide delivers wines with no detectable these vin natures and also organic and The term sulphite that appears on wine negative aromas . When used haphazardly, biodynamic wines are often the best op- labels as a warning is a catch-all term for it can remain in the wine in excessive tion to avoid a reaction . Beyond that, red the many forms sulphur can take . Because amounts and emit an unpleasant and wines typically have lower amounts of of its effectiveness in controlling oxidation distracting odour of burnt matchsticks . sulphites as they naturally contain anti- and microbial growth, sulphur use in low Decanting and aeration typically lessen oxidants acquired from contact with the concentrations has become widespread the aroma’s potency . grape skins during fermentation . White throughout the food and beverage indus- Excessive sulphur dioxide can also be wines usually have more sulphites and tries . When it comes to wine, it has major changed by fermentation into hydrogen sweet wines tend to have the highest level . roles in the vineyard and the winery . sulphide, which smells of rotten eggs . If The 2012 Triomphe Chardonnay from In the vineyard, sulphur has, since left untreated, hydrogen sulfide can fur- Southbrook, Canada’s first biodynamic the mid-19th Century, become a com- ther react with other chemicals present in winery, is a big, delicious Chardonnay mon treatment against the fungal disease the wine to create more complex sulphur available from Vintages for $22 95. . An or- known as oidium . At that time, growers compounds called mercaptans . Mercap- ganic red option is Punset’s excellent 2008 discovered dusting the vines with pow- tans vary in their offensive aromas from Barbaresco from the Piedmont region of dered sulphur in the summer months was burnt rubber to rancid garlic, and taste bit- Italy . It provides dense flavours and struc- an effective preventative measure . As an ter and astringent . At this point, the wine ture and is priced at $52 .95 at Vintages . alternative to chemical and biochemical is essentially beyond help . agents, this form of sulphur application Beyond displeasing aromas and fla- Pieter Van den Weghe is general manager continues to be common practice in many vours, sulphites are considered one of the and wine director at Beckta dining & wine-producing regions and is even sanc- 10 priority food allergens . While sulphites wine . i S toc k

diplomat and international canada 71 DELIGHTS|ENTERTAINING

Swiss cuisine: cheese, chocolate and beyond

the only one dating from that era . dominate, often in unusual combinations Indeed, Switzerland was known as a with meat . farming nation, specializing in milk and Adding to its uniqueness, Swiss cui- dairy products, especially cheeses, but sine also bears significant testimony to where, in time, the cultivation of suffi- the regional influences of its neighbours, cient quantities of wheat could not meet manifested in a trio of French cuisine in the needs of its growing population . The the west, Italian to the south and German Swiss resisted accepting the potato, de- in the north and east of Switzerland . This spite its 15th-Century introduction to Eu- migration of influences makes perfect rope from South America by the Spanish . sense . For centuries, Swiss cheese has Margaret Dickenson Only in the 18th Century did a series of been sold in markets in northern Italy . In relatively cold, wet periods and resulting exchange, the Swiss were able to acquire famines brutally illustrate the always- Italian products such as rice and pasta, present risks of relying singularly on which were difficult for the Swiss to pro- witzerland has existed for centuries grain crops as a staple . The potato quickly duce themselves . as a small, compact, alpine country gained widespread popularity that, to There is, however, a variety of rice cul- Snestled amongst France, Germany, this day, is critical when discussing Swiss tivated in Ticino, located in south eastern Austria and Italy . As Ambassador Ulrich cuisine . Switzerland, which boasts the most north- Lehner notes: Originally Switzerland was Traditional Swiss cuisine is not known erly point of global rice production . In a poor country of farmers who were em- for its delicacy, but rather its somewhat contrast to the waterlogged fields of Asian ployed as soldiers beyond their borders plain dishes made with simple ingredi- rice cultivation, the Ticino variety grows by foreign powers . The Vatican’s Swiss ents . Dairy products are part of virtually in dry conditions in the Maggia Delta and guard was one such force and remains every recipe . Cheese and potatoes pre- is used to make risotto . But a truly Swiss

Margaret’s Raspberry Toblerone Cheesecake rry D ic k e n so La rry

72 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN ENTERTAINING|DELIGHTS

version of saffron risotto is made with the In Switzerland, rosti appears on menus only saffron grown in the country — from in both high-end and modest restaurants, Mund, in the canton of Valais, and ranked be it served with veal, sausages or fried among the best in the world . eggs . Zürcher geschnetzeltes — strips of Foods commonly associated with Swit- veal with mushrooms and onions in a Dyanne Wilson zerland include cheese, fine chocolate and cream sauce served with rosti — is a local Photography muesli . Ambassador Lehner explains: specialty in the Zurich region, but versions “Historically, cheese, one of Switzerland’s under different names are found in other few exports, was nourishing food for parts of the country . armies .” Today, among hundreds of Swiss Rosti was originally a breakfast food cheeses, Emmental, Gruyere, Appenzeller before Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, an and Vacherin may be the most familiar and early advocate of organic medicine and widely consumed, but many others claim a unprocessed foods, created the nutritious long and interesting history . For example, “Birchermuesli” or muesli, which now ap- “Tête de Moine” (monk’s head) has been pears on breakfast tables worldwide . produced by monks at the Belletay Mon- Also popular is aelplermagronen (al- astery in Jura since 1136 . It is a fresh milk pine herdsman’s macaroni), a frugal cheese, matured on spruce wood pallets for at least three months . In 1982, it witnessed a type of renaissance with the invention of the “girolle,” a hand-operated device that artistically scrapes the cheese off in fancy delicate rosettes often presented with fresh fruit . Fondue and raclette, both originally regional dishes, rank as the most popular of cheese dishes . The ambassador refers to them as being “very social” dishes usually reserved for cold weather entertaining with friends . Fondue consists of melted cheese (50 percent Vacherin and 50 percent Gruyere), white wine, cornstarch (to achieve the correct consistency), garlic and spices, and is presented in a ceramic pot placed over a gentle flame . Cubes of bread speared onto long-handled forks are dipped into the melted cheese . A couple of glasses of dry white wine or tea ease digestion . Raclette is melted cheese, poured next to steamed potatoes, seasoned with pep- per and then eaten with pickles and small onions . Traditionally, a whole raclette cheese was cut in half and placed on its The girolle is a hand-operated device that side on a plank over an open fire . As the scrapes the cheese off in fancy delicate cheese melted, that portion was cut off . rosettes. Today, for larger gatherings, half of a Images that will, in future, raclette wheel is placed on a metal frame one-dish meal incorporating ingredients and exposed to direct heat . As the cheese generally on hand in herdsmen’s alpine bring you back in time. melts, individual portions are scraped cottages — Italian macaroni (exchanged off . Many Swiss homes also possess small for cheese), potatoes, onions, bits of bacon electric ovens with little square pans they and cheese . Traditionally, it is served with www.dyannewilson.com use to melt individual portions of cheese, apple sauce . Another alpine specialty is thus “allowing diners to eat at their own air-dried beef (“bunderfleisch”or “viande [email protected] rhythm,” explains the ambassador . sechée du Valais”), a favourite appetizer Another traditional Swiss food is rosti, when serving fondue or raclette . For win- (613) 884-7029 made with grated raw potatoes or leftover ter survival in the remote alpine valleys cooked ones . Whether they prefer their of Graubunden (eastern Switzerland) and rosti fried or oven-baked with crispy sur- Valais (south central Switzerland), locals faces, fans of this dish extend far beyond rub lean beef with salt and alpine herbs, Switzerland (for example, in North Amer- then dry it at below-freezing temperatures ica, hash browns are a variation of rosti) . in the fresh mountain air . dre a mstime

diplomat and international canada 73 DELIGHTS|ENTERTAINING

There are many other traditional Swiss Toblerone, was created in 1908 . Tobler 1 pkg (8 oz or 225 g) cream cheese (regular dishes: meat pies (“pastetli”), hot pots, was the chocolate-maker and “torrone” or low calorie), room temperature stews, casseroles, sauerkraut and sau- is Spanish for nougat, which is dispersed 1 tbsp (15 mL) seedless raspberry jam sages — every region has its own variety throughout the bar . of the latter (among them, sauerkraut and Of course, the Swiss are renowned for Garnish tongue sausages) . Veal, beef and pork are their wonderful pastries, desserts and 24 small fresh raspberries popular as are game (particularly rabbit, meringues . Highly revered are their nut Stems of fresh lavender or mint (optional) venison and quail) and fish (trout, perch, cakes, the Aargau carrot cake, a broad se- 1 cup (250 mL) whipped cream pike and Arctic char) . Yes, a substantial lection of Christmas cookies (from cinna- population of “Arctic”/alpine char (or in mon to anise) and so much more . For my 1 . With plastic wrap, completely line (bot- French “omble”) exists in Lake Zug, in take on their cuisine, try my “Raspberry tom and sides leaving an overhanging central Switzerland between Lucerne and Toblerone cheesecake .” Bon appétit, Guten portion) 8 small ramekin dishes* (size: 1/4 Zurich, probably stranded there by the Ice appetit, Buon appetito! cup or 60 mL) . Age . During spawning in mid-November, 2 . Crush (rather finely) chocolate wafers the stomach of the male char turns a deep Raspberry Toblerone Cheesecake and place in a bowl . Drizzle with melted fluorescent red . Accepted as a form of butter and combine thoroughly . currency until the late Middle Ages, char Makes 8 small individual cheesecakes 3 . Divide wafer mixture among the rame- remains an exotic specialty today . kin dishes and press firmly into the base . Without a doubt, the Swiss take great ½ cup (125 mL) crushed dark chocolate (Tip: Use a shot glass with a flat bottom to pride in their chocolate . Chocolate had wafer cookies assist in this task .) already become a fashionable drink in the 2 2/3 tbsp (40 mL) unsalted butter, melted 4 . Coarsely chop Toblerone bar, put into late 17th Century, but it wasn’t until 1819 1/3 cup (80 mL) icing sugar a microwave-proof bowl and place in a that Switzerland opened its first choco- 3 tbsp (45 mL) heavy cream (35 percent microwave oven at medium-low heat un- late factory . It has enjoyed a reputation fat) til very soft (about 1½ minutes) . Remove for top-quality chocolate products ever ½ tsp (3 mL) vanilla extract (preferably from oven, stir until completely melted since . The Swiss adore chocolate, with the clear) and smooth . Add the finely chopped dark French speakers preferring dark chocolate, 1 bar (3 ½ oz or 100 g) Toblerone (milk or chocolate; stir until completely melted, while the German speakers favour milk dark chocolate) smooth and well blended . chocolate . The world-famous Swiss Mat- ½ oz (15 g) very dark chocolate, finely 5 . With an electric mixer, beat cream terhorn Mountain-shaped triangular bar, chopped cheese in a medium-sized bowl for 2 minutes until light and smooth . Add icing sugar and vanilla; beat for another minute . 6 . Add melted chocolate and beat until very well blended . 7 . Add 1½ tbsp (23mL) of chocolate mixture to each ramekin dish; insert 1/3 tsp (2 Entertaining mL) of seedless raspberry jam into centre (of the mixture) of each and top equally with remaining chocolate mixture . Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set Our healthy, fresh and (at least 4 hours) . Allow cheesecake to rest beautiful products (made at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving . fresh daily and to order), 8 . To serve, remove the cheesecakes from includes our arrangements, ramekin dishes with the aid of the overhanging plastic wrap . Peel away plastic platters, boxes and favours wrap . Garnish each mini cheesecake with which are perfect for every 3 fresh raspberries and, if desired, fresh herbs . Pass whipped cream at the table . occasion, including events, entertaining and gifting needs. * Alternative: Use mini-cheesecake pans with removable bottoms . In this case, as an alternative to the plastic wrap lining, simply fit a plastic ribbon (available at cake decorating stores or bakeries that 613-237-0100 make mousse cakes) around the inside of 240 Bank Street, Unit 101 each cup . Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1X4 Margaret Dickenson wrote the award- edible.ca winning cookbook, Margaret’s Table — Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. Easy Cooking & Inspiring Entertaining © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved. (www .margaretstable .ca) .

