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Comme en juin, votre préparation consiste à :

- lire tous les textes (considérer les sources)

- Si vous utilisez un site de traduction, méfiez-vous ! la traduction est parfois fantaisiste, voire
erronée ! Assurez-vous que vous comprenez la phrase et exercez-vous à la simplifier.
- les préparer de manière approfondie : relever le vocabulaire, Initiales/acronymes, références
historiques, culturelles, politiques, géographiques, …
- pouvoir fournir des synonymes et/ou traductions

ERFAZQRF456454DEFZ9E68ZF en aucun cas de lire ni de reproduire par cœur.

Make sure you listen carefully to the teacher’s questions – and understand them - before you answer :
practice ‘asking for clarification’ :

« Excuse me, could you say that again ? » « I don’t understand what you mean », …

Check the pronunciation of new words (use online dictionaries, such as Wordreference.com)

And remember: No French!

1
Belgium 2018 Crime and Safety Report
O.S.A.C. site osac.gov May 2018

According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s
publication, Belgium has been assessed as Level 2. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Brussels as being a LOW-threat location for crime
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Crime Threats
Belgium remains relatively free of violent crime, but low-level street crime is common for a
country capital this size. Muggings, purse snatchings, and pickpocketing occur frequently,
particularly in the major cities. Thieves often loiter in transportation hubs like the Metro (subway)
and train stations to take advantage of disoriented or distracted travelers.
In Brussels, pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of light luggage and laptops are prevalent
at the three major train stations. Criminals frequently work in pairs or as part of an organized
gang, often with a high degree of skill and sophistication in selecting victims and places to commit
crime. One common trick is for the thief to ask you for directions while an accomplice steals your
luggage. Small groups of young men sometimes prey on unwary tourists, usually at night and
often in Metro stations in Brussels. Thieves typically seek small, high-value items such as smart
phones and MP3 players.
Another growing problem, especially in Brussels, is theft of vehicles, both moving and parked.
Police report an increase in smash-and-grab incidents over levels seen in previous years.
There has been an increase in home burglaries and residential property theft. If residing in
Belgium, it is highly recommended to resort to a home alarm system, especially if you travel
frequently. Ensure that you lock your windows and doors while not at home, even if you are just
going out for 10 minutes. While staying at hotels or small inns, utilize the in-room safe for your
valuables, and if the room does not have one, take valuables with you or ask the front desk to
lock the items in the hotel safe.
You should carry only a minimum amount of cash, credit cards, and necessary personal
identification. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated
goods, even if they are widely available.

Cybersecurity Issues

A common scam involves an internet friend or partner who is reported to have been detained by
immigration authorities in Belgium en route to the U.S. and will not be released unless funds are
paid to the “traveler” for Belgian customs fees. In every case, these reports have been
determined to be confidence schemes. Several U.S. citizens have lost thousands of dollars in
such scams. Funds transferred in response to such offers can rarely be recovered. Information

2
on fraud schemes can be found on the Department of State's International Financial Scams
website. The point of the scam is to make the target believe that the message is coming from
Belgium when it is really coming from another country. U.S. citizens in Belgium who have been
victimized should contact the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels.
Depending on the circumstances, the Regional Security Office can then direct you to the
appropriate Belgian, U.S., or international law enforcement agency.

Transportation-Safety Situation
Belgium's road network is generally well-built and maintained. However, there has been an
increase in potholes on major and secondary roads. Secondary and/or rural roads can be narrow,
poorly maintained, and unlit.
Belgian rules for right-of-way differ from those in the U.S., and new drivers should thoroughly
understand these rules before driving. For instance, traffic coming from the right generally has
priority at uncontrolled intersections and roundabouts, even if coming from a smaller street. The
maximum speed limit on highways is 120 kilometers (72 mph) but is not always posted. The
maximum speed in urban areas is normally between 50 km and 70 km (30-52 mph); however, in
the Brussels city limits, many parts are only 30 km per hour. While Belgian authorities strictly
enforce speed limits, many Belgians still drive significantly faster than the posted limit. Claiming
ignorance may not prevent you from getting a significant fine for speeding, and your vehicle may
be impounded if you cannot pay the fine on the spot. Belgium authorities have placed numerous
fixed photo-speeding cameras around the city and use mobile photo-speed camera systems
throughout the city and on highways.
Belgian police conduct breath analysis checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during
major holidays. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is .05% blood alcohol content.
Emergency services are efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101 within
Belgium. For all other emergencies, dial 112.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation is excellent in most parts of Belgium. Inter-city trains, metro trains, trams,
buses, and taxis make moving around the country very easy. The one issue that occurs with
some frequency is labor strikes or unrest. These actions can cause delays or cancellations of
services for several days at a time.

