Washington Life Magazine - Ambassadors Directory - October 2006

October 2006

Wa s h i n g to n ’s P r e m i e r luxu ry L i f e s t y l e M ag a z i n e S i n c e 1 9 9 1

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the 2007 Ambassadors’ Directory Our indispensable guide to the diplomatic corps

French Amb. Jean-David Levitte and Marie-Cecile Levitte

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Singaporean Amb. Heng Chee Chan

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Swedish Amb. Gunnar Lund and wife Karie Lotsberg

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British Amb. Sir David and Lady Manning

Hungarian Amb. Andras Simonyi with wife Nada Simonyine Pejak

Oman Amb. Hunaina Al-Mughairy and Saudi Arabia Amb. HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal

Lebanese Amb. Farid Abdoud with wife Rim Hilal Abdoud Japanese Amb. Ryozo Kato

Dominican Republic Amb. Flavio Dario Espinal with wife Minerva del Risco

Indian Amb. Ronendra Sen with wife Kalpena Sen

Grenadian Amb. Denis G. Antoine

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French Amb. Jean-David Levitte with wife Marie-Cecile Levitte

Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta Barbados Amb. Michael Ian King W A S H I N G T O N L I F E | O c to b e r 2 0 0 6 | washingtonlife.com with wife Leila Castellaneta with wife Jacqueline Ann Natalie King

WL’s 2007 Ambassador’s Directory AfGHANISTAN Ambassador: Said T. Jawad Spouse: Shamim Children: One Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 2341 Wyoming Ave., N.W, Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 483‑6410 Residence: 2001 24th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 Albania AMbassador: Aleksander Sallabanda Spouse: Sasha Sallabanda Children: Two Presented Credentials: May 11, 2006 Embassy: 2100 S St N.W., 20008 (202) 223‑4942 Algeria AMbassador: Amine Kherbi Spouse: Ilse Kherbi Children: Three Presented Credentials: May 11, 2006 Embassy: 2118 Kalorama Rd. N.W., 20008 (202) 265-2800 Residence: “The Elms,” 4040 52nd St N.W., 20016 Andorra Ambassador: Jelena V. Pia-Comella Presented Credentials: April 26, 2001 Embassy: 2 United Nations Plaza 27th floor, NY, NY 10017 (212) 750-8064 Angola AMbassador: Josefina Pitra Diakite Spouse: Mamadou Diakite Children: Two Presented Credentials: June 20, 2001 Embassy: 2100-2108 16th St N.W. (202) 7851156 Residence: 9 Stapleford Hall Court, Potomac MD, 20854 (202) 785-1285 Antigua & Barbuda AMbassador: Deborah Mae Lovell Presented Credentials: March, 8 2005 Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave N.W., 20016 (202) 362 -5122 Residence: “The Elms,” 4040 52nd St. N.W., 20016 Argentina Ambassador: Jose Octavio Bordon Spouse: Monica Gonzalez de Bordon Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 1600 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., 20009 (202) 3625112 Residence: 1815 Q Street N.W., 20009 Armenia AMbassador: Tatoul Markarian Spouse: Anna Aghumian Children: Two Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 2225 R St. N.W., 20008 (202) 319-1976 AUstralia AMbassador: Dennis Richardson Spouse: Betty Richardson Children: Two Presented Credentials: July 11, 2005 Embassy: 1601 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20036 (202) 797-3000 Residence: 3120 Cleveland Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 797-3000 AUstria Ambassador: Eva Nowotny Spouse: Dr. Thomas Nowotny Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 3524 International Court N.W., 20008 (202) 895-6775 Residence: 2419 Wyoming Ave. N.W., 20008

Azerbaijan AMbassador: Hafiz Mir Jalal Pashayev Spouse: Rena Pashayeva Children: Two Presented Credentials: April 14, 1993 Embassy: 2741 34th St. N.W., 20008 (202) 337-3500 Bahamas AMbassador: Joshua Sears Spouse: Michelle Sears Children: Four Presented Credentials: June 14, 2005 Embassy: 2220 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 319-2667 Residence: 5100 Warren Place N.W., 20016 (202) 319-2660 Bahrain AMbassador: Naser M. Al Belooshi Spouse: Sharifa Benammour Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 7, 2005 Embassy: 23502 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202)342-1111 Residence: 4646 Hawthorne Lane N.W., 20016 Bangladesh Ambassador: Samsher M. Chowdhury Spouse: Shamim Children: One Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 3510 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 244-0183 Residence: 4 Highboro Court, Bethesda MD, 20817 (301) 320-5022 Barbados AMbassador: Michael Ian King Spouse: Jacqueline Ann Natalie King Children: Two Presented Credentials: December 7, 2000 Embassy: 2144 Wyoming Ave. N.W., 20008 (202) 939-9200 Residence: 4850 Linnean Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 362-9587 Belarus AMbassador: Mikhail Khvostov Spouse: Galina Khvostova Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 1619 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., 20009 (202) 986-1604 Belgium Ambassador: Baron Frans van Daele Spouse: Baroness Christiana Deroover van Daele Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 25, 2002 Embassy: 3330 Garfield St N.W., 20008 (202)333-6900 Residence: 2300 Foxhall Rd N.W., 20007 Belize AMbassador: Lisa M. Shoman Presented Credentials: December 7, 2000 Embassy: 2535 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 (202) 332-9636 Benin AMbassador: Cyrille S. Oguin Spouse: Hortense Oguin Children: Two Presented Credentials: March 13, 2001 Embassy: 2124 Kalorama Rd N.W., 20008 (202) 232-6656 Residence: 9901 Sorrel Ave., Potomac MD, 20854 (301) 299-0428 Bolivia Ambassador: Gustavo Guzman Presented Credentials: September 12, 2006 Embassy: 3014 Massachusetts

Embassy insider

What Makes You Feel at Home in Washington?

Compiled by Gail Scott

British Ambassador Sir David Manning “It may sound trite, but it’s the true warmth of the American people to foreigners. You always receive us with enormous kindness and courtesy … it’s not about a place; it’s about the people.”

Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy and his wife Nermin When asked, both Ambassador and his wife looked at each other, smiled and said, “Café Milano!” The ambassador explained, “There are a lot of people, a lot of noise, a lot of smoking; typical of the Middle East. And frankly, they make it personal. They always know you and they welcome my guests so warmly.”

Mass Ave. is living gallery of unique embassy styles

New Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco “I visited Washington when I was a 19-year-old student at Wellesley and my father was a director at the World Bank.

Now when I see some of those same places I saw then, like Nathan’s in Georgetown, I feel at home.”