74 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN residences|DELIGHTS

New Zealand’s official home away from home By Margo Roston Photos by Dyanne Wilson

The home of New Zealand High Commissioner Simon Tucker and his wife, Penny, is a showcase of New Zealand art and culture.

n winter, you might notice a snowman The high commissioner, Simon Tucker, mal and family living, as do the colours, at the front door of a new, contempo- and his wife, Penny, admit they are the furniture, carpets and art . Irary home on a modest street in Rock- lucky residents of a wonderful home, For 40 years, between 1959 and 1999, cliffe Park . Next to it is an official-looking specially designed and built by the New New Zealand owned a more typical flagpole, proudly bearing the flag of New Zealand government . The aim of the new diplomatic residence, a large Rockcliffe Zealand . The message: a family lives here home's design is to reflect the cultural and mansion on Crescent Road, that it sold to — and so does the country's head of mis- family life of their country, down to the the Turkish embassy as part of the govern- sion . smallest detail . The design works for for- ment’s divestment program .

diplomat and international canada 75 DELIGHTS|residences

The contemporary furniture comes from a New Zealand-based company, including the wood dining room tables and chairs.

76 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN residences|DELIGHTS

Simon and Penny Tucker The dining room has windows on two sides, looking out onto the pretty lot.

The home’s receiving rooms are bright, simple and elegant, with light streaming from full-length windows and reflecting off white walls that show off great splashes of colour.

diplomat and international canada 77 DELIGHTS|residences

The reception rooms boast modern, comfortable furnishings.

A fireplace is built into the wall of the main receiving room. Photographs of New Zealand are hung throughout the home.

78 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN residences|DELIGHTS

“It made sense to build our own [residences] in countries where we have longstanding, stable relationships,” says High Commissioner Tucker . With the purchase of a rundown property on Placel Road in 2011, and a policy that focuses on making an official residence a diplomatic tool, New Zealand architects, who worked with a Canadian architectural firm, envisioned an environment that, along with timeless design, highlights the country’s place in the Pa- cific, its bicultural and multicultural society and its artists and craftspeople . The plan also included a provision that the new house would not only reflect New Zealand as a contemporary and progressive country, but would look different from the Canadian houses on the street . The finished product achieves all these things, with a design that consists of a series of interconnecting and interlocking boxes . With a nod to its host, the house is clad in Canadian cedar, but stained black, a New Zealand national colour . (Recall the All Blacks, the famous New Zealand Rugby team .) Inside, the house displays its real strengths . Its square rooms are bright, simple and elegant, with light streaming from In the spring, trees shade the leafy property. full-length windows and reflecting off white walls that show off great splashes of colour . The reception rooms are on the family room and open-concept kitchen . A boasts a framed kete (basket) made of street side of the house, while the family delicate group of hand-blown “bubbles,” New Zealand flax in the traditional Maori section is at the back, facing the patio and or pendants, by New Zealand glass-blower weaving technique . the garden . Katie Brown light the dining table . One of the Tuckers’ favourite pieces The main reception rooms feature “It is like a house at home,” Mrs . Tucker hangs in the dining room; a work called grey New Zealand timber panelling with says of New Zealand, where the idea of in- Maui Snares the Sun, based on a famous brown trim and splashes of red to reflect door-outdoor living is carried through the Maori legend . the pohutukawa, a coastal evergreen that home, with glass doors leading onto the Mrs . Tucker is especially fond of New produces bright red flowers . The effect patio, garden and barbecue . When every Zealand sculptor Neil Dawson’s alumi- recalls the sea and the sandy beaches of wall is open, the house can accommodate num and stainless steel wall-hanging New Zealand . more than 120 people for a stand-up re- in the formal reception room . The well- A dramatic, contemporary rug by well- ception . But the high commissioner notes known sculptor’s Well Dome explores known New Zealand fashion designer that he sat 60 people in the family room positive and negative space . Kate Sylvester again picks up the blacks, recently for a wine-tasting . The high commissioner has been in Ot- greys, sand and reds of the country, while With two young daughters, the casual tawa for just more than a year . His career a dramatic black metallic chandelier is the family aspect of the house works perfectly . has featured life in diplomacy and outside work of New Zealand furniture designer There is a large finished basement for the it . Most recently, he spent eight years David Trubridge . Even the contemporary children to play in and a discreet staircase working in the private sector in Washing- furniture comes from a New Zealand- that leads from there to the four-bedroom ton while his wife, a lawyer, worked as a based company, including the wood din- second floor . Mr . Tucker notes that the lobbyist . ing room tables and chairs . Several sofas basement also includes a good office and “I loved it,” she says . But with two and easy chairs are Canadian-made and a wine cellar . small children, the couple decided they meld well with their New Zealand coun- An eclectic art collection scattered should be brought up as New Zealanders terparts . throughout the main floor, including some and they returned home . The formal living room leads into an- aboriginal work, photography, sculpture Both show great enthusiasm for the job other living room, a second official space and contemporary pieces, gives a vivid and their official home-away-from-home . that can be open or closed via a series of snapshot of New Zealand’s culture . “It’s just like a normal house,” they say . sliding doors . The dining room, with its siz- In the front hall, a painting features Well, almost . able windows, will seat 16 for dinner and a Maori pattern often seen in aboriginal can be closed off or opened up to the large weaving, while the formal living room Margo Roston is Diplomat’s culture editor .

diplomat and international canada 79 dignitaries|NEW ARRIVALS

New arrivals

Pedro Fernando Bretas Bastos Birtukan Ayano Dadi Ala Beleavschi Ambassador of Brazil Ambassador of Ethiopia Ambassador of Moldova

Mr . Brêtas completed a Ms Dadi has a law de- Mrs . Beleavschi is the law and social sciences gree from the Ethio- first resident ambassa- degree at the Federal pian Civil Service dor of Moldova to University of Brazil University and has Canada . Prior to com- and practised law, several other course ing to Canada to estab- working for Exxon certificates including lish the embassy, she Mobil Corporation and one on female leader- was director-general of COSIGUA, before go- ship and decision- the bilateral co-opera- ing into diplomacy . making, one on justice and another on tion department at the foreign ministry . After completing his diplomatic stud- principle-based leadership . Mrs . Beleavschi joined the foreign series, he became a desk officer for Canada, She began her career as an elementary vice in 1993 . Since then, she has served something that perhaps foreshadowed his and junior high school teacher before abroad in the u .S ., Italy and twice in current appointment . He was posted to working as a high-court judge at the Oro- Britain (as political counsellor and chargé Washington as second secretary (1981-84); mia Regional High Court . Her first diplo- d’affaires) . Her first mission to London Lisbon as second and then first secretary matic appointment, by coincidence, was to was to open the Moldovan embassy . At (1984-87); Lagos as counsellor (1987-1990); Canada, as a counsellor at the Ethiopian the foreign ministry, she served as director Lisbon again, this time as counsellor general consulate in Toronto between 2006 for the Americas division (2005-07) . (1992-96); Asunción as counsellor (1996- and 2011 . She then spent two years as se- She specialized in international rela- 1999); and Dublin as ambassador (2008- nior counsellor at the ministry of foreign tions and diplomacy at the University of 2013) . affairs, in the international treaties and le- Leeds (UK) and later at The Netherlands While in Brazilia, he was an executive gal affairs division . Her next appointment Institute of International Relations “Clin- co-ordinator at the office of the minister was as ambassador-designate to Canada . gendael ”. She also completed a degree of external relations and later, head of the Ms Dadi speaks Afan Oromo, Amharic in English philology and literature at the South America division . He also served as and English . She is married . State University of Moldova . a special adviser to the transport minister She was born in Telenesti, Moldova . and, later, as director of the secretariat for Rafael “Rafi” Barak She is married and has one daughter . international relations within the Presi- Ambassador of Israel dency of the Brazilian Federal Senate . John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu Born in Uruguay, Mr . High Commissioner for Uganda Virgilio Alcántara Barak immigrated to Ambassador of Dominican Republic Israel at 18, completed Mr . Nsambu studied at his military service the United States Inter- Mr . Alcántara joined and earned a bache- national University in the foreign service after lor’s degree in history San Diego and at the beginning his career in and political science at Technical University of the world of communi- Tel Aviv University . Braunschweig in Ger- cation . He studied Ten years later, he completed a master’s in many . He has a bache- communications at the political science at the Hebrew University lor’s of international Autonomous Univer- of Jerusalem . relations and a master’s of political science . sity of Santo Domingo, He began his diplomatic career in 1979 From 1996 to 2000, Mr . Nsambu worked and, for 18 years, was editor of two na- when he was posted to Peru . He returned as the co-ordinator and officer-in-charge tional newspapers (1970-1988) . He joined to headquarters before a six-year term in of the Exchange Students’ Program of the foreign service in 1988, as consul gen- Brussels, first as counsellor to the EU and the European Union at the Technical Uni- eral in New York City . He has been perma- then as deputy chief of mission to Belgium versity of Braunschweig in Germany . In nent representative to the UN twice and Luxembourg . 2006, he became a Member of Parliament (1990-1993; 2011-2013), and once to the Or- From 1993 to 1996, he worked on the for Uganda . Over the next five years, he ganization of America States (2008-2011) . Oslo Peace Process as chief co-ordinator served as minister of state for Information He was press secretary and official spokes- for negotiations . At headquarters, after Communications and Technology and was person to the president (1996-1998) . He postings to Washington as deputy chief of a member of the presidential and foreign was also ambassador to Japan and Korea, mission and to Paris as chargé d’affaires, affairs committee of Parliament . In 2012, and consul general in New Orleans, Tokyo he served as assistant deputy minister and he was appointed ambassador to Eritrea, and Seoul . At headquarters, he worked as acting deputy minister [of foreign affairs] . but he ended up not going . Instead, he senior adviser to the minister (2005-2008) . In May 2011, he became deputy minister . came to Canada . In 1993, while serving as representative to He is married to Miriam Barak; they He speaks Luganda, English, German, the UN, he was appointed concurrent am- have three children . Italian and Spanish . bassador to Canada . C rede n ti a ls photos complime ts o f R ide au Ha ll

