MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Hague, 5 October 2015
MINBUZA-2015.546009
Excellency,
On the occasion of the signing of the Host State Agreement between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the International
Commission on Missing Persons concerning the seat of the International Commission on Missing Persons, I would like
to refer to the discussions held between representatives of the International Commission
on Missing Persons and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the interpretation
of certain provisions of the Host State Agreement.
I have the honour to confirm on behalf of the Government of the Netherlands the following
understandings.
With respect to Article 2, it is the understanding of the Parties that the term stability encompasses the term
“security”.
With respect to Article 12(1) and (2) it is the understanding of the Parties that the host State shall not withhold tax
on interests and proceeds from investments by the International Commission on Missing
Persons in so far as these interests and proceeds from investments are generated within
the scope of the official activities of the International Commission on Missing Persons.
Such official activities shall include investments made by ICMP in its Providence
Fund or other pension, retirement or severance arrangements for the benefit of ICMP
staff.
With respect to Article 12(4) it is the understanding of the Parties that goods acquired or imported under the
terms set out in paragraph 2 of Article 12 may be sold, let out, given away or otherwise
disposed of, but only in accordance with conditions agreed upon with the host State.
With respect to Article 16(1)(h) it is the understanding of the Parties that the words “at the time of first taking
up their position in the host State” in general refers to a maximum period of twelve
(12) months.
With respect to Article 16(3) and (4) it is the understanding of the Parties that the International Commission on Missing
Persons will inform the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands of the available ranks and/or job levels within its
organization. ICMP will also inform the Protocol Department of the ranks it considers
to be comparable to a diplomatic agent and the ranks it considers to be comparable
to administrative and technical staff. The International Commission on Missing Persons
will convey this information prior to the taking up of the position by the official.
I should be grateful if you could confirm on behalf of the International Commission
on Missing Persons that the above is also the understanding of the International Commission
on Missing Persons.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Sincerely,
A.G. KOENDERS
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Kathryne Bomberger
Director-General
International Commission on Missing Persons
Sarajevo