REMARKS BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME HER EXCELLENCY MARIA E. LEVENS, AT THE 35TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
June 7, 2005 - FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA.

Thank you very much Madam Chairperson,
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation and for the superb arrangements made for a successful conclusion of this gathering. We also extend our friendly greetings to the people of Fort Lauderdale who have received us in such a cordial and hospitable manner.

The theme of this meeting "Delivering the Benefits of Democracy" is of immense significance and relevance to the Government of the Republic of Suriname. This discussion comes at a time, when the hemispheric democratic situation is marked by several challenges, which if not dealt with decisively could lead to unwanted developments in the future. It is indeed an outstanding and timely event which shows the depth of the interaction between our nations. It also confirms our strong determination to take immediate and concerted actions to address the difficult problems and concerns we are presently confronted with and to develop a comprehensive approach to tackle them up front and collectively. The intend is to make our region an ideal place where democracy, economic cooperation, human dignity and respect for individual rights and freedoms as well as the rule of law are essential prerequisites for the preservation of peace, security, stability and development in this part of the world.

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of democracy as the most useful and preferred system of governance in the Americas. .As a direct consequence the Inter American Democratic Charter was. unanimously adopted by our Governments on September 11, 2001 in Lima, Peru.

"Democracy" according to the Charter is no longer only about the institutional arrangements for the establishment of legislative and administrative bodies; it also focuses on what those institutions deliver, how accountable and responsive they are, how transparent they are in their functioning, how human rights must be protected, how social and economic development must be achieved, as well as how a democratic culture should be promoted in our hemisphere.

Most democracies in the Americas however are still faced with the challenge of meeting the basic expectations of the masses, by providing them with the fundamental necessities for a dignified existence. This challenge can only be effectively met when the wealthy among us really become cognizant and susceptible to the needs and aspirations of those living in abject poverty. It is crucial for democracy everywhere to have effective social consequence if it is to continue to receive popular support of the masses.

Poverty and hunger have always been major factors of human conflict and they are in my humble view still the most pertinent factors that can undermine any democracy any where and at any time. A country where a large part of the population lives in extreme poverty and deprivation will never have efficient democratic institutions.

The eradication of poverty must become and must continue to remain our primary concern and focus, for its persistence will continue to undermine democracy in our hemisphere. It should, therefore be the primary effort of our Governments to transform their hemispheric policies in such a way that democracy exists side by side with social progress so that the most sought after benefits of democracy can be received by all.
Any democracy therefore becomes much stronger when everyone can clearly observe that poverty and hunger are being reduced, that society is becoming more righteous, and that these gains can be sustained overtime. The member states of the OAS have sturdily embraced democracy, because democratic solidarity offers new avenues to reach real partnerships for development among the countries in the Americas.
In 1996 the OAS General Assembly amended the OAS Charter and created the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), a ministerial body that aims to promote cooperation among the American states for the purpose of achieving integral development and in particular helping to alleviate extreme poverty.

Almost 10 years after we have made these lofty promises to our peoples we must now conclude that many of our predictions regarding this vital institution have not yet been materialized. One important reason for this is that we cannot try to accomplish all things for all people at the same time.
An efficient OAS has to limit its scarce resources and technical cooperation to the neediest members of the Organization.
The developed countries as well as the economically and financially stronger developing countries should also do their part and really act as donors. Not just financially, but also with regard to their economic policies towards the neediest member states, by providing them with effective and genuine fair trade opportunities. Their decision to become true contributors to technical cooperation programs and fair partners in trade and economic relations will undoubtedly enhance solidarity among all countries in the hemisphere.

Madam Chair,
It is our task; in fact it is our profound duty to make certain that the institutions that we have created, in order to improve the lives and living conditions of our peoples indeed work effectively for those peoples. We have no other choice than to collectively find innovative ways to strengthen horizontal cooperation between our countries so that democratically and economically struggling countries can overcome their troubles. .

Madam Chairperson,
In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the Government and the People of Suriname to the Organization of American States who for the fifth time in succession, has proved to be a true partner in democracy by successfully monitoring and observing the general elections held almost two weeks ago in my country.
On May 25th the election of 51 members of the National Assembly as well as the members of the District and Local Council took place under the trustworthy, independent and watchful eyes of this Organization.
Allow me to thank the OAS for its longstanding and positive role in monitoring the electoral processes in my country.

Thank you very much.

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