80 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN NEW ARRIVALS|dignitaries

Non-heads of mission Fahad bin Mohamed Y. Kafoud

Ambassador of Qatar Argentina Macedonia Ottawa Event Planning Sebastian David Molteni Jovica Palashevski Counsellor Minister-counsellor 10 years’ experience – Mr . Kafoud finished Australia Mexico more than 100 events his bachelor’s degree Adrian Hugh Morrison Rolando Paniagua Taboada in accounting and eco- Deputy High First secretary Commissioner nomics in 1993, the Mongolia same year he began his David John Sharpe Ulziibayar Gonchig Minister-Counsellor Counsellor Ulle Baum career at the ministry Belgium Myanmar of foreign affairs . Johan Maria J. Andries Thwin Maung Maung From 1993 until 2002, Defence Attaché Attaché he worked at the administrative and fi- Bolivia Khine Nyein Su nance directorate at the foreign ministry . Stael Angelica Rodriguez Second secretary Romero In 2008, he worked at the embassy of First Secretary New Zealand Micaela Buckley Qatar in Washington, D .C ., and one year Burundi Counsellor later, he returned to headquarters in Doha Emmanuel Niyonzima, Second Counsellor Russia to work in the office of the prime minister . Konstantin Pilipchuk In 2009, he was appointed the general Chile Second secretary Jorge Balaresque co-ordinator in the office of the minister Defence Attaché Saudi Arabia of foreign affairs, where he spent the fol- Abdullah Alahmari China Attaché lowing four years, before being sent to Hui Huang Canada . Attaché Amal Abdulrahman S. Alamoudi Mr . Kafoud is married and has two Nan Li Attaché Attaché sons and two daughters . Khalid Abdullah E. Alaqil, Zhongying Mao Attaché Naif Bin Bandir Alsudairy Counsellor Hussein Alhomaid Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Zhisong Yin Attaché Second Secretary Ali Saleh Ali Alkaladi Haitao Zhu, Attaché Mr . Alsudairy has a Military, naval and air For 10 or 1,300 people master’s degree in po- attaché Bassam Alkhrashi Attaché CREATIVITY, PROMOTION litical science . He be- Colombia gan his career in the Juan Carlos Rojas Arango Ibrahim Almogbel AND PUBLICITY First secretary Attaché public service in 1990, to raise the public profile but decided to become Costa Rica Yousef Alyousef Jorge Eduardo Umana Attaché of your organization a diplomat and joined Vargas the ministry of foreign Counsellor and consul Senegal Zaccaria Coulibaly affairs in 1996 . Just one year later, he was Côte d’Ivoire Minister-counsellor Aminata Kone Diplomatic outings sent to the United Nations in New York as First secretary South Africa a member of Saudi Arabia’s permanent Floyd Thamela Jele National Days Cuba mission there . In 1999, while still in New First secretary Carlos Frank Marin Maning Foreign Dignitaries Visits York, he became a member of the third Attaché Nonceba Carol Mogwera Counsellor Conferences & fundraising events committee of the Asian Group on Human Ethiopia Rights . Michael Tobias Babisso Sri Lanka Concerts, festivals, exhibits Minister-counsellor Aratchige Kalansuriya In 2010, he was director-general of the Minister & fashion shows Bogale Kussia Bodda department of specialized organizations Second counsellor Dilan Perera Bus tours & boat cruises at the foreign ministry and two years later, Attaché Estifanos Tesfay Hailu Catering was elected leader of the first working Minister-counsellor Tunisia group on nuclear disarmament and non- Mohamed Nejib Djelassi Almaw Atnafu Muluneh Military attaché proliferation . Second counsellor He speaks Arabic and English and is Ukraine Genet Amare Tefera Zoriana Stsiban married with three sons and one daughter . Second secretary Second secretary

Ghana United States of America Norman Johnson Raymond Thomas Goergen First secretary Assistant attaché

Haiti Margaret Kathryn Ting Ann-Kathryne Lassegue Minister-counsellor Minister-counsellor Zambia Libya Chrispin Nchimunya Abdalla .S.A. Bgar Chibawe [email protected] Counsellor First secretary or 613-240-4622 Khaled M.O. Elbasir Henry Chisanga Shaddie Attaché Mukuka Defence attaché Abdolfattah .A.M. Elbishty Attaché

diplomat and international canada 81 DELIGHTS|envoy’s album

6. 1.

3. 1. Lebanese Ambassador Micheline Abi Samra hosted a national day event at the St. Elias Centre. She’s shown with Cheikh Said Youssef Fawaz, imam of the Mosque Al-Ommah Al-Islamiah in Montreal, and Sami Haddad, first secretary at the embassy. (Ulle Baum photo) 2. The EU held its sixth annual Christ- mas concert at Notre Dame Cathedral. The event featured music from Chorale De La Salle, Ottawa Children's Choir and Calixa Lavallée Choir. (Photo: Bill Shugar) 3. Algerian Ambassador Smail Benamara and his wife, Hasna, hosted a national day reception at the Château Laurier. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 4. To celebrate the independence of Finland, Ambassador Charles Murto and his wife, Ritva, hosted a reception at their residence. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 5. Moldovan Ambassador Ala Beleavschi hosted a vin d'honneur to mark the official visit of her country’s deputy prime minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Natalia Gherman. (Photo: Sam Garcia). 6. Ottawa artist Fortunee Shugar presented an exhibition of paintings and wearable art at a diplomatic hospitality luncheon at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. (Photo: Ulle Baum)

82 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN envoy’s album|DELIGHTS

1. 2.

5. 1. French Ambassador Philippe Zeller, far left, awarded l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to Jean Daniel Lafond, second from right. Also shown are former governor general Michaëlle Jean and Governor General David Johnston. (Photo: Lois Siegel) 2. Israeli Ambassador Rafael Raul Barak paid a courtesy call on Mayor Jim Watson. (Photo: City Hall) 3. Netherlands Ambassador Cornelis Johannes Kole paid a courtesy call on Mayor Jim Watson. (Photo: City Hall) 4. Albanian Ambassador Elida Petoshati and Trade Minister Ed Fast after signing a trade agreement at the Chateau Laurier. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 5. Haitian Ambassador Frantz Liautaud, centre, and his wife, Florence Saint Léger Liautaud, hosted a reception at the Château Laurier to mark Haiti’s Independence Day. He’s shown here with Richard Sanders, U.S. chargé d'affaires. (Photo: Sam Garcia) 6. The Diplomatic Hospitality Group organized the third annual Grand Winter Festival for diplomatic families at Smithvale Stables, Nepean. From left: Ilona Skardunskiene (Lithuania), Nevena Mandadjieva (Bulgaria) and MiYoung Jin (Korea). (Photo: Ulle Baum)

diplomat and international canada 83 DELIGHTS|envoy’s album

7. 1.

6. 2.

4. 1. Swedish Ambassador Teppo Tauriainen hosted a traditional Lucia celebration at his residence. From left, MP Mauril Belanger, his wife Catherine, and Mr. Tauriainen. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 2. To mark Taiwan Night, Representative Chih-Kung Liu and his wife, Huey-Pyng Liu, hosted a reception at the Château Laurier. They are shown with Employment Minister Jason Kenney, right. (Photo: Sam Garcia) 3. Bulgar- ian Ambassador Nikolay Milkov and his wife, Nevena Mandadjieva, hosted a national day event at City Hall. (Photo: Lois Siegel) 4. Lithuanian Ambassador Vytautas Zalys, left, and his wife Jurate Zaliene hosted a reception to celebrate the 96th Anniversary of Lithuanian Independence Feb. 19 at the Na- tional Arts Centre. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 5. The Palestine Delegation in Canada hosted a Palestinian Day celebration at the Chateau Laurier. Representative Said Hamad toasts the crowd. (Photo: Sam Garcia) 6. To mark Kazakhstan’s national day, Ambassador Konstantin Zhigalov and his wife Indira Zhigalova hosted a reception at the Chateau Laurier. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 7. War Museum director general James Whitham and Polish Ambassador Marcin Bosacki, pictured here, hosted a launch of The World Knew, Jan Karski's Mission for Humanity, created by the Polish History Museum in partnership with the Polish foreign ministry. It was presented as part of Holocaust Education Month. (Photo: Polish embassy)

84 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN envoy’s album|DELIGHTS

WELCOME TO OTTAWA FEEL AT HOME

2. Spacious suites in the heart of Ottawa! Condominium-sized suites that provide you with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen, ensuite laundry and your choice of one or two bedrooms.

