VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHPO #0477 3381827
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY AD05F8CC MSI9852-695)
P 031827Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO
TO RUEHMU/AMEMBASSY MANAGUA PRIORITY 0017
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0467
UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000477
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION
FOR WHA/CAR JROSHOLT
WHA/CEN AKRAAIMOORE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL NU NS
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: NICARAGUAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 122262
1. (SBU) On December 2, Pol-Econ Chief delivered the
demarche to Tom Kartoebi, Acting Head of the Americas
Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government
of the Republic of Suriname (GOS). Kartoebi expressed
disbelief that the Organization of American States (OAS)
would have made comments on the Nicaraguan municipal
elections, stating that noninterference in internal affairs
is one of the OAS principles. He especially doubted the
statement in the demarche that "The European Union, the
Organization of American States, international and domestic
NGOs, and other members of Nicaraguan civil society have all
noted these irregularities and called for a transparent
recount."
2. (SBU) Kartoebi said he would consult with the Ministry's
International Organizations Division to see whether the OAS
itself had instructed member nations to urge the Nicaraguan
government to conduct a transparent recount of all disputed
municipal elections, and that credible observers be present.
If the OAS had made such instruction directly to the GOS, the
GOS would make a decison on whether it would take any
actions, Kartoebi said.
3. (SBU) After the meeting, Pol-Econ Chief sent to Kartoebi
copies of the OAS and State Department press releases on the
issue, which cited the concerns.
4. (U) Post will report any subsequent reaction from the GOS
in a separate cable.
BELL