(de Ware Tijd) THE HAGUE/PARAMARIBO – The Netherlands is conducting a campaign to impose sanctions on Suriname and the 25 suspects in the 8 December trial. The country will use its observer status at the Organization of American States (OAS) to make clear to Suriname during the upcoming summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Columbia that adoption of the Amnesty Act is unacceptable and undermines the constitutional state.
Paramaribo will remain undaunted, however, and has made its own plan to inform the regional and international community about the amnesty issue. Dutch Foreign Affairs minister Uri Rosenthal said during yesterday’s Suriname debate in the Lower House that the Netherlands is mobilizing international pressure on Suriname, and that sanctions are expected from the European Union (EU) as well.
Besides a strong condemnation of the adoption of the Amnesty Act, the EU can also impose economic sanctions. Separate countries are being mobilized as well, and Rosenthal mentioned Brazil, Canada and Chile in this regard.
The Dutch will also approach the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a condemnation and sanctions against Suriname, while they will file a complaint with the UN’s human rights council as well.