• Excellent location, steps from great shopping, fine dining, entertainment • Easy access to embassies, government offices and the business district • Complimentary WiFi throughout hotel 3. • Free local calls • Free daily newspaper • Indoor pool, 24-hr fitness facility 1. From left, Latvian Ambassador Juris Audarins, first secretary Sanita Ulmane and MP Garry Breit- kreuz at a reception to mark Latvia’s national day. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 2. Honduran Ambassador Sofia Extended Stay Rates Available Lastenia Cerrato Rodriguez, left, and Argentine artist Silvia Bompadre pose in front of Ms Bompa- dre’s paintings. Artwork from 11 Latin American countries was presented at the St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. (Photo: Ulle Baum) 3. The Embassy of Mongolia hosted a farewell reception for Ambassador Zalaa-Uul Tundevdorj at the Château Laurier. From left, Dashaa Lkhundev, Keiko Okuda, Japanese Ambassador Norihiro Okuda and Mr. Tundevdorj. (Photo: Sam Garcia) Note: In the January issue, we 130 Besserer Street, Ottawa mistakenly credited a photo of a Taiwan event to Ulle Baum. It was Sam Garcia’s. We also credited an 1-800-267-1989 • 613-232-2000 image of a Saudi Arabian event to Sam Garcia. It was Ulle Baum's. We apologize for the errors. www.les-suites.com

diplomat and international canada 85 DELIGHTS|header

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86 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN (613) 699-8104 header|DELIGHTS

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diplomat and international canada (613) 699-8104 87 c ts AFGHANISTAN AUSTRIA BOLIVIA CAMEROON His Ex . Barna Karimi His Ex . Arno Riedel His Ex . Edgar Torrez Mosqueira His Ex . Solomon Azoh-Mbi Anu’a- Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Embassy of the Republic of Austria Embassy of the Republic of Bolivia Gheyle Afghanistan 445 Wilbrod Street 130 Albert Street, Suite 416 High Commission for the Republic 240 Argyle Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6M7 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 of Cameroon Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1B9 TEL 789-1444 FAX 789-3431 TEL 236-5730 FAX 236-8237 170 Clemow Avenue TEL 563-4223 FAX 563-4962 ottawa-ob@bmeia .gv .at bolivianembassy@bellnet .ca Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2B4 contact@afghanemb-canada .net www .emboliviacanada .com TEL 236-1522 FAX 236-3885 www .afghanemb-canada .net AZERBAIJAN cameroon@rogers .com

con ta His Ex . Farid Shafiyev BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA www .hc-cameroon-ottawa .org ALBANIA Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Her Ex . Biljana Gutic-Bjelica Her Ex . Elida Petoshati 275 Slater Street, Suite 1203 Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina CHILE Embassy of the Republic of Albania Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 17 Blackburn Avenue, His Ex . Roberto Ibarra García 130 Albert Street, Suite 302 TEL 288-0497 FAX 230-8089 Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8A2 Embassy of the Republic of Chile Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 azerbaijan@azembassy .ca TEL 236-0028 FAX 236-1139 50 O’Connor Street, Suite 1413 TEL 236-4114 FAX 236-0804 www .azembassy .ca embassyofbih@bellnet ca. Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 embassy .ottawa@mfa .gov .al www .bhembassy .ca TEL 235-9940 FAX 235-1176 BAHAMAS www .chile .ca ALGERIA His Ex . Calsey Johnson BRAZIL His Ex . Smail Benamara Bahamas High Commission His Excellency Pedro Bretas Bastos CHINA Embassy of the People’s Democratic 50 O’Connor Street, Suite 1313 Embassy of the Federative Republic His Ex . Junsai Zhang Republic of Algeria Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 of Brazil Embassy of the People’s Republic 500 Wilbrod Street TEL . 232-1724 FAX 232-0097 450 Wilbrod Street of China Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N2 ottawa-mission@bahighco com. Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6M8 515 St . Patrick Street TEL 789-8505 FAX 789-1406 http://bahamas .com TEL 237-1090 FAX 237-6144 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5H3 www .embassyalgeria .ca/eng .htm mailbox@brasembottawa .org TEL . 789-3434 FAX 789-1911 i c d i plomat info@embassyalgeria .ca BANGLADESH chinaemb_ca@mfa .gov .cn His Ex . Kamrul Ahsan BRUNEI DARUSSALAM http://ca .china-embassy .org ANGOLA High Commission for the People’s Ms Nadiah Ahmad Rafie His Ex . Agostinho Tavares da Silva Republic of Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner COLOMBIA Neto 340 Albert St ., Suite 1250 High Commission for Brunei His Ex . Nicolas Lloreda-Ricaurte Embassy of the Republic of Angola Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7Y6 Darussalam Embassy of the Republic of Colombia 189 Laurier Avenue East TEL 236-0138 FAX 567-3213 395 Laurier Avenue East 360 Albert Street, Suite 1002 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6P1 bangla@rogers .com Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6R4 Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7 TEL 234-1152 FAX 234-1179 www .bdhc .org TEL 234-5656 FAX 234-4397 TEL 230-3760 FAX 230-4416 info@embangola-can .org bhco@bellnet ca. embajada@embajadacolombia .ca www .embangola-can .org BARBADOS www .embajadacolombia .ca His Ex . Edward Evelyn Greaves BULGARIA ARGENTINA High Commission for Barbados His Ex . Nikolay Milkov CONGO (ZAIRE) Mr . Gerardo E . Bompadre 55 Metcalfe St ., Suite 470 Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria His Ex . Dominique Kilufya Kamfwa Charge d'Affaires Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6L5 325 Stewart Street Embassy of the Democratic Republic Embassy of the Argentine Republic TEL 236-9517 FAX 230-4362 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6K5 of the Congo 81 Metcalfe Street 7th Floor ottawa@foreign .gov .bb TEL 789-3215 FAX 789-3524 18 Range Road Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6K7 embgottawa@hotmail com. Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J3 TEL 236-2351 FAX 235-2659 BELARUS TEL 230-6391 FAX 230-1945 ecana@mrecic .gov .ar Embassy of the Republic of Belarus BURKINA FASO info@ambassadesrdcongo .org www .ecana .mrecic .gob .ar 130 Albert Street, Suite 600 His Ex . Amadou Adrien Koné Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Embassy of Burkina Faso COSTA RICA ARMENIA TEL 233-9994 FAX 233-8500 48 Range Road His Ex . Luis Carlos Delgado Murillo His Ex . Armen Yeganian belamb@igs .net Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J4 Embassy of the Republic of Costa Rica Embassy of the Republic of Armenia TEL 238-4796 FAX 238-3812 350 Sparks Street, Suite 701 7 Delaware Avenue BELGIUM burkina .faso@sympatico .ca Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0Z2 His Ex . Bruno van der Pluijm www .ambaburkina-canada .org TEL . 562-2855 FAX 562-2582 TEL 234-3710 FAX 234-3444 Embassy of Belgium embcr@costaricaembassy .com armcanadaembassy@mfa am. 360 Albert Street, Suite 820 BURUNDI www .costaricaembassy .com www .armembassycanada .ca Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7 Her Ex . Speciose Nzeyimana TEL 236-7267 FAX 236-7882 Embassy of the Republic of Burundi CÔTE D’IVOIRE AUSTRALIA ottawa@diplobel .fed be. 340 Albert Street, Suite 1301 His Ex . N'Goran Kouame Her Ex . Louise Hand www .diplomatie .be/ottawa Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7Y6 Embassy of the Republic of Australian High Commission TEL 789-0414 FAX 789-9537 Côte d’Ivoire 50 O’Connor, Suite 710 BENIN info@ambabucanada com. 9 Marlborough Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 His Ex . S .E .M . Pamphile C . Goutondji www .ambabucanada .com Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8E6 TEL 236-0841 FAX 216-1321 Embassy of the Republic of Benin TEL . 236-9919 FAX 563-8287 www .canada .embassy .gov .au 58 Glebe Avenue acica@ambaci-ottawa .org Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2C3 www .ambaci-ottawa .org TEL 233-4429 FAX 233-8952 ambaben@benin .ca

88 88 | EMBASSIES | HIGH COMMISSIONS ‑ | OTHER INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN CROATIA info@ethioconsulatecanada .org GUINEA IRAQ c ts His Ex. Veselko Grubišić ethioconsulatecanada .org Embassy of the Republic of Guinea His Ex . Abdulrahman Hamid Embassy of the Republic of Croatia 483 Wilbrod Street Al-Hussaini 229 Chapel Street European Union Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N1 Embassy of the Republic of Iraq Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7Y6 Her Ex . Marie-Anne Coninsx TEL . 789-8444 FAX 789-7560 215 McLeod Street TEL . 562-7820 FAX 562-7821 Delegation of the European Union ambassadedeguinee@bellnet .ca Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0Z8 croemb .ottawa@mvep .hr to Canada TEL . 236-9177 FAX 236-9641 www .croatiaemb .net 150 Metcalfe St . Suite 1900 GUYANA www .iqemb ca. Ottawa, ON K2P1P1 His Ex . Harry Narine Nawbatt media@iqemb ca.

