Germany's CDU reelects Angela Merkel leader with lowest support since she became chancellor

Chancellor Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has won reelection as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union.

It will be her ninth term as chairwoman.

The only candidate in the running, Merkel gained 89.5 percent of the votes cast at the CDU congress – her worst result as chancellor and her second-worst performance in a vote concerning her.

Ahead of the ballot, she made an effort to appease the conservative wing of the party.

“We do not want any parallel societies, and where they exist we have to tackle them. Our laws have priority over honor codes, tribal and family rules, and over Sharia law…

That also means that with inter-personal communication, which plays a crucial role, we show our face. This is why the full-face veil is not appropriate and should be outlawed wherever it is legally possible – it does not belong to us.”

Read more: Germany's CDU reelects Angela Merkel leader with lowest support since she became chancellor

Almere World Trade Center: Save the date: 16 januari 2017

World Trade Center Almere

The World Trade Center and its members invite potential members and interested individuals to participate in a New Years meeting on Januari 16th. to discuss a variety of issues and to welcome in the New Year.

A new year which presents a lot of challenges. The elction of Donald Trump, elctions in the Netherlands, Germany and France. We expect to see you on Januari 16.

For additional information click here

UN expert says: Torture and abuse ′widespread′ in Turkey following July coup bid

The UN's special rapporteur on torture, Nils Melzer, told reporters in Ankara on Friday that measures taken in Turkey following the July coup attempt had created an "environment conducive to torture."

"Testimonies received from inmates and their lawyers suggest that in the days and weeks following the failed coup torture and other forms of ill treatment were widespread," he said.

Melzer's made the comments after a six-day tour of Turkey to investigate allegations of torture. His visit comes one month after US watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Turkish police of torturing detainees arrested in connection with coup attempt.

The UN rapporteur also cautioned that Turkey's prisons and holding cells were often overcrowded: "Most facilities visited were overcrowded, with occupancy ranging from 125 to more than 200 per cent of the actual capacity." However, Melzer also noted that, after visiting facilities in Ankara, Diyarbakir, Sanliura and Istanbul, the overall conditions were generally satisfactory.

Recent legislation and statutory decrees passed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had created a "climate of intimidation," he said, discouraging victims from filing complaints or speaking out about their abuse.

"Holding cells, currently keeping individuals for up 30 days without any access to fresh air, are not suitable to detain anyone for more than 48 hours," Melzer said.

Sweeping security measures adopted as part of Turkey's state of emergency, which was extended by 12 weeks in October, mean that people are held in custody without judicial review for up to 30 days and without access to a lawyer for five days, according to Melzer.

"Worldwide experience shows us that it is precisely in the first hours and days after arrest that the risk of abuse, including torture and other forms of ill-treatment, is highest," he said, urging the Turkish government to live up its declared "zero-tolerance" policy on torture.

Read more: UN expert: Torture and abuse ′widespread′ in Turkey following July coup bid | News | DW.COM | 02.12.2016

Austria: Left-leaning 'professor' Van der Bellen to become Austria's new president

Independent candidate and former Green Party leader Alexander Van der Bellen – affectionately known as "the professor" among his supporters – won Austria's presidential election on Sunday over right-wing populist Norbert Hofe.

Note Almere-Digest: This is bad news for Marie Le Pen France and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands

Read more: Left-leaning 'professor' Van der Bellen to become Austria's new president - France 24

The Netherlands to increase exports medical marijuana -

The Netherlands is poised to increase its export of medical marijuana, cabinet sources have told the Newspaper Telegraaf.

The paper said the cabinet is ready to give the green light to an increase in exports to meet the growing demand for medical marijuana in Germany.

Medical marijuana, grown by a government agency, is currently exported to Italy, Finland and Germany, the paper said.

The current export limit is 100 kilos but this will soon be increased 350 kilos and go up again to 700 kilos in 2019, the Telegraaf said.

Until now, the production of medical marijuana has cost more than is reaped in sales but the increase in exports will generate cash for the treasury, the Telegraaf said.