Norwegian Ambassador Knut Vollebaek “My half hour run every morning around the Cathedral. I do the same thing every morning at 6:30 a.m. I get to see the sun coming up. It’s wonderful.”

Hungarian Ambassador András Simonyi “Playing my guitar, whether it’s with my band, Coalition of the Willing, or in my attic at the end of a very long, hard day.”

Greek Ambassador Alexandros Mallias “Watering and pampering my flowers. There is always something to do in the garden and that relaxes me.”

Embassy of Ireland

Moroccan Ambassador Aziz Mekouar “Golfing together with my wife at the Chevy Chase Club.”

Nicaraguan Ambassador Salvador Stadthagen “Going to Dumbarton Oaks makes me feel most at home — my wife and I first walked there with one son, now we have four. And going back to Armand’s Chicago Pizzeria — they still have the best pizza in town.”

Icelandic Ambassador Helgi Agustsson “Going to a Wizards or Redskins game. We love music too, so going to the Kennedy Center for a concert or catching a movie in Georgetown.”

Embassy of Cote D’Ivoire

Embassy photos by Paul Simkin WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Ave N.W. (202) 483-4410 Residence: 3012 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 Bosnia & Herzegovina AMbassador: Bisera Turkovic Presented Credentials: August 10, 2005 Embassy: 2109 E St N.W., 20037 (202) 337-1500 Botswana AMbassador: Lapologang Caesar Lekoa Spouse: Mpho Gloria Bojelo Lekoa Children: Two Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 1531-33 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 244-4990 Residence: 1001 Bent Cross Drive, Potomac MD, 20854 Brazil Ambassador: Roberto P. Abdenur Spouse: Maria Izabel Abdenur Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 3006 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 238-2700 Residence: 3000 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008

Cameroon Ambassador: Jerome Mendouga Spouse: Louisette Mendouga Children: Six Presented Credentials: June 23, 1994 Embassy: 2349 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-8790 Residence: 2825 Normanstone Drive N.W., 20008 Canada AMbassador: Michael Wilson Spouse: Julia McKenna Presented Credentials: March 13, 2006 Embassy: 501 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., 20001 (202) 682-1740 Residence: 2825 Rock Creek Dr. N.W., 20008 Cape Verde AMbassador: Jose Brito Spouse: Maria Lourdes Santos Children: One Presented Credentials: November 8, 2001 Embassy: 3415 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20007 (202) 965-6820 Residence: 6509 Kenhill Road, Bethesda MD, 20817

Brunei AMbassador: Pengiran Anak Dato Puteh Spouse: Datin Kamilah Abdullah Children: Two Presented Credentials: May 14, 1997Embassy: 3520 International Court N.W., 20008 (202) 237-1838

Central African Republic Ambassador: Emmanuel Tuoaboy Spouse: Mireille Nathalie Tuoaboy Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 14, 2001 Embassy: 1618 22nd St N.W., 20008 (202)483-7800 Residence: 1840 Redwood Terrace N.W., 20012

Bulgaria AMbassador: Elena Borislavova Poptodorova Spouse: Georgi Petrov Children: One Presented Credentials: February 14, 2002 Embassy: 1621 22nd St N.W., 20008 (202) 319-2667 Residence: 5100 Warren Place N.W., 20016 (202) 364-4053

Chad Ambassador: Mahamoud Adam Bechir Spouse: Nouracham Bechir Mian Children: Seven Presented Credentials: December 9, 2004 Embassy: 2002 R St N.W., 20009 (202) 462-4009 Residence: 16833 Harbor Town Dr, Silver Spring MD, 20905

Burkina Faso Ambassador: Tertius Zongo Spouse: Priscille Zongo Yanogo Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 14, 2002 Embassy: 2340 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202)332-5577 Residence: 6338 16th St. N.W., 20011 (202) 722-5284

Chile AMbassador: Mariano Fernandez Spouse: Maria Angelica Morales Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 6, 2006 Embassy: 1732 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 785-1746 Residence: 2305 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-0511

Burma Charge d’Affaires: Myint Lwin Spouse: Khin Thi Win Presented Credentials: September 29, 2005 Embassy: 2300 S St N.W., 20008 (202)332-3344 Residence: 2223 R St. N.W., 20008 Burundi AMbassador: Antoine Ntamobwa Spouse: Rosette Ndereyimana Children: Four Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave N.W., 20007 (202) 342-2574 Residence: 10309 Fleming Ave., Bethesda MD, 20814 Cambodia AMbassador: Sereywath Ek Spouse: Sang Khov Children: Two Presented Credentials: March 8, 2005 Embassy: 4530 16th St N.W., 20011 (202) 726-7742 Residence: 4500 16th St. N.W., 20011

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China AMbassador: Zhou Wenzhong Spouse: Shumin Xie Children: One Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 2300 Connecticut Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 328-2500 Colombia Ambassador: Carolina Barco Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 2006 Embassy: 2118 Leroy Place N.W., 20008 (202)387-8338 Residence: 1520 20th St. N.W., 20036 Comoros No current ambassador Embassy: 420 E. 50th St, NY, NY 10022 (212) 972-8010 Congo, Democratic Republic of AMbassador: Faida Mitifu Spouse: Dr. Maurice Shalishali Children: Four Presented Credentials: February 3, 2000 Embassy: 1726 M St N.W., 20036 (202) 234-7690 Residence: 1726 M St. N.W., 20036

Congo, Republic of AMbassador: Serge Mombouli Spouse: Stella Corine Mombouli Children: Six Presented Credentials: July 31, 2001 Embassy: 4891 Colorado Ave N.W., 20011 (202) 726-0825 Residence: 10809 Riverwood Dr., Potomac MD, 20854 Costa Rica Ambassador: Tomas Dueñas Spouse: Diana Chavarria Kopper Dueñas Presented Credentials: December 9, 2004 Embassy: 2114 S Street N.W., 20008 (202) 234-2945 Residence: 1830 24th St. N.W., 20008 Cote D’Ivoire AMbassador: Daouda Diabate Spouse: Cecile Diabate Children: Six Presented Credentials: July 15, 2006 Embassy: 2424 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 797-0300 Croatia AMbassador: Neven Jurica Spouse: Dunja Jurica Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 2343 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 588-5899 Cyprus Ambassador: Euripides L. Evriviades Spouse: Anastasia Iacovidou-Evriviades Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 12211 R St N.W., 20008 (202)462-5772 Residence: 1825 24th St. N.W., 20008