CUBA TEL . 238-6464 FAX 238-5191 High Commission for the Republic con ta Julio Antonio Garmendía Delegation-Canada@eeas europa. .eu of Guyana IRELAND Embassy of the Republic of Cuba www .eeas .europa .eu/delegations/ 151 Slater Street, Suite 800 His Ex . John Raymond Bassett 388 Main Street canada Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3 Embassy of Ireland Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1E3 TEL . 235-7249 FAX 235-1447 130 Albert Street, Suite 1105 TEL . 563-0141 FAX 563-0068 FINLAND guyanahcott@rogers com. Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 embacuba@embacubacanada .net His Ex . Kaarlo (Charles) Murto TEL . 233-6281 FAX 233-5835 www .cubadiplomatica .cu/canada Embassy of the Republic of Finland HAITI Ottawaembassy@dfa .ie 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 850 His Ex . Frantz Liautaud www .embassyofireland .ca CZECH REPUBLIC Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L5 Embassy of the Republic of Haiti His Ex. Karel Žebrakovský TEL . 288-2233 FAX 288-2244 85 Albert Street, Suite 1110, ISRAEL Embassy of the Czech Republic embassy@finland .ca Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5G4 His Ex . Rafael Raul Barak 251 Cooper Street TEL . 238-1628 FAX 238-2986 Embassy of Israel Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0G2 FRANCE bohio@sympatico .ca 50 O’Connor Street, Suite 1005 TEL . 562-3875 FAX 562-3878 His Ex . Philippe Zeller Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2 ottawa@embassy .mzv .cz Embassy of France HOLY SEE TEL . 567-6450 FAX 567-9878 42 Sussex Drive His Ex . Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi info@ottawa mfa. gov. .il

DENMARK Ottawa, Ontario K1M 2C9 Apostolic Nunciature www .embassyofIsreal .ca i c d i plomat His Ex . Niels Boel Abrahamsen TEL . 789-1795 FAX 562-3735 724 Manor Avenue Royal Danish Embassy www .ambafrance-ca .org Ottawa, Ontario K1M 0E3 ITALY 47 Clarence Street, Suite 450 TEL . 746-4914 FAX 746-4786 His Ex . Gian Lorenzo Cornado Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9K1 GABON Embassy of the Italian Republic TEL . 562-1811 FAX 562-1812 Embassy of the Gabonese Republic HONDURAS 275 Slater Street, 21st Floor ottamb@um .dk 4 Range Road, P .O . Box 368 Her Ex . Sofia Lastenia Cerrato Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 canada .um .dk Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J5 Rodriguez TEL . 232-2401 FAX 233-1484 TEL . 232-5301 FAX 232-6916 Embassy of the Republic of ambasciata .ottawa@esteri it. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ambgabon2000@yahoo .fr Honduras www .ambottawa esteri. .it His Ex . Virgilio Alcántara 151 Slater Street, Suite 805 Embassy of the Dominican Republic GEORGIA Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3 JAMAICA 130 Albert Street, Suite 418 His Ex . Alexander Latsabidze TEL . 233-8900 FAX 232-0193 Her Ex . Sheila Ivoline Sealy- Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Embassy of Georgia Monteith TEL . 569-9893 FAX 569-8673 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 2101 HUNGARY Jamaican High Commission www .drembassy .org Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1 His Ex . László Pordány 151 Slater Street, Suite 1000 Tel . 421-0460 Fax 680-0394 Embassy of the Republic of Hungary Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5H3 ECUADOR ottawa .emb@mfa .gov .ge 299 Waverley Street TEL . 233-9311 FAX 233-0611 His Ex . Andrés Teran Parral Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0V9 executiveassistant@jhcottawa .ca Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador GERMANY TEL . 230-2717 FAX 230-7560 99 Bank Street, Suite 230 His Ex . Werner Wnendt www .mfa gov. .hu/emb/ottawa JAPAN Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 Embassy of the Federal Republic of mission ott@kum. hu. His Ex . Norihiro Okuda TEL . 563-8206 FAX 235-5776 Germany Embassy of Japan www .embassyecuador .ca 1 Waverley Street ICELAND 255 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0T8 His Ex . Thordur Aegir Oskarsson Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9E6 EGYPT TEL . 232-1101 FAX 594-9330 Embassy of Iceland TEL . 241-8541 FAX 241-2232 His Ex . Wael Ahmed Kamal Aboul info@otta .diplo .de 360 Albert Street, Suite 710 infocul@ot .mofa go. jp. Magd http:/www .ottawa .diplo .de Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7 www .ca emb-japan. go. jp. Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt TEL . 482-1944 FAX 482-1945 454 Laurier Avenue East GHANA icemb ottawa@utn. .stjr .is JORDAN Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6R3 His Ex . Samuel Valis-Akyianu www .iceland .org .ca His Ex . Basheer Fawwaz Zoubi TEL . 234-4931 FAX 234-4398 High Commission for the Republic Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom egyptemb@sympatico .ca of Ghana INDIA of Jordan www .mfa .gov .eg 1 Clemow Ave . His Ex . Nirmal Verma 100 Bronson Avenue, Suite 701 Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2A9 High Commission for the Republic Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6G8 EL SALVADOR TEL . 236-0871 FAX 236-0874 of India TEL . 238-8090 FAX 232-3341 His Ex . Oscar Mauricio Duarte ghanacom@ghc-ca .com 10 Springfield Road www .embassyofjordan .ca Granados www .ghc-ca .com Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C9 ottawa@fm .gov .jo (embassy) Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador TEL . 744-3751 FAX 744-0913 ottawa-consular@fm .gov .jo (consular) 209 Kent Street GREECE hicomind@hciottawa .ca Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Z8 His Ex . Eleftherios Anghelopoulos www .hciottawa .ca KAZAKHSTAN TEL . 238-2939 FAX 238-6940 Embassy of the Hellenic Republic His Ex . Konstantin Zhigalov embajada@elsalvador-ca .org 80 MacLaren Street INDONESIA Embassy of the Republic of Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0K6 Her Ex . Dienne H . Moehario Kazakhstan ESTONIA TEL . 238-6271 FAX 238-5676 Embassy of the Republic of 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1603-1604 Her Ex . Gita Kalmet gremb .otv@mfa .gr Indonesia Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1P1 Embassy of the Republic of Estonia www .mfa .gr/canada 55 Parkdale Avenue TEL . 695-8055 Fax 695-8755 260 Dalhousie Street, Suite 210 Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 1E5 Email: kazakhembassy@gmail .com Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7E4 GUATEMALA TEL . 724-1100 FAX 724-1105 www .kazembassy .ca TEL . 789-4222 FAX 789-9555 Her Ex . Rita Claverie Sciolli info@indonesia-ottawa .org embassy .ottawa@mfa .ee Embassy of the Republic of www .indonesia-ottawa .org KENYA www .estemb .ca Guatemala His Ex . Simon Wanyonyi Nabukwesi 130 Albert Street, Suite 1010 IRAN High Commission for the Republic ETHIOPIA Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Embassy of the Islamic of Kenya Her Ex . Birtukan Ayano Dadi TEL . 233-7237 FAX 233-0135 Republic of Iran 415 Laurier Avenue East Embassy of the Federal Democratic embassy1@embaguate-canada com. 245 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6R4 Republic of Ethiopia www .embaguate-canada .com Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K2 TEL . 563-1773 FAX 233-6599 275 Slater St . suite 1501, TEL . 235-4726 FAX 232-5712 kenyahighcommission@rogers .com Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5H9 executive@iranembassy .ca www .kenyahighcommission .ca 613-565-6637 www .salamiran .org

diplomat and international canada | EMBASSIES | HIGH COMMISSIONS ‑ | OTHER INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 89 89 c ts KOREA, REPUBLIC MALAYSIA NIGER PHILIPPINES His Ex . Cho Hee-yong Her Ex . Dato’ Hayati Ismail Her Ex . Fadjimata Maman Sidibe His Ex . Leslie B . Gatan Embassy of the Republic of Korea High Commission for Malaysia Embassy of the Republic of the Niger Embassy of the Republic of the 150 Boteler Street 60 Boteler Street 38 Blackburn Avenue Philippines Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5A6 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8Y7 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8A3 130 Albert Street, Suite 900 TEL . 244-5010 FAX 244-5034 TEL . 241-5182 FAX 241-5214 TEL . 232-4291 FAX 230-9808 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 canada@mofat .go .kr malottawa@kln .gov .my ambanigeracanada@rogers com. TEL . 233-1121 FAX 233-4165 www .emb-korea .ottawa .on .ca www .ambanigeracanada .ca embassyofphilippines@rogers .com MALI

