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OAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL HOLDS TALKS IN SURINAME

Reinvigorating discussions on the peace process in Suriname was high on the agenda in recent meetings between the country’s President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan and Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Albert R. Ramdin. Other key issues raised by the OAS official during his official visit to Paramaribo were the recent elections and the political process in Guyana, as well as the Surinamese President’s proposal to host an international conference on drugs.

Ambassador Ramdin assured the President of the OAS’ readiness to support the people and government of Suriname in their bid to implement the Peace Accord brokered by and signed with the OAS in 1992, which also provides for institutional strengthening, capacity building.

Ambassador Ramdin also met with Vice President Ramdien Sardjoe; Foreign Minister Lygia Kraag Keteldijk; Home Affairs Minister Maurits Hassankhan; and the Speaker of the National Assembly Slamet Somohardjo.

Discussions with the Home Affairs Minister focused on the decision on electoral reform. The Assistant Secretary General emphasized the constructive role that the OAS can play in providing technical assistance and expertise. During his meeting with the Vice President and the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ramdin gave a comprehensive update on the activities of the OAS in the area of democracy, electoral monitoring and observation in the Americas and how the recent restructuring of the OAS General Secretariat will assist member states in meeting their national objectives.

The OAS Assistant Secretary General met with the acting Regional Development Minister Alice Amafo who chaired a meeting of representatives from the respective groups involved in the Peace Accord. He reassured them of how seriously the OAS takes its moral obligation, saying the Organization is committed to working with them to help implement the recommendations arising from the peace process. Ambassador Ramdin suggested as a first step that there must be an evaluation of the peace process to date to better understand what has been achieved and what remains to be done. He expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment by all the parties, and pledged the OAS’ commitment to remain engaged. Ramdin also addressed newly-appointed diplomats at the Lima Po Institute, in a lecture on diplomatic practice and principles.

Before leaving Suriname, Ambassador Ramdin participated in a working breakfast with the diplomatic community in Paramaribo, hosted by the OAS Representative in Suriname Dwight Bramble.

Reference: E-238/06