20007 (202) 965-1515 Residence: 6304 Grand Central Park, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Ecuador AMbassador: Luis Gallegos Spouse: Fabiola Gallegos Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 26, 2005 Embassy: 2535 15th St N.W., 20009 (202) 234-7200 Residence: 2320 Bancroft Place, N.W., 20008 (202) 667-4372 Egypt AMbassador: Nabil Fahmy Spouse: Nermin Abdel Nabi Fahmy Children: Three Presented Credentials: November 29, 1999 Embassy: 3521 International Court N.W., 20008 (202) 895-5400 Residence: 2301 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 El Salvador AMbassador: Rene A. Leon Children: Two resented Credentials: September 8, 1997 Embassy: 1400 16th St N.W., Suite 100, 20036 (202) 265-9671 Residence: 5171 Macomb St. N.W., 20016 Equatorial Guinea AMbassador: Purificacion Angue Ondo Presented Credentials: November 30, 2005 Embassy: 2020 16th St N.W., 20009 (202) 518-5700 Eritrea AMbassador: Girmai Ghebremarian Presented Credentials: June 20, 2001 Embassy: 1706 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 319-1991

Czech Republic Ambassador: Petr Kolar Spouse: Jaroslava Kolarova Children: Two Presented Credentials: November 30, 2005 Embassy: 3900 Spring of Freedom St N.W., 20008 (202) 274-9100 Residence: 2612 Tilden St. N.W., 20008

Estonia AMbassador: Jüri Luik Spouse: Ruth Lausma Luik Children: One Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 2131 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 588-0101

Denmark AMbassador: Friis Arne Petersen Spouse: Birgitte Yvonne Wilhelmsen Petersen Presented Credentials: October 3, 2005 Embassy: 3200 Whitehaven St N.W., 20008 (202) 234-4300

Ethiopia AMbassador: Samuel Assefa Presented Credentials: May 11, 2006 Embassy: 3506 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 364-1200 Residence: 2209 Wyoming Ave. N.W., 20008

Djibouti AMbassador: Roble Olhaye Spouse: Amina Farah Ahmed Olhaye Children: Five Presented Credentials: March 22, 1998 Embassy: 1156 15th St N.W., 20005 (202) 331-0270 Dominica AMbassador: No current ambassador Dominican Republic Ambassador: Flavio Dario Espinal Spouse: Minerva del Risco Espinal Children: Two Presented Credentials: March 8, 2005 Embassy: 1715 22nd St N.W., 20008 (202) 332-6280 Residence: 2930 Edgevale Terrace N.W., 20008 East Timor AMbassador: Jose Luis Guterres Spouse: Ana Maria Valerio Children: Two Presented Credentials: May 8, 2005 Embassy: 3415 Massachusetts Ave N.W.,

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

European Union AMbassador: John Bruton Spouse: Finola Bruton Children: Four Presented Credentials: December 9, 2004 Embassy: 2300 M St N.W., 20037 (202) 895-9500 Residence: 2534 Belmont Road N.W., 20008 Fiji AMbassador: Jesoni Vitusagavulu Spouse: Silina Vesinawa Vitusagavulu Presented Credentials: August 16, 2005 Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave N.W. Suite 240, 20007 (202) 337-8320 Finland AMbassador: Pekka Lintu Spouse: Laurel Colless Presented Credentials: January 10, 2006 Embassy: 3301 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 298-5800 Residence: 3001 Woodland Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 265-4394

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Guinea AMbassador: Alpha Oumar Rafiou Barry Spouse: Raye Diallo Barry Children: Four Presented Credentials: September 25, 2002 Embassy: 2112 Leroy Place N.W., 20008 (202) 986-4300

2006

Indonesia Ambassador: Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat Presented Credentials: January 23, 2006 Embassy: 2020 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 775-5200 Iraq Ambassador: Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida’ie Presented Credentials: April 11, 2006 Embassy: 1801 P St. N.W., 20036 (202) 483-7500

Ireland Ambassador: Noel Fahey Spouse: Christine Fahey Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 25, 2002 Embassy: 2234 Massachusetts Ave

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Japan Ambassador: Ryozo Kato Spouse: Hanayo Kato Children: Three Presented Credentials: November 8, 2001 Embassy: 2520 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 238-6700 Residence: 4000 Nebraska Ave N.W., 20016 Jordan Ambassador: Karim Kawar Spouse: Luma Kawar Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 25, 2002 Embassy: 3504 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 966-2664 Residence: 1232 Perry Williams Drive, McLean VA, 22101 (703) 448-0456 Kazakhstan Ambassador: Kanat Saudabayev Spouse: Kullikhan Saudabayev Children: Three resented Credentials:February 14, 2001 Embassy: 1401 16th St N.W., 20036 (202) 232-5488 Residence: 4129 Parkglen N.W., 20008 Kenya Ambassador: Leonard Ngaithe Spouse: Susan Ngaithe Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 2249 R St N.W., 20008 (202) 387-6101 Residence: 10201 Sorrel Ave., Potomac MD, 20854 Korea Ambassador: Tae Sik Lee Spouse: Suknam Lee Presented Credentials:October 26, 2005 Embassy: 2320 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 939-5653 Residence: 4801 Glenbrough Avenue N.W., 20017 Kuwait Ambassador: Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber AlSabah Spouse: Rima Al-Sabah Children: Three Presented Credentials: October 10, 2001 Embassy: 2940 Tilden St. N.W., 20008 (202) 966-0702 Kyrgyz Republic Ambassador: Zamira Beksultanovna Sydykova Spouse: Giiaz Tokombaev Children: Two Presented Credentials: July 11, 2005 Embassy: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 (202) 338-5141 Residence: North Arlington, VA

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Guatemala AMbassador: Jose Guillermo Castillo Spouse: Flor de Palacious de Castillo Children: Four Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 2220 RSt N.W., 20008 (202) 745-4952 Residence: 2839 Woodland Drive N.W., 20008

India Ambassador: Ronen Sen Spouse: Kalpana Sen Children: One Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 2107 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 939-7010 Residence: 2700 Macomb St. N.W., 20008 (202) 686-2328

Jamaica Ambassador: Gordon Valentine Shirley Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 1520 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 452-0660 Residence: 3103 Rolling Road, Chevy Chase MD, 20815

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Grenada AMbassador: Denis G. Antoine Spouse: Marva Antoine Presented Credentials: July 29, 1996 Embassy: 1701 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 265-2561

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Honduras Ambassador: Roberto Flores Bermudez Presented Credentials: April 27, 2006 Embassy: 3007 Tilden St N.W. Suite 4M, 20008 (202) 966‑7702 Residence: 5312 Portsmouth Rd., Bethesda MD, 20816

