Brief Remarks by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Suriname to the Organization of American States, H.E. Ambassador Henry L. Illes at the Thirty Second Special Session of the OAS General Assembly, to formalize the institutional relationship between the OAS and the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB),
March 15, 2006,
OAS Headquarters, Washington DC

It is my pleasure to say a few words at this Special Session of the OAS General Assembly.

Today marks an important chapter in the history of the OAS. The legal formalization of the institutional relationship between the OAS and the Inter American Defense Board that we are establishing here today will undoubtedly facilitate the continuation of the new approach to security in the American hemisphere that was launched a few years ago at the Special Conference on Security meeting held in Mexico City, Mexico.

This exercise stresses the long awaiting desire and need to develop common expressions of principles on hemispheric security based on the already existing Inter-American institutions and processes.

Today, we face an entirely different world then when the Inter-American Defense Board was initially established in 1942.

Today, in the American Hemisphere, non-traditional and transnational security threats are at the forefront of the hemispheric security concerns. Treats such as terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, transnational criminal enterprises, environmental and natural disasters and even HIV/AIDS have become the major focus and concern of OAS members-states.

Today, these new treats at all times require multilateral responses by governments and civil society organizations since no one state or institution can unilaterally address them in a meaningful way.

These non traditional treats require multi-faceted responses by our Governments, national and international organizations, all acting appropriately, as well as lawfully and in harmony with democratic principles and norms.

Suriname has positioned itself to cooperate with all the OAS member states in order to meet the various new and difficult security challenges that are facing the American Hemisphere. We have decided to fully participate in all regional efforts with a renewed sense of competence, dedication and professionalism.

It is for mainly those reasons that the Government of Suriname has decided to appoint as of to date, March 15, 2006, a new Chief of Delegation to the Council of Delegates (the highest representative body) of the Inter American Defense Board.

Let me conclude by expressing my country’s absolute satisfaction with the out come of this exercise. As a result we welcome the establishment of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) as an “entity” of the Organization of American States under Article 53 of the OAS Charter.

Finally Mr. Chairman,

I can not possibly conclude my remarks without congratulating you as Chairman of the Committee on Hemispheric Security, as well as Major General Hubert from the IADB and the OAS and IADB staffs who have determinedly work to provide us with this outstanding outcome.

I thank you.

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