Medical marijuana is not an official medicine in the Netherlands and is not included in the basic health insurance policy. However, the five licenced brands on the Dutch market, produced by the Bedrocan company, are distributed via pharmacies.

Read more: The Netherlands to increase exports medical marijuana - DutchNews.nl

Almere: NDIC wants your Christmas holidays to become festive "Holy Days"

NDJC right in the center of the Almere Filmwijk

When Sunday arrives in Almere, the Netherlands, one of Europe's most modern, functional and multi-cultural cities, its inhabitants can make a variety of choices,varying from sleeping in, sports, reading - or - attending a Church service and strengthening their relationship with the Creator through the Gospel.

Yes indeed, there is a lot the citizens of Almere can be grateful for.

Grateful that they not only live in a free and democratic Holland, but also that they are blessed to live in a unique modern European city.

Almere: 200.000 inhabitants in 40 years

Almere, situated east of Amsterdam, was created only 40 years ago as part of a huge Dutch Government land-reclamation project, which  eventually also resulted in the birth of a new Dutch Province, called Flevoland.

This project has been a hugely successful venture.  In the past 40 years Almere attracted over 200,000 residents, 14,800 businesses and more are moving in every day.

Almere is now the Netherland`s 7th largest city. and expected to grow to more than 350.000 inhabitants by 2022.

NDIC: a truly International Church with families from 25 Nations

What also makes Almere unique is that 38 % of the population originally came from somewhere else in the world.

Consequently, this also created an urgent demand for an International English language Church, which would be sensitive to the prevailing culture and provide a spiritual home for people from all over the world.

Not only for those living in Almere and the surrounding area, but also for those native Dutch folks, who prefer to worship in English.

This is how and why NDIC was born

The Church opened its doors at the beginning of September 2007 and has steadily grown in the past 9 years  Currently, individuals and families from some 25 nations are usually in attendance each Sunday.

John, Joy and their daughter Sarah Sisk

John and Joy Sisk became pastors at New Day International Church in June of 2016, following the retirement of previous pastors, Melvin and Louise Ho.

For 30 years, the Sisks have served in ministry with one goal: To bring people into a personal relationship with God.

They first served as pastors in the United States for 12 years, and now for 18 years as missionaries abroad.

In the US, they began as children’s and youth pastors, and then became senior pastors.

As missionaries, they have trained pastors and worship leaders in Cambodia, planted and pastored an international church in Taiwan, and directed a Bible college in Micronesia, while interim pastoring an international church.

This coming Christmas season NDIC will hold holiday services on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, at their regular time Church service, starting time of 10:30 AM on Sunday2 and everyone is welcome.
   
Christmas Day service program will culminate with a Birthday Cake for Jesus. New Year’s Day is also the regular monthly “Family Sunday”, where parents and children enjoy the entire service together, including a puppet show before the message, and communion at the conclusion of the service.

John and Joy Sisk hope that Your holidays this year can become “Holy Days” at NDIC.

NDIC is located at the Walt Disney Plantsoen 76/78, in the Almere Filmwijk Center, and faces a Vomar supermarket. For additional information check out the NDIC website.

© Almere-Digest

Terrorism: ISIS Fighters Returning From Iraq, Syria May Unleash Europe Attacks: Eoghan Macguir

ISIS may step up attacks in Europe as it loses ground in the Middle East and foreign fighters return to their home countries, a new report from Europol warned Friday.

The continental law enforcement agency said that car bombs, extortion and kidnappings could be employed by networked groups of fighters or lone wolf attackers who have pledged allegiance to the group or have been inspired by it.

However, attacks using guns, knives and vehicles remain more likely given the easier access to such weaponry, according to Europol. Attacks on major infrastructure such as power stations and nuclear facilities also remains unlikely given ISIS' preference for "soft targets," it added.

Note Almere-Digest: It is recommended that special security measures are taken at Public gatherings, Educational facilities, Shopping malls, Places of Worship,  Sports and Cultural events. Also, please immediately contact the police if you see suspicious behavior.

 Read more: ISIS Fighters Returning From Iraq, Syria May Unleash Europe Attacks: Cops - NBC News