Cablegate: Amnesty for Suriname's Former Military Strongman, Desi

VZCZCXRO9150
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHPO #0264 1491940
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291940Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9380
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000264

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR - LLUFTIG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM PGOV NS
SUBJECT: AMNESTY FOR SURINAME'S FORMER MILITARY STRONGMAN, DESI
BOUTERSE?

1. (U) During the week ending May 25, Suriname's ruling New Front
plus coalition parties held high-level talks concerning a possible
referendum to allow the Surinamese electorate the right to decide
whether suspects of the December 8 (1982) murders should be granted
amnesty. The chief proponent of the amnesty referendum is Speaker of
Parliament Paul Somohardjo, who in April broke ranks with the rest
of the coalition, arguing the Surinamese nation should decide what
happens to the suspects, not 51 members in Parliament.

2. (U) Somohardjo argued that "amnesty will bring more closure than
holding a criminal trial, since suspects would be more willing to
reveal the truth surrounding the murders if they know they will not
be imprisoned". Not surprisingly, the NDP and its Chairman,
principal suspect Desi Bouterse, fully support Somohardjo in his
call for a referendum. [Note: The NDP is the biggest party in
Suriname and its members would most likely provide a majority of
votes if a referendum was held. End note]. Seven other parties in
the ruling coalition disagree with Somohardjo on this issue, arguing
that "Justice should run its course."

3. (U) After their six-plus hours-long meeting last week, none of
the ruling coalition leaders was willing to comment on the amnesty
issue. However, Ramdien Sardjoe, Vice President and Chairman of the
United Reform Party (VHP), would confirm that the amnesty issue had
been discussed. Although parties were as yet not in full agreement,
he noted vaguely that "some" of the disagreements had been cleared
up. Still unknown is when-or whether-the amnesty referendum proposal
will be placed on the Parliament's agenda. Clearly, the Embassy
will continue to monitor this issue closely, particularly as it may
impact the future activities of Suriname's infamous former military
strongman, now parliamentarian, Desi Bouterse.

SCHREIBER HUGHES

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