3
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Brussels as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorist
activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Since the beginning of 2016, Belgium’s terror alert level was rated at Level 3 (probable attack)
and remained so until March 22, 2016, when Brussels was suffered two terrorist attacks, one at
the Zavemtem-Brussels International Airport and the second at the Maelbeek Metro Station. The
terror level was raised to Level 4 (imminent attack) for the week following these attacks. For the
remainder of 2016 and throughout 2017, the threat level remained at Level 3. The threat level
was lowered to Level 2 in January 2018.
On June 20, 2017, soldiers shot and killed an attempted suicide bomber at Brussels Central train
station after the attacker’s bomb failed to fully detonate. There were no additional casualties. On
August 27, a man with a knife attacked and slightly injured two Belgian soldiers near Brussels’
Grand Place in the center of the capital. The attacker was shot and killed by military personnel.
As with other countries in the Schengen area, Belgium maintains open borders with its neighbors,
allowing the possibility of terrorist operatives entering/exiting the country with anonymity. Belgian
law enforcement and security officials, in close cooperation with neighboring countries, maintain
an aggressive and effective anti-terrorism program.
Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment
In 2017, mainly in December, there was openly anti-American sentiment displayed by large
groups and organizations. Pro-Palestinian supporters demonstrated on three different occasions
against the U.S. foreign policy recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Additionally, during
this time period, there were a number of incidents of social media postings that displayed anti-
U.S. and anti-Trump statements.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Brussels as being a MEDIUM-threat location for
political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Civil Unrest
Prior police approval is required for all public demonstrations, and police are present to ensure
adequate security for participants and passers-by. Nonetheless, spontaneous demonstrations do
take place in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations that are
meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable.
Religious/Ethnic Violence
While not widespread and frequent, there have been incidents of religious violence. There have
been anti-Semitic acts and threats since 2013. Additionally, there were increased reported
incidents of hate speech and anti-Muslim graffiti due to the increase in Muslim migrants seeking
asylum in Belgium. After the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, there were even more
reports of anti-Muslim sentiment and incidents of harassments and assault. After the March 2016
attacks in Brussels, there were several incidents of anti-Muslim activity including an anti-Muslim

4
demonstration in Molenbeek by a right-wing organization and a suspicious white-powder incident
at a local mosque in downtown Brussels.

Post-specific Concerns
Economic Concerns
While most monetary transactions are available (cash, credit cards); U.S. money orders cannot
be negotiated. Personal checks may only be cleared through a bank at which a person holds an
account, and clearance can take two to four weeks. Banks and exchange facilities that are not
equipped with devices to identify counterfeit currency may refuse U.S. dollar denominations of
$50 and $100. ATMs are widespread, and accept most U.S. ATM cards for fund withdrawals. If
you want to purchase Euros, you are likely to find a more favorable exchange rate at banks than
at money exchange facilities located at tourist locations, train stations, and airports.
Personal Identity Concerns
While using public WIFI, protect passwords and be cognizant of people around you who may be
“shoulder-surfing” or trying to obtain your personal information.
Drug-related Crimes
While not a major crime problem, drugs are common and available. Possession of drugs remains
illegal in all of Belgium, unlike some cities in the Netherlands, and the police will enforce anti-drug
laws. One drug-related crime travelers should be aware of is there have been cases of people
being drugged at nightclubs.
Police Response
How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment
While you are traveling in Belgium, you are subject to all local laws. If you break local laws, your
U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Persons violating Belgian laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or
trafficking in illegal drugs in Belgium are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail
sentences and heavy fines.
Belgian law requires that everyone carry official identification at all times. This ID must be
displayed upon request to any Belgian police official. U.S. citizens who are not residents will need
to present their U.S. passport or valid driver’s license.
Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements, and customary
international law, if you are arrested in Belgium, you have the right to request that the police,
prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest.

5
‘India among few countries still using death penalty : report’
Kounteya Sinra, TNN March 27, 2014

London : The World Death Penalty Report 2014, to be launched by Amnesty International on
Thursday, has found that executions in India were not announced prior to being carried out,
neither to the public nor to the families and lawyers of the prisoners.
India hanged Mohammad Afzal Guru in secret in Tihar Jail on Feb 9. Guru's family was not
informed in time of his imminent execution and his body was not returned to the family for
last rites and burial, in violation of international standards.

Amnesty has also pointed to how President Pranab Mukherjee rejected the mercy petitions
of 18 other prisoners in 2013, the most rejections by any president in nearly 25 years.

At least 37 executions were reported to have been carried out in 10 countries in the Asia-
Pacific region. India recorded one such execution.
This figure does not include thousands of executions believed to have taken place in China.

At least 1,030 new death sentences were known to have been imposed in 17 countries in the
region in 2013. India imposed 72 of these death sentences in 2013. At least 400 people were
believed to be on death row at the end of the year in India. The other countries that
imposed the highest number of death penalties were Afghanistan 174, Bangladesh 220 and
Pakistan 226.

"The virtual killing sprees we saw in countries like Iran and Iraq were shameful. But those
states who cling to the death penalty are on the wrong side of history and are, in fact,
growing more and more isolated," said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's secretary
general.

"Only a small number of countries carried out the vast majority of these senseless state-
sponsored killings. They can't undo the overall progress already made towards abolition."
"The long-term trend is clear—death penalty is becoming a thing of the past. We urge all
governments who still kill in the name of justice to impose a moratorium on death penalty
immediately, with a view to abolishing it," said Shetty.