Iceland Ambassador designate: Albert Jonsson Spouse: Asa Baldvinsdottir Presented Credentials: Will be presented in November Embassy: 1156 15th St N.W. Suite 1200, 20005 (202) 265-6653 Residence: 2443 Kalorama Rd. N.W., 20008 (202) 332-3040

Greece AMbassador: Alexandros P. Mallia Spouse: Françoise-Anne Mallias Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 29, 2005 Embassy: 2221 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 939-1300 Residence: 2221 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

HolY SEE Nuncio: Archbishop Pietro Sambi Presented Credentials March 9, 2006 Embassy and residence: 3339 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 333-7121

HungarY Ambassador: Andras Simonyi Spouse: Nada Simonyine Pejak Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 25, 2002 Embassy: 3910 Shoemaker St N.W., 20008 (202) 362-6730 Residence: 2215 30th St. N.W., 20008

Ghana AMbassador: Fritz Kwabena Poku Spouse: Nana Efua Salvo Poku Children: Four Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 3512 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 686-4520 Residence: 2929 Benton Place N.W., 20008

Guinea-Bissau AMbassador: Rep. Henrique Da Silva Spouse: Maria da Silva Presented Credentials: November 13, 2000

Haiti AMbassador: Raymond Alcide Joseph Spouse: Lola Poisson Presented Credentials: August 2, 2005 Embassy: 2311 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 332-4090 Residence: 6200 Highland Drive, Chevy Chase MD, 20815

Italy Ambassador: Giovanni Castellaneta Spouse: Leila Castallaneta Presented Credentials:October 3, 2005 Embassy: 3000 Whitehaven St N.W., 20008 (202) 612-4400 Residence: 2800 Albemarle St. N.W., 20008

Latvia Ambassador: Maris Riekstins Spouse: Irena Riekstina Children: Two Presented Credentials: December 9, 2004 Embassy: 2306 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 328-2840 Residence: 5307 Blackstone Rd., Bethesda MD 20816

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Germany AMbassador: Dr. Klaus Scharioth Spouse: Dr. Ulrike Scharioth Children: Three Presented Credentials: March 13, 2006 Embassy: 4645 Reservoir Rd N.W., 20007 (202) 298-4201 Residence: 18000 Foxhall Road N.W., 20007 (202) 943-9583

Israel Ambassador: Daniel Ayalon Spouse: Anne Ayalon Children: Two Presented Credentials:July 30, 2002 Embassy: 3514 International Drive N.W., 20008 (202) 364-5590

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Georgia AMbassador: Vasil Sikharulidze Presented Credentials: March 9, 2006 Embassy: 1101 15th St N.W. Suite 602, 20005 (202) 387-2390 Residence:4701 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase MD, 20815

Guyana AMbassador: Bayney Karran Spouse: Donna Karran Children: Four Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 2490 Tracy Place N.W., 20008 (202) 265-6900 Residence: 6911 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda MD, 20718

Laos Ambassador: Phanthong Phommahaxay Spouse: Amphanh Phommahaxay Children: Four Presented Credentials: June 19, 2002 Embassy: 2222 S St N.W., 20008 (202) 332-6416 Residence: 2222 S Street N.W., 20008, (202) 332-6416

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Gambia Ambassador: Dodou BammyJagne Spouse: Begay Jagne Children: Five Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 1156 15th St N.W. Suite 905, 20005 (202) 785-1399

N.W., 20008 (202) 462-3939 Residence: 2244 S Street N.W., 20008

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Gabon AMbassador: Jules Marius Ogouebandja Spouse: Blandine Ogouebandja Children: Two Presented Credentials: October 10, 2001 Embassy: 2034 20th St N.W., 20009 (202) 797-1000

Embassy: 2112 Leroy Place N.W., 20008 (202) 986-4300

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France AMbassador: Jean-David Levitte Spouse: Marie-Cecile Levitte Children: Two Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 4101 Reservoir Rd N.W., 20007 (202) 244-6117 Residence: 2221 Kalorama Road N.W., 20008

League of Arab States Ambassador: Hussein Hassouna Embassy: 1100 17th St., N.W., Suite 602 (202) 265-3210 Lebanon Ambassador: Farid Abboud Spouse: Rim Hilal Abboud Children: One Presented Credentials: April 19, 1999 Embassy: 2560 28th St N.W., 20008 (202) 939-6300 Residence: 2841 McGill Terrace N.W., 20008, (202) 483-9255 Lesotho Ambassador: Molelekeng Ernestina Rapolaki Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 14, 2002 Embassy: 2511 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 797-5533 Residence: 7013 Loch Lomond Dr., Bethesda MD, 20817 Liberia Ambassador: Charles A. Minor Spouse: Comfort M. Minor Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 5201 16th St N.W., 20011 (202) 723-0437 Residence: 3507 Fulton St. N.W., 20007 Liechtenstein Ambassador: Claudia Fritsche Presented Credentials: December 7, 2000 Embassy: 888 17th St N.W., 20006 (202) 331-0590

Lithuania Charge d’Affaires: Dr. Kornelija Jurgaitiene Embassy: 2622 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-5860 Luxembourg Ambassador: Joseph Weyland Spouse: Benedicte Bocqeau Children: Two Presented Credentials: November 7, 2005 Embassy: 2200 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-4171

Macedonia Ambassador: H.E. Ljupco Jordanovski Embassy: 2129 Wyoming Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 667-0501 Residence: 5610 Wisconsin Ave., Sommerset 2, Apt. 18F, Chevy Chase MD, 20815 Madagascar Ambassador: Rajaonarivony Narisoa Spouse: Ravaomalala Rondrosoa Narisoa Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 2374

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embassy insider

What Makes You Feel at Home in Washington?

Compiled by Gail Scott

Bulgarian Ambassador Elena Poptodorova “There’s no other city like Washington: such a unique mix of power with intimacy in such a green setting. It is that intimacy with the people, the way they treat you that makes you feel at home. It’s “Washington Style.’”

Dominican Republic Ambassador Flavio Espinal

Embassy of Croatia

“I love to exercise in the Dominican Republic, so I try to take time to do that here. Right now I’m training three days a week for a January marathon in Miami. Plus, we go to church every Sunday. It’s important to do just what we do at home.”

Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah “The reason I feel at home here is the warmth, open mindedness and welcoming nature of Washingtonians.”

French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte “If I had to pick only one occasion, it was the Thanksgiving dinner last year when my old friend and U.N. colleague John Negroponte and his wife invited us to their family dinner as their only guests. For me, to be there in that most important moment of American family holidays, it was a real privilege.”

Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen Embassy of Oman

“I feel quite at home here since this capital city is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan with so many scholars, researchers, physicians, lawyers, journalists and entrepreneurs from India, who are contributing to Washington’s social and economic well-being.”

Singaporean Ambassador Chan Heng Chee “Washington is a very warm and welcoming city. It was easy for me to find a circle of friends who share the same interests and with whom you can have a good conversation with. It helps that you can get anything and everything from Asia these days, so I feel very much at home.”

Russian Ambassador Yuri V. Ushakov

Embassy of Korea

“Tense work and numerous demanding duties in D.C. did not force me to give up all my habits. One especially dear to me is escaping to the cozy Russian Embassy dacha on the Eastern Shore. It means getting away for the weekend just like I do at home, like all Russians do!”

Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-5525 Residence: 2374 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-5525 Malawi Ambassador: Bernard Herbert Sande Spouse: Gladys Sande Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 1156 15th St N.W. Suite 320, 20005 (202) 721-0270

Malaysia Ambassador: Dato Sheikh Abdul Khalid Ghazzal Spouse: Datin Faridah Ghazzali Embassy: 2401 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20038 (202) 328-2700 Residence: 2701 Albemarle St. N.W., 20008 Maldives Ambassador: Mohamed Latheef Spouse: Shakeela Hameed Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 800 Second Ave Suite 400E, NY, NY 10017 (212) 599-6195 Residence: 212 E. 47th St. Apt 12F, New York NY, 10017 Mali Ambassador: Abdoulaye Diop Spouse: Linda Diop Children: Five Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 2130 R St N.W., 20008 (202) 3322249 Residence: 2131 R St. N.W., 20008 Malta Ambassador: John Lowell Spouse:Marie-Therese Lowell Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 2017 Connecticut Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 462-3611 Residence: 4501 29th St. N.W., 20008, (202) 363-5855 Marshall Islands Ambassador: Banny de Brum Spouse: Honor Note de Brum Children: Four Presented Credentials: April 30, 1996 Embassy: 2433 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 234 5414 Residence: 3212 Brooklawn Terrace, Chevy Chase MD, 20815 Mauritania Ambassador: Tijani Ould Mohamed El Kerim Spouse: Marieme M’Bengue Ould Kerim Children: Five Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy: 2129 Leroy Place N.W., 20008 (202) 232-5700 Residence: 2339 S St. N.W., 20008

Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 1911 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., 20006 (202) 736-1000 Residence: 4925 Loughboro Rd. N.W., 20016 Micronesia Ambassador: Jesse Bibiano Marehalau Spouse: Martha Lorerang Marehalau Children: One Presented Credentials: February 5, 1990 Embassy: 1725 N St N.W., 20036 (202) 223-4383 Residence: 531 Fort Williams Parkway, Alexandria VA, 22304 Moldova Ambassador: Mihail Manoli Spouse: Natalia Zlatina Children: One Presented Credentials: June 19, 2002 Embassy: 2101 S St N.W., 20008 (202) 667-1130

Mongolia Ambassador: Bold Ravdan Spouse: Oyuun Mijiddorj Children: Two Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 2833 M St N.W., 20007 (202) 333-7117 Residence: 1021 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac MD, 20854, (301) 983-1962 Morocco Ambassador: Aziz Mekouar Spouse: Maria Felice Cittadini Cesi Children: One Presented Credentials: June 19, 2002 Embassy: 1601 21st St N.W., 20009 (202) 462-7980 Residence: 9109 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda MD, 20817, (301) 365-7403 Mozambique Ambassador: Armando Alexandre Panguene Spouse: Maria Teresa Panguene Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 14, 2002 Embassy: 1990 M St N.W. Suite 570, 20036 (202) 293-7146 Namibia Ambassador: Patrick Nandago Spouse: Elena Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 12, 2006 Embassy: 1605 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 9860540 Residence: 4509 W St. N.W., 20007 Nauru Ambassador: Marlene Moses Presented Credentials: February 10, 2006 Embassy:800 Second Ave Suite 400D, NY, NY 10017 (212)937-0074 Nepal Ambassador: Kedar Bhakta Shrestha Spouse: Shanta Shrestha Children: Three Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 2131 Leroy Place N.W., 20008 (202) 667-4550 Residence: 2730 34th Pl. N.W., 20007 (202) 333-3389

Mauritius Charge D’affairs: Shiu Ching Young Kim Fat Presented Credentials: May 22, 2005 Embassy: 4301 Connecticut Ave N.W. Suite 441, 20008 (202)244-1491 Residence: 8620 Harvest Square Ct., Potomac MD, 20854

Netherlands Ambassador: Christiaan Kroer Spouse: Harriet Kroer Presented Credentials: Sept. 2006 Embassy: 4200 Linnean Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 244-5300 Residence: 2347 S St. N.W., 20008 (202) 234-1136

Mexico Ambassador: Carlos Alberta de Icaza Gonzalez Spouse: Luisa Hortensia Solchaga Lopez de Icaza Children: One

New Zealand Ambassador: Roy Ferguson Spouse: Dawn Ferguson Children: Two Presented Credentials: February 27, 2006 Embassy:

Embassy photos by Paul Simkin

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N.W., 20008 (202) 243-6500 Residence: 2343 S St. N.W., 20008

37 Observatory Circle N.W., 20008 (202) 328-4848 Residence: 27 Observatory Circle N.W., 20008 (202) 328-4800 Nicaragua Ambassador: Salvador Stadthagen Icaza Spouse: Analia Vargas de Stadthagen Children: Four Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 1627 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 939-6570 Niger Ambassador: Aminata Maiga Djibrilla Toure Presented Credentials: March 9, 2006 Embassy:2204 R St N.W., 20008 (202) 483-4224 Nigeria Ambassador: George Achulike Obiozor Spouse: Grace Clementine Obiozor Children: Four Presented Credentials: July 15, 2004 Embassy:3519 International Court N.W., 20008(202) 986-8400 Residence: 6705 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase MD, 20815 (301) 656-0713 Norway Ambassador: Knut Vollebaek Spouse: Ellen Sofie Aadland Vollebaek Children: One Presented Credentials: March 13, 2001 Embassy: 2720 34th St N.W., 20008 (202) 333-6000 Residence: 3401 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20007 (202) 333-1633 Oman Ambassador: Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-Mughairi Spouse: Fuad AlHinai Presented Credentials: November 9, 2005 Embassy: 2535 Belmont Rd N.W., 20008 (202) 387-1980

Embassy insider

Palau Ambassador: Hersey Kyota Spouse: Lydia Shmull Kyota Children: Six Presented Credentials: November 12, 1997 Embassy: 1700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Suite 400, 20006 (202) 452-6814 Residence:7203 Douge Forest Court, Alexandria VA, 22315

Palestinian National Authority Official Representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization: Afif Safieh Embassy: 1730 K St N.W., #1004 (202) 785-8394

What Is Democracy?