con ta KUWAIT Her Ex . Traoré Ami Diallo NIGERIA POLAND His Ex . Ali Al-Sammak Embassy of the Republic of Mali His Ex . Ojo Uma Maduekwe His Ex . Marcin Bosacki Embassy of the State of Kuwait 50 Goulburn Avenue High Commission for the Federal Embassy of the Republic of Poland 333 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8C8 Republic of Nigeria 443 Daly Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1J9 TEL . 232-1501 FAX 232-7429 295 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6H3 TEL . 780-9999 FAX 780-9905 ambassadedumali@rogers .com Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1R9 TEL . 789-0468 FAX 789-1218 www .embassyofkuwait .ca www .ambamalicanada .org Tel . 236-0521 Fax 236-0529 ottawa .info@msz .gov .pl www .nigeriahcottawa .ca www .ottawa mfa. gov. .pl LATVIA MEXICO His Ex . Juris Audarins His Ex . Francisco Suárez NORWAY PORTUGAL Embassy of the Republic of Latvia Embassy of the United Mexican Her Ex . Mona Elisabeth Brøther His Ex . José Fernando Moreira da 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1200 States Royal Norwegian Embassy Cunha Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8 45 O’Connor Street, Suite 1000 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1300 Embassy of Portugal TEL . 238-6014 FAX 238-7044 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1A4 Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1 645 Island Park Drive embassy .canada@mfa .gov .lv TEL . 233-8988 FAX 235-9123 TEL . 238-6571 FAX 238-2765 Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0B8 www .ottawa .mfa .gov .lv info@embamexcan .com emb ottawa@mfa. .no TEL . 729-0883 FAX 729-4236 www .embamexcan .com www .emb-norway .ca embportugal@ottawa dgaccp. .pt i c d i plomat LEBANON Her Ex . Micheline Abi-Samra MOLDOVA O/OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN QATAR Embassy of Lebanon Her Ex . Ala Beleavschi STATES His Ex . Fahad bin Mohamed Y . 640 Lyon Street Embassy of the Republic of Moldova His Ex . Brendon Browne Kafoud Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3Z5 275 Slater Street, Suite 801 High Commission for the Countries Embassy of the State of Qatar TEL . 236-5825 FAX 232-1609 Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9 of the Organization of Eastern 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 800 info@lebanonembassy .ca Tel . 695-6167 Fax . 695-6168 Caribbean States Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P1 www .lebanonembassy .ca 130 Albert Street, Suite 700 TEL: 241-4917 FAX: 241-3304 MONGOLIA Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 amb office@qatarembassy. .ca LESOTHO His Ex . Zalaa Uul Tundevdorj TEL . 236-8952 FAX 236-3042 Her Ex . Mathabo Theresia Tsepa Embassy of Mongolia echcc@oecs org. ROMANIA High Commission for the Kingdom 151 Slater Street, Suite 503 Her Ex . Maria Ligor of Lesotho Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3 PAKISTAN Embassy of Romania 130 Albert Street, Suite 1820 TEL . 569-3830 FAX 569-3916 His Ex . Akbar Zeb 655 Rideau Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4 High Commission for the Islamic Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6A3 Tel: 234-0770 Fax: 234-5665 MOROCCO Republic of Pakistan TEL . 789-3709 FAX 789-4365 lesotho .ottawa@bellnet .ca Her Ex . Nouzha Chekrouni 10 Range Road Romania@romanian-embassy .com Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J3 http://ottawa .mae ro. LIBYA 38 Range Road TEL . 238-7881 FAX 238-7296 His Ex . Fathi Baja Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J4 parepottawa@rogers .com RUSSIA Embassy of Libya TEL . 236-7391 FAX 236-6164 His Ex . Georgiy Mamedov Suite 1000, 81 Metcalfe Street www .ambamaroc .ca/Nouveau/ PALESTINE Embassy of the Russian Federation Ottawa, Ontario, K 1P 6K7 siteAmba .html His Ex . Said M . Hamad 285 Charlotte Street TEL . 842-7519 FAX: 842-8627 Head of the General Delegation Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8L5 info@libyanembassy .ca MYANMAR 18 The Driveway TEL . 235-4341 FAX 236-6342 http://www .libyanembassy .ca His Ex . Hau Do Suan Ottawa, Ontario K2P 9C6 info@rusembassy .ca Embassy of the Republic of the TEL: 736-0053 www .rusembassy .ca LITHUANIA Union of Myanmar FAX: 736-0535 His Ex . Vytautas Zalys 336 Island Park Drive palestinegd@gmail .com RWANDA Embassy of the Republic of Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y OA7 Her Ex . Edda Mukabagwiza Lithuania TEL . 232-9990 PANAMA High Commission for the Republic 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1600 FAX . 232-6999 His Ex . Jorge Hernan Miranda of Rwanda Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1 meottawa@rogers .com Corona 294 Albert Street, Suite 404 TEL . 567-5458 FAX 567-5315 Embassy of the Republic of Panama Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6E6 ottawa@lithuanianembassy .ca nepal 130 Albert Street, Suite 300 Phone: 569-5420/22/24 www .lithuanianembassy .ca His Ex . Bhoj Raj Ghimire Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Fax : 569-5421/5423 Chargé d'Affaires TEL . 236-7177 FAX 236-5775 ambaottawa@minaffet .gov .rw MACEDONIA (REPUBLIC OF) Embassy of Nepal embassyofpanama@gmail com. canada embassy. .gov .rw His Ex . Ljuben Tevdovski 408 Queen Street Embassy of the Republic Ottawa, ON K1R 5A7 PARAGUAY SAUDI ARABIA of Macedonia TEL 680-5513 FAX 422-5149 His Ex . Manuel Schaerer His Ex . Naif Bin Bandir Alsudairy 130 Albert Street, Suite 1006 secretary_nepalembassy@rogers .com Kanonnikoff Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay 201 Sussex Drive TEL . 234-3882 FAX 233-1852 NETHERLANDS 151 Slater Street, Suite 501 Ottawa, ON K1N 1K6 ottawa@mfa gov. .mk His Ex . Cornelis Kole Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3 Tel 237-4100 Fax 237-0567 Embassy of the Kingdom of the TEL . 567-1283 FAX 567-1679 caemb@mofa .gov .sa MADAGASCAR Netherlands embassy@embassyofparaguay .ca www .saudiembassy .ca His . Ex . Simon Constant Horace 350 Albert Street, Suite 2020 Embassy of the Republic of Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1A4 PERU SENEGAL Madagascar TEL . 237-5030 FAX 237-6471 His Ex . José Antonio Bellina His . Ex . Amadou Tidiane Wone 3 Raymond Street Ott-cdp@minbuza .nl Embassy of the Republic of Peru Embassy of the Republic of Senegal Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1A3 130 Albert Street, Suite 1901 57 Marlborough Avenue TEL: 567-0505 FAX 567-2882 NEW ZEALAND Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8E8 ambamadcanada@bellnet .ca His Ex . Simon Tucker TEL . 238-1777 FAX 232-3062 TEL . 238-6392 FAX 238-2695 www .madagascar-embassy .ca New Zealand High Commission emperuca@bellnet ca. Info@ambsencanada .org 99 Bank Street, Suite 727 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6G3 TEL . 238-5991 FAX 238-5707 info@nzhcottawa .org www .nzembassy .com/canada

90 | EMBASSIES | HIGH COMMISSIONS ‑ | OTHER INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN SERBIA SWEDEN TUNISIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA c ts His Ex . Zoran Veljic His Ex . Teppo Markus Tauriainen His Ex . Riadh Essid His Ex . Bruce Heyman Embassy of the Republic of Serbia Embassy of Sweden Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia Embassy of the United States of 21 Blackburn Avenue 377 Dalhousie Street 515 O’Connor Street America Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8A2 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9N8 Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3P8 490 Sussex Drive TEL . 233-6289 FAX 233-7850 TEL . 244-8200 FAX 241-2277 TEL . 237-0330 FAX 237-7939 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 generalinfo@serbianembassy .ca sweden .ottawa@gov .se ambtun13@bellnet .ca TEL . 238-5335 FAX 688-3088 www .serbianembassy .ca www .swedishembassy .ca www .usembassycanada .gov TURKEY

SLOVAK REPUBLIC SWITZERLAND His Ex . Tuncay Babali URUGUAY con ta His Ex . Milan Kollár His Ex . Ulrich Lehner Embassy of the Republic of Turkey His Ex . Elbio Oscar Rosselli Frieri Embassy of the Slovak Republic Embassy of Switzerland 197 Wurtemburg Street Embassy of the Oriental Republic of 50 Rideau Terrace 5 Marlborough Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8L9v Uruguay Ottawa, Ontario K1M 2A1 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8E6 TEL 244-2470 FAX 789-3442 350 Sparks Street, Suite 901 TEL . 749-4442 FAX 749-4989 TEL . 235-1837 FAX 563-1394 embassy .ottawa@mfa .gov .tr Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 emb .ottawa@mzv .sk ott .vertretung@eda .admin ch. www .turkishembassy .com TEL . 234-2727 FAX 233-4670 www .mzv .sk/ottawa embassy@embassyofuruguay .ca SYRIA UGANDA SLOVENIA Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic His Ex . John Chrysostom Alintuma VENEZUELA Ms . Irena Gril 46 Cartier Street Nsambu Ana Caroliana Rodriguez Chargé d’Affaires Ottawa, ON K2P 1J3 High Commission for the Republic Charge’ D’Affaires a .i . Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia TEL . 569-5556 FAX 569-3800 of Uganda Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 2200 culture@syrianembassy .ca 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1210, of Venezuela Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P1 www .syrianembassy .ca Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8 32 Range Road TEL . 565-5781 FAX 565-5783 TEL . 789-7797 FAX 789-8909 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J4 vot@gov .si TAIPEI Economic & Cultural office uhc@ugandahighcommission .com TEL . 235-5151 FAX 235-3205 www .ottawa .embassy .si Dr . Chih-Kung Liu www .ugandahighcommission .ca embve caotw@mppre. .gob .ve i c d i plomat 45 O’Connor Street, Suite 1960 www .misionvenezuela .org SOUTH AFRICA Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1A4 UKRAINE His Ex . Membathisi Shepherd Mdladlana TEL . 231-5080 FAX 231-7112 His Ex . Vadym Prystaiko VIETNAM High Commission for the Republic publicaffairs@on .aibn .com Chargé d’Affaires His Ex . To Anh Dung of South Africa Embassy of Ukraine Embassy of the Socialist Republic of 15 Sussex Drive TANZANIA 310 Somerset Street, West, Vietnam Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1M8 His Ex . Alex Crescent Massinda Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0J9 55 MacKay Street TEL . 744-0330 FAX 741-1639 High Commission for the United TEL . 230-2961 Fax 230-2400 Ottawa, K1M 2B3 rsafrica@southafrica-canada .ca Republic of Tanzania emb_ca@ukremb ca. TEL . 236-0772 FAX 236-2704 www .southafrica-canada .ca 50 Range Road www .ukremb .ca vietnamembassy@rogers com. Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J4 www .vietem-ca .com SPAIN TEL . 232-1509 FAX 232-5184 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES His Ex . Carlos Gómez-Múgica Sanz tzottawa@synapse .ca Mohammed Saif Helal Mohammed YEMEN Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain www .tanzaniahighcommission .ca Alshehhi His Ex . Khaled Mahfoodh Bahah 74 Stanley Avenue 125 Boteler Street Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1P4 THAILAND Ottawa, Ontario K1N 0A4 54 Chamberlain Avenue TEL . 747-2252 FAX 744-1224 His Ex . Udomphol Ninnad TEL . 565-7272 FAX 565-8007 Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1V9 embespca@mail .mae .es The Royal Thai Embassy Consulate FAX: 565-1444 TEL . 729-6627 FAX 729-8915 www .embaspain .ca 180 Island Park Drive reception@uae-embassy .com yeminfo@yemenembassy .ca Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0A2 www .uae-embassy .ae/ca www .yemenembassy .ca SRI LANKA TEL . 722-4444 FAX 722-6624 Her Ex . Chitranganee Wagiswara contact@thaiembassy .ca UNITED KINGDOM ZAMBIA High Commission for the www .thaiembassy .ca His Ex . Howard Ronald Drake His Ex . Bobby Mbunji Samakai Democratic Socialist Republic British High Commission High Commission for the Republic of Sri Lanka TOGO 80 Elgin Street of Zambia 333 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1204 Embassy of the Togolese Republic Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5K7 151 Slater St ., Suite 205 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C1 12 Range Road TEL . 237-1530 FAX 232-0738 Ottawa, Ontario TEL . 233-8449 FAX 238-8448 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8J3 www .ukincanada .fco .gov .uk K1B 5H3 slhcit@rogers .com TEL . 238-5916 FAX 235-6425 TEL . 232-4400 FAX 232-4410 www .srilankahcottawa .org ambatogoca@hotmail .com UN Refugee agency zhc ottawa@bellnet. ca. Furio de Angelis SUDAN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNHCR Representative in Canada ZIMBABWE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan His Ex . Philip Buxo 280 Albert Street, Suite 401 Her Ex . Florence Zano Chideya 354 Stewart Street High Commission for the Republic Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G8 Embassy of the Republic of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6K8 of Trinidad and Tobago Tel: 613-232-0909 Zimbabwe TEL . 235-4000 FAX 235-6880 200 First Avenue, Third Level Fax: 613-230-1855 332 Somerset Street West sudanembassy-canada@rogers com. Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2G6 www .unhcr .ca Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9 www .sudanembassy .ca/ TEL . 232-2418 FAX 232-4349 TEL . 421-2824 FAX 422-7403 ottawa@ttmissions .com info@zimottawa .com visa@zimottawa com. www .zimottawa .com

