Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname

HER EXCELLENCY MARIA E. LEVENS

on the occasion of the 32nd General Assembly
of the Organisation of American States,
Bridgetown, Barbados, June 2- 4, 2002

A Multidimensional Approach to Hemispheric Security

Madam Chair,

It gives me great pleasure to address this distinguished body of the Organisation today, in a sister state of the CARICOM. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you madam Chair with your election as Chairwoman of this General Assembly.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the Government and people of Barbados for the excellent way in which you have prepared and organised this important meeting

Madam Chair

For over a decade the international community has defined terms such as "Single Market", "Globalisation" and "Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)" largely in financial, economic, trade, technological and scientific terms. On September 11th, 2001, while we were in Lima, Peru, to launch the Inter American Democratic Charter, we were all shockingly made aware of the unexpected face of "Globalisation".

Before this incomprehensible occurrence we seemed to ignore certain realities such as extreme poverty that exacerbate social justice in many of our countries, the underestimated role of religion and culture in world affairs, and the lack of meaningful political participation in issues that are of importance to the survival of many of our poor citizens.

The fight against terrorism is not a new phenomenon. There is no doubt that the challenges facing the international community in general and our Organisation in particular, in the campaign towards Hemispheric Security are great and will test our collective political will and determination.

We have to improve the regional and global policy approaches that not only address the immediate goals of bringing criminals and their accomplices, who threaten our collective security, to justice.

In order to do away with the threat of terrorism, we need to have open and honest discussions on the reasons and causes that drive people to commit such horrendous crimes against humanity. For we can only eliminate this evil by taking care of its root causes. It must be stressed, however, that for us to be successful in ensuring Hemispheric Security, it is essential that we take a collective approach, in which we act firmly and within the framework of international law.

The shock effect that drove the world to immediately react to the dangers of international terrorism proves that it is possible for the international community to unite and instantly deal with crucial global problems. These immediate actions should therefore be taken to deal with all crucial global problems, such as extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS and environmental degradation not only at the global level, but also within our Hemisphere.

Let us form a coalition to collectively build a hemispheric civilisation, where there is room for every citizen, and everyone has a chance to live a decent life. While we continue to fight international terrorism, let us also search for solutions to the other pressing issues facing the Americas, such as, ending dangerous political situations in our region, morally unacceptable and unfair trading rules, the widening gap between rich and poor. In other words, ensuring the well being of our peoples, by first and foremost guaranteeing their basic rights to food, education, health and development.

Madam Chair

My government considers the following security components of utmost importance. Our main priorities are the national security of our people, natural resources, the regional security of our hemisphere, the economic, political and social stability of the member states of the OAS. These issues are inter-related.

A crucial element in the discussion on security is human security. I would therefore like to reiterate that in working towards a secure hemisphere, we first and foremost need to look after the well being of our people. We cannot possibly leave out significant issues such as social development, the fight against HIV/AIDS, poverty eradication and above all fair trade in our discussion on Hemispheric Security.

Suriname is prepared to work together with our hemispheric partners, in particular those that are already working with us on poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Let us not allow the understandable pre-occupation with national and hemispheric security slow down the implementation of policies and programs on other important issues.

In closing, I would like to thank the delegation of Barbados for stressing the multi-dimensional concept of security, and I want to note that Suriname intends to work tirelessly with you on not only combating terrorism, but also on, among others, extreme poverty, trafficking in drugs and arms, and working on the environment, sustainable development, social implications of HIV/AIDS and of programs which cover the overall well-being of our children and youth and the well being of our peoples.

Thank you!

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