Well, this is my farewell blog. The time here has gone too quickly, a sure indication of how much my wife and I have enjoyed our time in The Netherlands.
Order of the rising sun
The week started with pleasant social engagements including dinners with friends from the United States and South Africa.
Africa and the ICC
This has been another busy week in The Netherlands.
Gaza
I returned today from Gaza. It was quite an exhausting trip – seven hours each way from Cairo through the Rafah Crossing.
Gaza
This week continued to be a lively one. Apart from the impressive MacArthur proceedings on Monday evening, there were many media interviews and preparation for the visit of our Fact Finding Mission to Gaza.
International Justice Award
On Monday evening I attended one of the memorable events of mt life – proceedings relating to the presentation of the MacArthur Foundation Award for International Justice.
Haagse Brug
On Wednesday afternoon I participated in a most impressive and enjoyable afternoon proceedings organized by the City of The Hague and the Netherlands Institute for International Relations, Clingendael.
Dinner, defense and duty
On Sunday evening Noleen and I were privileged to attend an unusual dinner. The hostess was my assistant when I was the Chief Prosecutor of the Yugoslavia Tribunal from 1994 to 1996. She invited some of the other Tribunal people she has worked with including two of the judges and their wives. The food and company were outstanding as were the piano interludes that accompanied the meal.
Fact finding on Gaza
“This has been an intensive week of meetings and briefings on the Fact Finding Mission on Gaza that I am heading on behalf of the United Nations.
A press release on our progress will be issued tomorrow.
I am looking forward to the weekend and returning to the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of NIAS and a week of activities in The Hague. But more about that next week.”
- Richard Goldstone
Transitional Justice
The splendid weather this week has made it difficult to spend time indoors. Noleen and I have enjoyed lovely walks getting to know the beauty of Wassenaar. The homes and gardens are a joy to see. We enjoyed the Queen’s Birthday festivities in Wassenaar and especially the coffee and biscuits!
