PARAMARIBO – Sunil Oemrawsingh, chairman of 8 December 1982 Foundation, warns that Suriname should refrain from taking sides in the political conflict in Venezuela.
Suriname should also be alert of attempts by Venezuela to use Unasur as a propaganda instrument. Oemrawsingh’s concern is fueled by a letter from the Joint Democratic Panel (MUD) to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Lackin, to prevent abuse of Unasur. Oemrawsingh refers to the government program ‘Info Act’ where ambassador Halfhide and the president’s press chief, Cliff Limburg, presented a one-sided view which could be considered pro-Venezuela propaganda.
The host and his guests also made veiled accusation towards the United States of America, naming Venezuela’s oil wealth as the reason for undermining the government. Info Act also proudly announced the expulsion of three American diplomats and news agency CNN. Limburg told de Ware Tijd that ambassador Halfhide did not speak on behalf of the government, but simply reported what he had seen in Venezuela.
He emphasized that the government of Suriname does not take sides in the conflict. The press chief pointed out that president Bouterse takes his position as chairman of Unasur very seriously and knows how to guarantee the organization’s objectives and duties. He advises Oemrawsingh to stick to his human rights organization and not to interfere with Info Act. ‘Wasn’t Oemrawsingh the one who said that he never watches Info Act and that he advises people not to watch the program? How then, does he know what is said in the program,’ Limburg responded.-.
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