6
A fine mess: how diplomats get away without paying
parking tickets

The Guardian, Leo Benedictus Fri 23 Sep 2016

In New York, UN officials have racked up $16m in unpaid parking tickets, while London is owed £100m in
congestion charge fees. Is this a small price to pay so bigger issues get addressed – or shameless
dishonesty from those with power?

They are the scourge of the world’s capitals. They flout the law and cost the authorities millions. Yet, like
mice, noise and traffic jams, there seems to be little any city can do to protect itself from diplomats.

Immunity from prosecution under the Vienna Convention may be a vital part of international relations,
but it does little good for the moral fibre of the individuals involved.

As of April in Canberra, Australia, diplomats representing various foreign powers owed the city more than
A$500,000 (£290,000) – mostly in unpaid parking fines. Tickets for running red lights and speeding were
also common. Saudi Arabian diplomats alone owed nearly A$140,000.

In New York, meanwhile, the total bill for parking tickets issued to UN diplomats was more than
$16m (£12.3m) as of March. Here Egypt was by far the worst offender, with a debt of nearly $2m,
although more than a third of that was the handiwork of just four cars. One of them – registration 001
THD – accrued $109,165 in fines from 1,985 offences, many of which date back to the last century. Since
then, with added penalties, the total has more than doubled. Who knows whether the malefactor is still in
New York, or even still alive?

In London, diplomats failed to pay 4,858 parking fines in last year alone, creating £477,499 of
debt (£161,328 of which was later waived or paid). Nearly £100m of congestion charges fees remain
unpaid since it was introduced in 2003 – more than 10% of it from the US embassy.

In part, things have reached this stage because of an argument over whether the charge is the price of a
service or merely a tax for going in and out of London. Diplomats tend to argue the second, because it just
so happens that they are also immune from tax as well as from prosecution.

“They can’t be forced in court to pay a fine,” says a former British diplomat, who asked not to be named,
“so there’s no legal redress against them. All that the government or the local authority can do is to try to
use persuasion, which, as we all know, doesn’t work.”

No, it doesn’t. But there have been encouraging moments in cities around the world. In 2002, New
York achieved a drastic reduction in unpaid fines by refusing to re-register any car with a large
outstanding debt. (Since then, though, the fines have gradually crept back up.) The UK introduced a
stricter policy in 1985 and in one year reduced the number of annual parking fines not paid by diplomats
from 92,285 to 33,904.

7
Even so, such signs of improvement help to simply hide how normal the practice has become. “I suspect
that in some cases the parking wardens don’t bother,” says the former diplomat. “In the past, wardens
used to regularly put tickets on diplomatic vehicles, but there was never any belief they’d be paid.”

If a diplomatic car is causing an obstruction it can at least be towed away, but drunk or dangerous drivers
have to be freed once their credentials have been established. Sometimes this has terrible results. In
Ottawa, Canada, in January 2001, a senior Russian diplomat lost control of his car on the way back from
an ice-fishing party and mounted the pavement, killing one person and seriously injuring another.
Knyazev insisted he had not been drinking but would not allow himself to be breathalysed, and the
Russian authorities refused to waive his immunity. It subsequently emerged that Knyazev had been
stopped for driving drunk twice before, but released. In the end he was prosecuted in Russia and
sentenced to four years in prison.

This is not an isolated example. A Georgian diplomat, Gueorgui Makharadze, killed a 16-year-old girl while
driving drunk in Washington DC in 1997, and was later prosecuted after his government waived his
immunity. In 2009, Silviu Ionescu, a Romanian chargé d’affaires, drove into three pedestrians in
Singapore, killing one. He returned to Romania, where he was convicted of manslaughter, and
subsequently died in prison. Officials from the US alone have been involved in driving incidents that killed
or seriously injured people in foreign cities.

To some extent, the lack of action over parking may be because host nations are playing realpolitik, saving
real fury for these serious crimes. After all, a few hundred thousand dollars in lost fines is easy enough for
any good-sized city to overlook. Even a few million is probably worth it to New York, when set against the
wider social and economic benefits of hosting the UN. No doubt London would like to claim its £96m in
lost congestion charges, but diplomats who refuse to pay are hardly putting the city through any
meaningful danger or inconvenience.

One way or another, the international community seems resigned to do no more than grumble. And there
is no shortage of diplomats, from countries of all levels of wealth, willing to take advantage. “It’s quite
simple,” the diplomat says. “They know that they are in effect immune. It’s convenient for them to park in
these places. So they do it.”

One study has suggested – rather bluntly – that the rate at which countries accrue unpaid parking fines in
New York correlates well with that country’s own rate of corruption. A study, conducted by two
economists in 2006, found no non-payments from officials in Japan, Canada, Turkey, Sweden or the UK,
while the worst offenders were Kuwait, Egypt and Chad.

Interestingly, considering their high corruption scores with Transparency International, both Russia and
China had peculiarly honest diplomats. Equally interestingly, the study found better behaviour among
diplomats from countries considered friendly with the US; and diplomats in general became more honest,
briefly, after the 9/11 attacks.

It’s almost as if people behave better when, you know, they try.