Dear Editor,
On Thursday January 10th, 2019, President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for an illegitimate second term of six years amidst a dramatic humanitarian and economic crisis. The presence of Vice-President Ashwin Adhin confirms the position of our government with the false argument of non-intervention, since according to this government, the situation in Venezuela can be categorised as an internal issue of Venezuela.
DA’91 is of the point of view that the Venezuelan problem is not limited and cannot be categorised as an internal issue. The peace, stability and security of the region as a whole are being compromised; additionally the totalitarian regime of Nicolas Maduro has taken Venezuela into a continuously worsening humanitarian, political and constitutional crisis. Non-intervention in this case as a principle is not only wrong, but proves to have very serious consequences.
DA’91’s point of view is in line with the declaration by the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia (Lima Group) of 10 January 2019, in which statement is also mentioned the non-recognition of the new term of the Venezuelan regime.
It is high time that we have a more intelligent debate in our country on the principle of interventionism. Within the international diplomatic community, the reality of humanitarian catastrophe transcends any argument based on non-intervention.
The fact that Desi Bouterse indicates that he stands with the government of Maduro is also a warning sign for us as a society.
Stubbornly sticking to supporting the repressive regime in Venezuela is a total disregard of the interests of the Surinamese society. With this attitude, the president is also acting contrary to Article 7.2 of our Constitution: “The Republic of Suriname promotes the development of the international legal order….”
DA’91 has repeatedly called on the Surinamese parliament, the government, as well as the Venezuelan government to change course. DA’91 expresses her solidarity with the people of Venezuela and the many Venezuelan refugees for whom living in their own country has become unbearable due to the repressive regime under the leadership of Nicolas Maduro.
DA’91 calls on the Venezuelan government to organise as soon as possible, honest, transparent and according to the legitimate process, presidential elections, during which international observers should be present.
DA’91 demands that the Surinamese government finally takes a position based on the universal values and principles in defense of democracy and the protection of human rights in our country as well as in Venezuela. In the interest of the Surinamese society and in the interest of harmony and peace in the region, in line with the internationally applicable and accepted standards for democracy, human rights and rule of law, the Surinamese government has to immediately revise the vote casted against the OAS resolution of January 10, 2019 and unconditionally support this resolution.
Yours faithfully,
Angelic del Castilho
Chair
DA’91 (Democratic Alternative ‘91)
Paramaribo
Suriname
