By playing host to the EU-ACP summit Suriname has placed itself
distinctly in the spotlight. “The country has won the European
hearts,” Dutch press wrote. “We all had a completely wrong impression
of this country,” said co-chair Louis Michel during the closing press
conference. “The conference was very well-organised, and so is
Surinamese society. The economy is growing, and the government puts a lot of efforts to achieve its goals. Our eyes are opened.”
According to him, the so-called 'Article 8 dialogue' is a
proper means to discuss the poor bilateral relationship between the
Netherlands and Suriname. In May, the Article 8 dialogue about
the Amnesty Law ended in a fierce discussion between Europe and
Suriname. (See Suriname Politics & Security – 04.06.12). On
that occasion, the Surinamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston
Lackin, said that he had felt “almost screwed” by the EU.
During the conference the atmosphere in Paramaribo was
remarkably better than it was six months ago. “We should hold on to
that. The Amnesty Law should not hinder a constructive
discussion,” said Michel. “This was a historic conference,”
mused one Surinamese journalist, “Should the Netherlands and Suriname
start talks in a few years' time, then we can say that it has all
started here.”
© 2012 Menas Associates
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