(de Ware Tijd) THE HAGUE – New facts and changed circumstances mean that the European Parliament (EP) is only now making attempts to prevent the upcoming ACP/EU JPA meeting scheduled for this November from being held in Suriname.
Dutch EP member Toine Manders admits to dWT that the decision to hold the joint meeting of EU and ACP legislators in Suriname was taken some months ago. He emphasizes, however, that the situation in Suriname has changed because of the adoption of the Amnesty Act, while Surinamese politicians have made some statements recently making clear President Desi Bouterse wants to take advantage of the ACP/EU meeting for political gain. This has not served Suriname’s case and that is why the EP decided on Wednesday not to participate in case the meeting is held in Suriname.
“Besides that, a EU-Suriname dialogue will start on 30 May, during which the controversial Amnesty Act will be discussed, and this is a unique step. The European Parliament cannot ignore these facts, and we will not be taken advantage of by Bouterse and his entourage,” Manders adds. “It is often claimed that this is a Dutch boycott, but all EP members unanimously supported the decision not to go to Suriname when my initiative explained the seriousness of the situation,” Manders states. He assumes the ACP will agree with the EU and the JPA meeting will be moved to another Caribbean country. When asked what would happen should the ACP not agree to moving the meeting, Manders replies, “That would be bad for EU/ACP relations and unnecessary. There are good alternatives in the region, including Guyana, so a Caribbean country can host the meeting after all. I hope they will offer to take over hosting duties.”
