(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez provided financial support to the NDP and even helped NDP leader Desi Bouterse in attempts to topple former President Ronald Venetiaan. A member of the NDP who also acted as an informant for US diplomats in Suriname told them this. This is stated in the most recently leaked US diplomatic documents through Wikileaks. When asked for comment, President Venetiaan says that the answers should be sought from Chavez and Bouterse. He adds that at a certain point, there were rumours that the Venezuelan Ambassador in Suriname showed questionable behaviour. Venetiaan does not elaborate about this alleged behaviour, but does say that he discussed this with Chavez. The result was a mission from Venezuela and the recall of the Ambassador. According to the Wikileaks documents, Bouterse often made secret trips to Venezuela when his party was in the opposition in order to safeguard Chavez’s financial support. At the end of 2005, the informant reported to the Americans that Chavez had promised Bouterse support and recognition if the latter managed to topple the Venetiaan government. US diplomats often warned Washington about the close ties between Bouterse and Chavez. All this information is reported by the Dutch network NOS, which was provided these leaks. During last year’s election campaign, there were rumours that Venezuelan diplomats attended NDP meetings and that Bouterse received support from Chavez. In the end, Bouterse won the elections.