By Nicaraguan Ambassador Salvador Stadthagen I came to fully appreciate Democracy after living under dictatorships — from the right and from the left for 33 years, and then fighting for it as an ideal after that. You cannot fully appreciate the freedoms inherent to democracy until you experience oppression and of oppression, and we Nicaraguans have had our share.

Panama Ambassador: Frederico Humbert Arias Spouse: Daphne Rusodimos de Humbert Children: Four Presented Credentials: December 9, 2004 Embassy: 2862 McGill Terrace N.W., 20008 (202) 483-1407 Residence: 2601 29th St. N.W., 20008 Papua New Guinea Ambassador: Evan Jeremy Paki Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 1779 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Suite 805, 20036 (202) 745-3680

Paraguay Ambassador: James Spalding Spouse: Cecilia Coello de Spalding Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 2400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., 20008 (202) 483-6960

When we achieved democracy for the first time in 1990, we were very naive. We thought democracy was a linear process, that the dark forces of oppression were gone forever.

Businessmen started to do business again, doctors began to cure, farmers farmed, lawyers made money and many of us began to work for the government. For the first time working for the government was an honorable profession. Our mistake was to leave politics to the worst elements. The Alemans and the Ortegas, the “caudillos”, did the politics. There are no strong men without the sheep. We watched our ideal of democracy fall into the mud, but we let them.

I pray that for this next election on November 5th our people, who have shown collective wisdom every time, will see beyond the false promises of a paradise that Daniel Ortega is offering to construct with someone else’s money. I also pray that

Pakistan Ambassador: Mahmoud Ali Durrani Children: Three Presented Credentials:December 9, 2004 Embassy: 3517 International Court

Peru Ambassador: Felipe Ortiz de Zevallos Children: Four Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 1700

the U.S., which one president once called a “beacon on the hill,” and those, who have supported our search for democracy, do not give up on us this time.

Embassy insider

Spicing up Embassy Row

W

others are lucky enough to inherit great chefs.

And, move over men — the top chefs for Australia, Colombia, Norway, the Dominican

ith over 170 foreign embassies in town,

Republic and Chile are women. But, perhaps

competition to stand out is fierce

the biggest surprise is who’s from where. Brazil’s

particularly in the kitchen. So … who

chef, the “dean” of embassy chefs, and Germany’s

has the best chef?

chef are both French (scandalous!). Egypt has two

The title of “Ambassadorial Iron Chef ” has been up for grabs

chefs one of whom is Pakistani, and the Saudi chef

ever since France’s Francis Layryle left last spring, after almost 30

is Moroccan.

years at the residence. Last year, when the Washington National

The Danish embassy has perhaps the most

Opera heard that Ambassador and Madame Levitte had canceled

handsome chef; he bakes cookies and cakes to

their pre-ball dinner for the 50th Anniversary of “D-Day,” the

keep the staff swooning. The Belgian is famous for

organizer asked: “But will Francis still be there?” The evening

handmade chocolates; the Canadian, for importing

went on. That’s what we call definite diplomatic cache.

f Danish Che en ls ie N rs e And

Japanes e and Mas Chefs Yoshiteru aki Mats uyama Iwata

wild musk ox and caribou; the Croatian, for black

salmon; the Japanese, for finding Kobe-like beef here;

Ambassadors can “spice up” their reputations through the

risotto and tender calamari; the Kuwaiti, for mouthwatering

the Polish, for carpaccio mosaics; the Thai, for perfect Pad Thai;

culinary magic of an aptly appointed chef. Some envoys even

lamb; the Swedish, for surprises like reindeer mousse; the

the Hungarian, for heavenly goulash and the British, for superb

arrive with personal chefs like the new Dutch ambassador;

German, for lobster strudel; the Finnish, for salting his own

English and continental specialties. ~ Gail Scott

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Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 833-9860 Residence:3001 Garrison St. N.W., 20008 (202) 363-4808 Philippines Ambassador: Albert Ferreros del Rosario Spouse: Margaret Gretchen del Rosario Children: Four Presented Credentials: November 8, 2001 Embassy: 1600 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 4979300 Residence: 2253 R St. N.W., 20008 Poland Ambassador: Janusz Reiter Spouse: Hanna Reiter Presented Credentials: September 26, 2005 Embassy: 2640 16th St N.W., 20009 (202) 234-3800

Portugal Ambassador: Pedro Manuel Dos Reis Alves Catarino Spouse: Cheryl Catarino Children: Two Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 2125 Kalorama Rd N.W., 20008 (202)328-8610 Residence: 2125 Kalorama Rd. N.W., 20008 Qatar Ambassador: Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Presented Credentials: August 24, 2005 Embassy: 2555 M St N.W., 20037(202) 274-1603 Romania Ambassador: Sorin Dumitru Ducaru Spouse: Carmen Ducaru Children: Two Presented Credentials: June 20, 2001 Embassy: 1607 23rd St N.W., 20008 (202) 332-4829 Residence: 2500 30th St. N.W., 20008 (202) 986-3257 Russia Ambassador: Yuri V. Ushakov Spouse: Svetlana M. Ushakova Children: One Presented Credentials: January 21, 1999 Embassy: 2650 Wisconsin Ave N.W., 20007 (202) 298-5757 Residence: 1125 16th St. N.W., 20008 (202) 298-5707 Rwanda Ambassador: Dr. Zac Nsenga Spouse: Eron Asimwe Nsenga Children: Three Presented Credentials: May 8, 2003 Embassy: 1714 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 232-2882

Saint Kitts & Nevis Ambassador: Izben Cordinal Williams Spouse: Shirmel Rosetta Williams Children: Two Presented Credentials: July 31, 2001 Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave N.W., 20016 (202) 686-2636 Residence: 7638 Royal Dominion Dr., Bethesda MD, 20817 Saint Lucia Ambassador: Sonia Merlyn Johnny Spouse: Lloyd Jackson Children: One Presented Credentials: September 10, 1998 Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave N.W., 20016 (202) 364-6792

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Ambassador: Ellsworth I. A. John Spouse: Charmane Vanessa Tappin John

