Inaugural Speech by Ambassador Jacques R.C. Kross at the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, OAS Headquarter, Washington DC, March 21, 2007.

 

Madam Chairperson, Your Excellency Maria del Lujan Flores,

Secretary General, Your Excellency Jose Miguel Ensulza,

Assistant Secretary General, Your Excellency Albert Ramchand Ramdin,

Distinguished Permanent Representatives,

Distinguished Representatives of the Observers States to the OAS,

Alternate Representatives,

Representatives of the OAS Secretariat,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to convey to you the warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency RUNALDO RONALD VENETIAAN and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency LYGIA KRAAG-KETELDIJK.

I am beginning my tenure as Permanent Representative of my country to the OAS, with an immense feeling of hope and expectations, because this Hemispheric Organization is currently in a mix of the implementation of crucial and necessary changes. Changes which are meant to address present realities, and the day to day live of the men, women and children in the street.

Changes that will create modernization programs and new experiences in order to tackle the problems of a hemisphere that is extremely dynamic.

We are aware that this hemisphere is full of potential, but it is also a hemisphere of extreme differences, affecting the lives of the poorest in the world as well as the richest.

However, this Organization has demonstrated time and time again that these differences must be addressed through the expression of keen respect for each other’s sovereignty, close partnership and a strategic agenda, crafted within the frame work of and steered by the guidelines of the so important OAS founding Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the Declaration on Security in the Americas and the to be approved Social Charter of the Americas, among many others.

These are the instruments of faith and confidence in this Organization and its member-states, and they will one day lead us to the realizing of our dream of a better and prosperous American Hemisphere.

Madam Chairperson,

The Organization of American States has played a significant role in Suriname since we became a member of this very important hemispheric political Organization almost 30 years ago.

Without doubt, the OAS engagement in Suriname in the area of post conflict resolution, good governance, security, human rights protection, fellowships and its steadfast dedication in the financing of several small scale development projects trough the FEMCIDI program are the most noteworthy expressions of the relevance of this body in my country.

Suriname is a democracy where there is respect for all fundamental human rights, where democratic institutions function effectively, where general, free and fair elections are being held on a regular basis and where economic growth over the past years has been increasing steadily. The average economic growth for the period 2000 – 2005 was 4.8% and the prediction for 2006 is about 6%.

It is obvious that there are still serious problems to be addressed by the Government however these positive figures are the consequence of comprehensive growth in the mining sector, construction, trade, transportation, communication, hotel, restaurant and financial services.

It is within this environment of democratic values, high levels of religious and ethnic tolerance and economic potential, that the Government of Suriname and its People are building a society and engage with the region and the world at large.

Madam Chair,

The principles enshrined in the Inter American Democratic Charter are and must be the political promotion and defending tools of democratic governance in the entire American Hemisphere.

The intimate relationship between my country and the Inter American Democratic Charter goes back to December 28, 1990, when a Special Meeting of this Council was called just before the New Year that strongly condemned the political events that took place in Suriname on Christmas Eve 1990.

A few months later, the OAS-member states unanimously ratified that decision at its General Assembly in the illustrious Resolution 1080, no doubt thinking of the example that could be set regarding the relapse of democracy elsewhere in Latin America.

On April 2001, the 34 democratically elected Heads of State from the Americas then met in Quebec City for the Third Summit of the Americas.

It was in that context that the Foreign Ministers were instructed to propose, in the frame work of the OAS, an Inter American Democratic Charter (the Democratic Magna Carta of the Americas).

This document has since become the sole international instrument, exclusively committed to defend and promote representative democracy.

On September 11, 2001, we have adopted, and signed of on a Resolution in Lima, Peru, this mechanism has so far been able to stand up to its robust task, and in fact has become the focal point of the most serious work that the OAS has called upon to perform, due to the political importance that, “We”, the member states have attached to it.

Suriname will maintain its fullest support to the Inter American Democratic Charter.

Madam Chairperson,

The Government of Suriname considers the following security components of the utmost importance. Our main priorities are the national security of our people and natural resources, the regional security of the American Hemisphere as well as the political, economic and social stability of the OAS member states.

In our view, these issues are inter-related. A fundamental element in the discussion on security is human security, a concept introduced by our Canadian friends in this Council, which has now become an essential element in working towards social development and a hemisphere free from poverty, HIV/AIDS and other social scourges.

Madam Chair,

The discussions on the establishment of a Social Charter of the Americas have already highlighted the issue on the social agenda of this Organization. The main views submitted by the member-states have already generated substantial debate which will strengthen and improve the outcome of the discussion and hopefully lead to a praiseworthy final document.

This important political process must ultimately lead to a significant improvement of the lives of our Peoples. It is therefore eminent to make certain that the Social Charter for the Americas guarantees that the living standards in all the Americas improve significantly, rather than decline.

It is necessary therefore to keep in mind that at the end of the road, this new instrument should encapsulate a general vision that is formulated through an open and inclusive process, and obtain the participation of a broad spectrum of participants, including civil society.

The Social Charter for the Americas should consequently need to adopt broad goals and objectives for national and international action, in a variety of spheres ranging from the eradication of extreme poverty, to the creation and guaranteeing of decent jobs, as well as the security of health and education and the improvement of the social and cultural rights of the most vulnerable in our societies, including the indigenous and tribal peoples, women, youth and children.

In closing Madam Chair,

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Panama with the selected theme for the next General Assembly of the OAS. “Energy for Development” will be a key factor to attract foreign investment in order to bring about growth for many economies.

I consequently fully agree with the Vice President of Panama, His Excellency SAMUEL LEWIS NAVARRO, when he so eloquently reminded us last week: ”that the complex and critical energy issue will define the future of coming generations”.

The Government of Suriname is highly committed to continue collaborating with the member-states of the OAS and its General Secretariat, on the many challenging issues facing our Hemisphere today and in the future.

I can assure you that this is my personal pledge as well. I am therefore eagerly looking forward to work with you all towards a better future for our Peoples.

Thank you very much for your attention.