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92 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN National days|DELIGHTS

Celebration time A listing of the national and independence days marked by countries

April

4 Senegal Independence Day CELADON salon & spa 16 Denmark Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II

17 Syria National Day

18 Zimbabwe Independence Day

19 Holy See Election of the Pope

26 Tanzania Union Day

27 Sierra Leone Republic Day

27 South Africa Freedom Day

27 Togo National Day

30 Netherlands Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix

May

1 Marshall Islands National Day CELADON salon & spa 3 Poland National Day

6 Israel National Day 9 European Union Schuman Day Whether you have 15 Paraguay Independence Day an hour or a day... 17 Norway Constitution Day make health, beauty 20 Cameroon National Day and rejuvenation 22 Yemen National Day a priority! 24 Eritrea Independence Day Our Services 25 Argentina May Revolution

25 Jordan National Day Hair Care - Waxing 26 Georgia Independence Day Tinting - Make-up 28 Azerbaijan Republic Day Eyelash Extensions 28 Ethiopia Downfall of the Dergue Body Treatments

June Manicures - Pedicures

1 Samoa Independence Day Therapeutic, Relaxation and Hot Stone Massages 2 Italy Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic 4 Tonga Independence Day Our Products 6 Sweden National Day 10 Portugal National Day OPI 12 Philippines National Day Shellac

12 Russia National Day Footlogix Kevin Murphy 14 United Kingdom Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Jane Iredale 17 Iceland Proclamation of the Republic Esthederm de Paris 18 O/of Eastern Caribbean States OECS Day Deserving Thyme 18 Seychelles Constitution Day Miscencil Official Celebration of the Birthday of His Royal Highness 23 Luxembourg Grand Duke Henri The Perfect Gift for 25 Croatia National Day that Special Someone

25 Slovenia National Day A CELADON GIFT 25 Mozambique Independence Day CERTIFICATE 26 Madagascar Independence Day 27 Djibouti National Day 373 St. Laurent Blvd 613-746-3500 www.celadonspa.ca 29 Holy See National Day

30 Congo, Democratic Republic Independence Day HAIR • SKIN • BODY • NAILS

diplomat and international canada 93 DELIGHTS|destinations

Argentina: A land of diversity and culture

Tolar Grande, in Salta province in northwestern Argentina, is a perfect place for hiking.

reserves or national parks . In addition, draw visitors as does our folkloric music, several natural and cultural landmarks with different rhythms and dances unique have been declared World Heritage Sites to each region . Argentina is also known by UNESCO . for its passion for football (soccer in North Argentina also has a diverse popula- America), and fans show their love for tion, a result of its Spanish heritage, im- the major players and teams in a noisy migrants from several other European and musical way, filling up the stadiums and Mediterranean countries, its original and displaying their enthusiasm for every inhabitants and people who have come game . But above all, each particular Ar- By Gerardo Ezequiel Bompadre from almost all corners of the globe to live gentine region offers unique treasures that in our country . have been maintained and strengthened as rgentina is a country of many Tales of Argentina’s uniqueness have time goes by . cultural, social and natural at- travelled the world by word-of-mouth, Atractions, all of which will amaze thanks to visitors . Our people are friendly, Cuyo: Cuisine at the birthplace of Malbec visitors . Diversity is a characteristic that fun and effusive; our cuisine includes Cuyo, which means “desert country” in makes Argentina a unique choice . This lots of beef, especially barbecued, which aboriginal language, is a region of high includes its landscapes, climate and popu- is known as asado . Mate is a caffeine-rich peaks, snow-covered volcanoes and lation . Argentina is usually described as infused beverage and we also offer sev- great wilderness, spreading from the An- a land of impressive contrasts, thanks to eral regional dishes and dulce de leche (a des mountain range and foothills to the its varied geography . From the Andes to thick caramel dessert made from milk steppe . the west, to the Pampas and the Atlantic and sugar) treats . Traditional dances and Andean vicuñas and guanacos (both Coast to the east; from the Puna to the music, such as the tango, which was born realtives of the llama), cohabit freely in north to Patagonia to the south, many at- in Buenos Aires in the 19th Century and parks and natural reserves, while condors tractions are designated protected areas, today has followers all around the world, fly over the area . The region displays I N PROT U R

94 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN destinations|delights

Iguazú Falls (one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and also a Natural Heritage of Mankind) is made up of 275 waterfalls.

the full splendour of the Central Andean at estancias (ranches) near the mountains Range . The Aconcagua, at 22,837 feet and at gourmet restaurants among lush high (6,962 m), is the highest peak in the vineyards . Authentic dishes are treated Western Hemisphere, and its steep slopes as art pieces and are always accompanied are renowned and respected by mountain by excellent wines: young and mature red climbers from all over the world . wines, fresh rosé wines, aromatic white In the valleys of Mendoza and San wines and irresistible sparkling wines . Fla- Juan, among the farms and wineries, vours and textures embrace the culinary visitors can travel along the Wine Road, legacy of Italian and Spanish immigrants . an attraction of international fame . With A visit to Ischigualasto and Talampaya the Andean Range on the horizon, Cuyo’s National Parks is a true journey into the flavours are tasted at restaurants and par- dinosaur era . Ischigualasto, also known as rillas (restaurants serving Argentine bar- “Valle de la Luna” (Moon Valley) because becue exclusively) in the downtown areas, of the amazing diversity of forms and colours of a landscape that was shaped by erosion, is one of the world’s most important paleontological sites . The Talampaya Canyon reveals curious shapes formed by Ischigualasto, also known as “Valle de la erosion . On full-moon nights, this canyon Luna” (Moon Valley) because of the diver- offers an amazing tour . sity of forms and colours of a landscape shaped by erosion, is one of the world’s The North most important paleontological sites. Argentina’s northern provinces feature traces of pre-Columbian cultures mixed with ruins of native villages, as well as the subtropical rain forests — all display forts and constructions dating back to our Latin American roots and culture . the time of the conquest and coloniza- tion . Time seems to stand still in the high Iguazu Waterfalls: wonders of nature plateau of Puna, a land full of mountain Iguazú National Park is one of the most ranges, steep mountain paths and gorges . emblematic parks in the country . The Multicoloured and monochromatic hills park’s roads are surrounded by jungle and are covered with huge cacti on the slopes lead to a unique site, where birds sing and that surround unique villages . nature vibrates with the thunder of run- The Mendoza Wine Road is a favourite at- This region offers landscapes full of ning water . Iguazú Falls (one of the New traction for oenophiles. contrasts for tourists to enjoy, from the Seven Wonders of Nature) consists of 275 high peaks to the plains, the salt pans and waterfalls that create a white mist over I N PROT U R / M i n isterio de Tu rismo l a ció

diplomat and international canada 95 DELIGHTS|destinations

the area . The rivers that run through this region are an invitation to adventure and adrenaline-pumping activities . More than 450 bird species attract birdwatchers and nature lovers . Not far away from Iguazú Falls, we find the San Ignacio Miní Guarani Jesuit Missions — declared a Mankind Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO — as well as other Jesuit missions . In those places, culture and jungle merge with the stories of the Jesuit missions that were established in the region during the 17th Century .

Patagonia The Andean Mountain Range displays all its greatness on the Patagonian provinces . Thousand-year-old silent forests with native vegetation extend to the banks of the lagoons . On mountain tops, nature over- flows with granite needles and icy fields brimming with glaciers over lakes .

Along the Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires, one can enjoy the mix of art nouveau and neo- classical architecture.

Farther south, visitors will find Tierra dance bars where the tango is performed) . del Fuego and Ushuaia, the latter being A city for fashion and shopping, it at- the southern-most city in the world . They tracts visitors with its elegant commercial are both an open door to the immense soli- centres, prestigious designer stores and tude of mysterious Antarctica . picturesque fairs offering fine second- hand products . The capital of Argentina Province of Buenos Aires features many beautiful buildings, reflect- In the largest province of Argentina, there ing different styles and influences, such is a horizon of striking, endless cultivated as French, Italian and Spanish . Modern and cattle-raising lands . This is the land buildings, avant-garde towers, rational- of the gauchos, the people of the pampas or ist and contemporary architecture are all The tango has enjoyed a resurgence in Buenos greenlands . There are many “estancias” present in the Buenos Aires skyline . Aires. that offer accommodation, activities and This bohemian and fraternal city is great food . Along the Atlantic coast, beach full of remarkable cafés and bars, where Imposing mammals and sea birds towns come one after another, offering chatting never ends around the tables . In are abundant on the Patagonian coasts, plenty of options to enjoy sand beaches, gastronomic terms, gourmet and family where they spend a good part of their life dunes, forests, fishing spots and nightlife . restaurants co-exist with parrillas, pizze- cycle . Colonies of sea lions play and rest rias, international restaurants, tea houses, on small islands and sandbars . Southern Buenos Aires City exquisite delicatessens and astonishing elephant seals have their greatest conti- Buenos Aires is one of the greatest cities ice cream parlours . Considered a friendly nental station in the world on the Valdés in the world . It is a cultural city, devoted metropolis, it is an international tourist Peninsula . The Nuevo and San José gulfs to art, music, theatre, design, architecture, destination that welcomes people from all bear witness to the arrival of the Southern fashion and great food . Eclectic, sexy over the world . Right Whale, which every year returns and mysterious, Buenos Aires witnessed there for feeding and breeding . One of the birth of tango in its suburbs and Gerardo Ezequiel Bompadre is the chargé the largest colonies of Magellan penguins now proudly features it at sophisticated d’affaires at the embassy of Argentina . nests in Punta Tombo . tanguerías and popular milongas (both Reach him at (613) 236-2351 . i S toc k P hotos

96 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN destinations|DELIGHTS

Non-stop joys of Lima

Lacomar is an open-air shopping mall on the ocean, whose shops feature unique, high-end and expensive goods.