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Presented Credentials: July 31, 2001 Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave N.W., 20016 (202) 364-6730 Residence: 7917 Cypress Grove Lane, Cabin John MD, 20818 Samoa Ambassador: Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia Spouse: Maria Lei Sam-Elisaia Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 800 Second Ave Suite 400D, NY, NY 10017 (212) 599-6196 Sao Tome and Principe Ambassador: Ovidio Manuel Barbosa Pequeno Presented Credentials: March 10, 2006 Embassy: 400 Park Ave., NY, NY 10022 (212) 317-0580 Saudi Arabia Ambassador: Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud spouse: Princess Nouf Bint Al-Faisal Presented Credentials: September 12, 2005 Embassy: 601 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20037 (202) 342-3800 Senegal Ambassador: Ambassador: Amadou Lamine Ba Spouse: Oulimata Gueye Ba Children: Three Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 2112 Wyoming Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 234-0540 Residence: 4500 Linnean Ave. N.W., 20008 (202) 537-0340 Serbia and Montenegro* Ambassador: Ivan Vujacic Spouse: Jelica Petrovic-Vujacic Presented Credentials: December 9, 2002 Embassy: 2134 Kalorama Rd N.W., 20008 (202) 332-0333 Residence: 3846 Woodley Road N.W., 20016 (now separating) Seychelles Ambassador: Emile Patrick Jeremie Bonnelame Spouse: Fulgentia Gabrielle Hoareau Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 800 Second Ave Suite 400C, NY, NY 10017 (212) 972-1785

Sierra Leone Ambassador: Ibrahim M. Kamara Spouse: Memunatu A. Kamara Children: Four Presented Credentials: May 8, 2003 Embassy: 1701 19th St N.W., 20009 (202) 939-9261 Residence: 4821 Colorado Ave. N.W., 20011

Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 1525 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 667-5363 Residence: 6936 Carmichael Road, Bethesda MD, 20817 (301) 229-4526 Solomon Islands Ambassador: Collin David Beck Spouse: Helen Beck Children: Two Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 800 Second Ave Suite 400L, NY, NY 10017 (212) 599-6192 South Africa Ambassador: Barbara Joyce Mosima Masekela Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 3051 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 232-4400 Residence: 3101 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 Spain Ambassador: Carlos Westendorp Spouse: Amaya Westendorp Children: One Presented Credentials: September 15, 2004 Embassy: 2375 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., 20037 (202) 728-2340 Residence: 2350 Foxhall Road N.W., 20007, (202) 965-0401 Sri Lanka Ambassador: Bernard Anton B. Goonetilleke Spouse: Maria G. J. Goonetilleke Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 2148 Wyoming Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 483-4025 Residence: 6264 Clearwood Rd., Bethesda MD, 20817 Sudan Charge D’affaires: Khidir Haroun Ahmed Spouse: Howaida Abdelkarim Mahmoud Presented Credentials: April 17, 2001 Embassy: 2210 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 338-8565 Suriname Ambassador: Henry Lothar Illes Spouse: Margo L. Deekman-Illes Children: Four Presented Credentials: October 10, 2001 Embassy: 4301 Connecticut Ave N.W. Suite 460, 20008 (202) 244-7488 Residence: 6 Sotweed Court, Potomac MD, 20854

Singapore Ambassador: Chan Heng Chee Presented Credentials: July 29, 1996 Embassy: 3501 International Place N.W., 20008 (202) 537-3100 Residence: 2620 Rock Creek Dr. N.W., 20008, (202) 986-3201

Swaziland Ambassador: Ephraim Mandlenkosi M. Hlophe Spouse: Martha Ngakanani Hlophe Children: Four Presented Credentials: September 26, 2005 Embassy: 1712 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 234-5002 Residence: 10804 Brickyard Court, Potomac MD, 20854, (301) 765-7049

Slovak Republic Ambassador: Rastislav Kacer Spouse: Otilia Kacerova Children: Two Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 3523 International Court N.W., 20008 (202) 237-1054 Residence: 7718 Carlton Place, McLean VA, 22102

Sweden Ambassador: Gunnar Wiggo Lund Spouse: Kari Marie Lotsberg Presented Credentials: September 9, 2005 Embassy: 1501 M St N.W. Suite 900, 20005 (202) 467-2600 Residence: 3900 Nebraska Ave. N.W., 20016 (202) 966-9297

Slovenia Ambassador: Samuel Zbogar Spouse: Maja Zbogar Children: Three

Switzerland Ambassador: Urs Johann Ziswiler Presented Credentials: May 11, 2006

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Embassy: 2900 Cathedral Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 745-7900 Residence: 2833 McGill Terrace N.W., 20008 Syria Ambassador: Imad Moustapha Spouse:Rafif Alsayed Presented Credentials: March 31, 2004 Embassy: 2215 Wyoming Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 232-6313 Residence: 2447 Kalorama Rd. N.W., 20008 TAiwan Spouse: Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) Representative: David Tawei Lee Spouse: Lin Chih Lee Children: Two Presented credentials: July 23, 2004 Embassy: 4201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., 20016 Tajikistan Ambassador: Khamrokhon Zaripov Spouse: Kadirya Nabieva Children: Two Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 1005 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20037 (202) 223-6090 Tanzania Ambassador: Andrew Mhando Daraja Spouse: Anne M. Daraja Presented Credentials: July 30, 2002 Embassy: 2139 R St N.W., 20008 (202) 939-6125 Residence: 1 Highboro Court, Bethesda MD, 20817 (301) 229-3370 Thailand Ambassador: Virasakdi Futrakul Spouse: Aumaporn Futrakul Children: One Presented Credentials: February 22, 2006 Embassy: 1024 Wisconsin Ave N.W. Suite 401, 20007 (202) 944-3600 Residence: 2145 Decatur Place N.W., 20008 (202) 232-4634 Togo Ambassador: No current ambassador Embassy: 2208 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 234-4212 Tonga Ambassador: Fekitamoeloa Tupoupai Utoikamanu Children: One Presented Credentials: May 26, 2005 Embassy: 250 East 51st St, NY, NY 10022 (917) 369-1025 Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador: Marina Annette Valere Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 1708 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 467 6490 Residence: 7530 17th St. N.W., 20012 Tunisia Ambassador: Mohamed Nejib Hachana spouse: Dalendazarrad Hachana Children: Two Presented Credentials: March 8, 2005 Embassy: 1515 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20005 (202) 862 1850 Residence: 5131 Broad Branch Rd. N.W., 20008 Turkey Ambassador: Nabi Sensoy spouse: Gulgun Sensoy Presented Credentials: January 10, 2006 Embassy: 2525 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 612-6700 Residence: 2456 Tracy Place N.W., 20008

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Turkmenistan Ambassador: Meret Bairamovich Orazov spouse: Irina Borisovna Orazova Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 14, 2001 Embassy: 2207 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 588-1500

Uzbekistan Ambassador: Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov spouse: Gulnara Rashidova Children: One Presented Credentials: December 4, 2003 Embassy: 1746 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20036 (202) 887-5300

Uganda Ambassador: Perezi Karukubiro KamunaN. W.ire Presented Credentials: April 24, 2006 Embassy: 5911 16th St N.W., 20011 (202) 726-7100 Residence: 5009 Loughboro Rd. N.W., 20016 Ukraine Ambassador: Oleh Shamshur Children: One Presented Credentials: January 24, 2006 Embassy: 3350 M St N.W., 20007 (202) 333-0606

United Arab Emirates Ambassador: Saqr Ghobash Presented Credentials: March 10, 2006 Embassy: 3522 International Court N.W. Suite 400, 20008 (202) 243-2400

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Ambassador: Sir David G. Manning, K.C.M.G. spouse: Lady Manning (Catherine) Presented Credentials: September 8, 2003 Embassy: 3100 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 588-7800 Residence: 3100 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 (202) 558-7800 Uruguay Ambassador: Carlos Alberto Gianelli spouse: Maria Monica Nari Lloveras Children: Three Presented Credentials: July 11, 2005 Embassy: 1913 I St N.W., 20006 (202) 331-1313 Residence: 9001 Clewerwall Drive, Bethesda MD, 20817

Venezuela Ambassador: Bernardo Alvarez Herrera spouse: Margarete de Alvarez Children: Three Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003Embassy: 1099 30th St N.W., 20007 (202) 342-2214 Residence: 2443 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20008 Vietnam Ambassador: Nguyen Tam Chien Nguyen Thi spouse: Lien Huong Children: Three Presented Credentials: October 10, 2001 Embassy: 1233 20th St N.W. Suite 400, 20036 (202) 861-0737

Yemen Ambassador: Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri spouse: Saboura Al-Mahfadi Presented Credentials: September 8, 1997 Embassy: 2319 Wyoming Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 965-4760 Residence: 4850 Glenbrook Rd. N.W., 20016 Zambia Ambassador: Inonge MbikusitaLewanika Children: Two Presented Credentials: February 26, 2003 Embassy: 2419 Massachusetts Ave N.W., 20008 (202) 265-9717 Residence: 2300 Wyoming Ave. N.W., 20008 Zimbabwe Ambassador: Machivenyika Tobias Mapuranga Presented Credentials: November 30, 2005 Embassy: 1608 New Hampshire Ave N.W., 20009 (202) 332-7100

Embassy insider

Stairway to Mass Ave …

Why Hungarian Ambassador András Simonyi prefers to rock Rock’n’roll music has shaped my heart for the last years. At the age of eleven I saw a man play a guitar on a street corner and I was mesmerized. That same year I heard the Beatles for the first time and knew that the guitar was going to be my instrument, so my youth was dominated by rock culture.

Growing up mostly behind the Iron Curtain, listening to rock music was at times not that easy. First it was banned all together as “anti-social cultural behavior.” Later, as the communist system loosened up a little, while not prohibited, it was still not freely available. So we listened to our favorite rock bands Traffic, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Frank Zappa on foreign, sometimes forbidden radio stations.

As we tuned into our favorite DJ, we became part of the West. As we pressed our ears to the good old bakelite radio, we were free. Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, and Steely Dan spoke to us the same way they spoke to Americans and Europeans in the democratic West.

Rock music was our lifeline to the free world. Jimi Hendrix’s Fender Stratocaster was the weapon of self expression for the free man. Rock music opened the hearts and minds of millions of people, cutting through barbed wire and the Berlin Wall. It had a major role in preparing for change that ultimately brought us our freedom. Throughout the years the inner drive to strum my guitar loudly and reach out to others has not changed. Now, I have my band in Washington called “The Coalition of the Willing” and I am blessed to be able to use it to communicate to Americans my message of the past and future: that you cannot take freedom for granted. Sometimes people are puzzled at an ambassador playing rock music. I don’t mind that. I just add my Hungarian soul and play. Rock lives forever!

Coalition of the Willing next plays on December 1st at the Hungarian Embassy. Contact the Chancery for tickets, 202.362.6730.

embassy insider

Want an ambassador at your next function?

You’ll have to go through the gatekeepers, i.e., Social Secretaries

B

ritain’s Amanda Downes has so perfectly protected five different ambassadors and insured that each event run ever so smoothly over 17 years that she was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “People know my face or name, so they call about everything from passports and visas to what to serve at tea and what’s on in London,” says Downes. Want a tip?

Call this leading lady if you want to check engagement possibilities for Sir David and Lady Manning. Otherwise send a letter. “I dread e-mail,” Amanda notes. Spain’s Diane Flamini, an American who grew up in Madrid and is a member of the Order of Isabella La Catolica (the Queen who financed

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Christopher Columbus) says politics and Germany’s Katheryne Walker party-invites often go hand and hand: encourages promptness but not arriving “When Spain said, ‘Pull the troops from early to her embassy’s events. Her biggest Iraq,’ within ten minutes, my phones nightmare: seating power couples with stopped ringing,” she says. “Now relations different last names that out-rank each other. have improved and I’m as busy as ever.”

She still handwrites every invitation and Her advice to event chairs? “Fundraising place card except for Germany’s giant Unity is very new to Spain so unless the event Day gathering on October 3. Finland’s Leila directly benefits Spain, they won’t do it.”

Takala, about to retire after 37 years, says the French Social Secretary Denise pace is more hectic these days, especially Amanda Downes has been Koptcho adds how helpful it is when with e-mail, but “timing” is still everything. the British embassy’s official gatekeeper for 17 years. people RSVP promptly, even to If you want to plan anything at the House receptions: “In these days of faxes and of Sweden, wait to call Gunilla Stone until e-mails, it’s especially appreciated when guests send handafter October 23 when King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia written thank-you notes,” she advises. Colombia’s cozy officially open the waterfront chancery. According to Japan’s ballroom, a favorite with charity chairs, is most easily booked Kiyomi Buker, accepting invitations promptly, showing up exactly if, “there is a link to our country,” says Colombian Martha on time and remembering to write a hand written thank you Jensen. “Always explain how the event will showcase, benefit note will spearate you from the crowd. Others say, offering to help or bring together Colombians.” defray event costs, may increase your chances. ~ Gail Scott

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