Montreal . The best flights are direct, over- Limavision, which nicely balanced look- night and don’t cause jet lag . ing-out-the-window time with walking, Lima is divided into 30 districts or seeing and experiencing . The highlight neighbourhoods . Each has its own mini- was the Monastery of San Francisco with culture, look and demographic . For tour- its catacombs, in use until the early 19th ing Lima, consider Miraflores, Barranco Century . or San Isidro as a home base . Miraflores is We got off the bus in Plaza San Martin . touristy and convenient; Barranco is bohe- This historic part of Lima, together with mian and gives a better sense of the local the monastery, is a UNESCO World Heri- Story and photos by Jessie Reynolds culture (and consequently has fewer hotel tage Site . The Plaza is a central square of options); and San Isidro is in the business the city, surrounded by gorgeous build- eru, often seen as the swatch of quarter with more “big box” hotels . All ings, including the famous Gran Hotel land that surrounds Machu Picchu, three are convenient hubs filled with res- Bolivar, former temporary home to sev- Phas a cosmopolitan and fascinat- taurants and shops . My home base hotel eral Hollywood stars, and the supposed ing capital city . Lima, for its diverse his- was the Atton San Isidro — it’s modern, birthplace of the famous pisco sour . The tory, innovation, arts and lively culture, offers delicious meals and maintains an development of this frothy, sour alcoholic deserves a standalone visit . Or, at least, it incredible standard of service . beverage is proudly and firmly claimed by calls for several dedicated days before you both Peruvians and Chileans . Either way, move on to the country’s other national Day 1 make sure to have at least a few rounds treasures . Fuelled with morning coffee and break- while you’re there . Much in its favour, too, are the af- fast at the well-appointed hotel, I took a Also facing the Plaza is the ornate fordable flights available from Toronto, guided tour as a way to plan the remain- and elegant Presidential Palace . From Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and ing days’ excursions . My tour was with the Plaza, the group walked towards the jessie rey n olds

diplomat and international canada 97 DELIGHTS|destinations

Morro Solar Hill, overlooking downtown Lima, has an observatory, monument to the Un- At 37 metres, Cristo del Pacifico, erected in known Soldier and a statue of Jesus, partly personally paid for by then-Peruvian president 2011, is thought to be the world’s tallest Alan Garcia. statue of Christ. monastery . The guides, splitting between Wrap up the night with an evening Jose Larco, or Avenida Larco . The best English- and Spanish-speaking tours, pisco sour at the hotel bar and prepare for way to start any walk is with a churro, a were well-educated on the history, use, another day . Spanish fried pastry . Manolo Churreria, architecture and art of San Francisco . Its a churro chain, is incredibly popular in catacombs are historically fascinating . The Day 2 Lima . Also, they’re easy to find . Looking small cavern-like rooms — all connected The front desk staff will recommend tours, for a churro store? Scan for signs that say by damp stone passageways — are filled interesting sites and, in terms of practicali- churreria . A bookstore? Libreria . Hats? Som- with tidy stacks of skulls and femurs . It ties, will call you an official cab . Take Taxi breria . And, the most common example: leaves you feeling the mystery of the past, Metropolitano when you’re there . It’s a pizzeria . the sadness of the anonymity, but also trusted company . Fares are pre-set (at the At the foot of Avenida Larco, you’ll hit calm and peaceful . time of writing, one Nuevo Sol exchanged the ocean . The city has done a great job One of the biggest adjustments to daily to approximately 0 .35 US cents) . making the waterfront an accessible and schedules for North Americans in Lima If you’re looking for gifts, you can get enjoyable spot to spend an afternoon . A (and most of South America) is meal times . high-end items from shopping centres or unique feature of this part of the city is If you’re used to sitting down before 7 p .m ., boutique shops . Local crafts and products Love Park, which features El Beso, a statue eating between 8 and 10 p .m . is difficult . are found at the artisan market . There of a couple mid-kiss . Each year, a competi- The solution is to eat just as restaurants is a huge variety of items: clothing, art, tion is held there for the longest kiss . open in late afternoon or early evening . jewelry, silver, souvenirs, paper products Beside Love Park is Larcomar, a high- The ceviche and crayfish soup at the and sports paraphernalia . When you’re end, open-air shopping centre fronting on Chabuca, the restaurant in the Hotel At- shopping, the standard tourist caution to the Pacific Ocean . The shops are unique, ton, are delicious . Ceviche, much like the bring small bills and don’t wear or carry lovely and expensive . If you aren’t here to pisco sour, is a national dish . The mix of valuable items applies . The prices and shop, just grab a sandwich from La Lucia (uncooked) marinated cubed fish, spices, finds are tremendous and you can have Sangucheria Criolla and find a seat over- lemon, onions and corn is a winner . One fun haggling, especially if you are buying looking the water . of the major shocks of this local dish — several items from one shop or booth . The other shopping option is a cab and others that contain corn — is the sheer After treasure-hunting, head to JFK ride away at Jockey Plaza . It’s huge, with size of a single kernel . It’s three-to-five Park . There’s a nearby grocery store, a a maze of stores and better prices than times the size of the kernels in Canada . Metro, and it has an impressive prepared Larcomar . The most unique items seem The crayfish soup, meanwhile, is served food bar . If something appeals to you, buy to come from South American designer with a soft egg . The “egg on top” trend it (no haggling this time) and enjoy it on boutiques in the local department store . seems to be all over South America . In a bench under the giant old trees in the A local, renowned chef opened Tanta res- soup or on a steak, it’s a pleasant and park . From there, it’s an interesting and taurant here and it’s a great spot for an in- homey touch . pleasant walk to the ocean along Avenida troduction to the local cuisine . The sample lo jessie rey n olds / J o a Pau

98 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN destinations|DELIGHTS

platter of traditional Peruvian fare is a they’re shacks . These very modest, tin- great place to start, followed by aguadito, sided, crammed together, untidy homes some of the best soup I’ve ever had . It’s have doorways that are permanently open green, spicy and delicious . to this perfect view . If you follow the road with your eyes, Day 3 down towards the ocean, you’ll eventually Just outside downtown Lima, there are navigate to the hustle and bustle of people several things to see and do . Buy tickets taking advantage of the waves . Despite to see a Peruvian Paso performance . The being cold year-round, the Pacific is never Paso is a unique breed of horse with a empty of adventurous Peruvians . And rare and smooth gait . It walks with both that’s where we’ll head tomorrow . But right legs back at the same time while first, dinner . both left legs are forward . Several of the There are endless restaurants to experi- horses I watched also showed a curving ence in Lima, and the quality of food and movement . Instead of moving the legs service is of a metropolitan European in a straight back and forth motion, they standard . The city has recently gone The artisan market in Lima sells clothes, art, actually move outward, away from the through its own mini food, art and design jewelry and souvenirs, some locally crafted horse’s body on their way forward, cre- renaissance . Lima hosts renowned fashion and some mass-produced. ating a very unusual sight when they’re shows, draws international chefs and has trotting . The Lima area is a prime spot to built new architectural wonders (some- or lessons are available (either group or view these graceful creatures as it hosts times for the better, sometimes not) . one-on-one) . I suggest one-on-one lessons . many Paso competitions, shows and ex- With this in mind, I dined at a small, Group lessons tend to consist of a 30-min- hibitions . local — but very impressive — restaurant: ute on-sand lesson, and then having the On your way back into the city, stop at Arúgula in Miraflores . It was comfortable instructor holler inaudible tips to the Morro Solar Hill . Overlooking downtown and quiet, but served food that you’d group, across the waves while also chat- Lima and the Pacific Ocean, it’s home expect to see (and taste) at a Four Seasons ting with a friend . A one-on-one lesson to an observatory, a wartime monument Hotel: modern, plated beautifully and allows the instructor to watch what you’re dedicated to the Unknown Soldier and a unique . The curry scallop penne (penne al doing, correct it and continue to help you improve until you experience that one glorious moment when you actually ride a wave the full distance to shore . After surfing, walk down the beach to one of the more appealing restaurants in Lima, La Rosa Náutica . It’s fine dining, so you might want to shed the wetsuit for something more formal . Enjoy dining on a pier over the ocean and watching the surfers until dusk . Wherever you dine in Lima, make sure that you — at least once — indulge in conchitas a la Parmesana (Parmesan scallops) . It is the first dish you’ll try to replicate when you get home, reminiscing about Lima . After you’ve said goodbye to culinary Lima, visit the Magic Water Tour at the Parque de la Reserva . It was a construction gamble taken by Lima around six years ago, and it has paid off . The park has 13 fountains, some interactive, that Love Park, with El Beso, a statue of a couple kissing, features a Valentine’s Day longest-kiss light up strikingly at night, perhaps the competition. most unique among them being a tunnel of water through which visitors can walk . Brazil-esque massive statue of Jesus . If the curry con conchas) was excellent . It’s just one of many more experiences attractions on the hill don’t appeal to you, that make Lima a unique, pleasure-filled the view certainly will . Sitting on the wall Day 4 and surprising city . surrounding the Unknown Soldier gives The last full day calls for a return to the you an awesome view of the city, ocean ocean . Surfing in Lima is common . The Jessie Reynolds lives in Toronto and and distant hills and villages . fact that only a wetsuit separates the works as a Sr . Analyst with Barrick Gold What makes this view unique are your surfer from the cold waters is a testa- Corporation’s Asset Protection and Crisis neighbours . The homes built up the side ment to how popular it is . Playa Makaja Management Group . She fits in travel of Morro Solar are not what you’d expect in Miraflores is the place to go . As an whenever she can . Reach her at to be occupying this kind of real estate; experienced surfer, you can rent boards, jreynolds .diplomat@gmail .com .

diplomat and international canada 99 DELIGHTS|photo finish k ebeedellphoto.c a M i k e B eedell www.mi

Photographer Mike Beedell photographed this loon at a “secret lake” in the Gatineau Hills. Here, a male scares off other suitors and other birds. Loons are highly territorial. This region of Quebec has one of the world’s highest concentrations of loons whose haunting call offers a quintessential Canadian experience. Mr. Beedell's recent adventures included a February project in Wapusk National Park, Man., docu- menting the season when polar bear cubs and their mothers emerge from their dens. After the cold, he headed to the Dominican Republic to observe and document the behaviour of 40-tonne humpback whales and their calves. Visit www.mikebeedellphoto.ca to see more of Mr. Beedell’s work.

100 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN HELLO...

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102 Spring 2014 | APR-MAY-JUN