Suriname and France to hold top level discussions

“We will not tolerate any French aggression”

SURINAME Suriname and France are reportedly making preparations for top level political discussions. One of the main topics of discussion will be the status of the Marowijne River and the way the security issue is being tackled in the border region. The top level conference is expected to be held in the Third week of November and Suriname will seize the opportunity to make it clear to France that it will not allow the inhumane treatment of Surinamese citizens and especially not in the region that Surinamese deems as its territory. Foreign Affairs Minister Yldiz PollackBeighle in response to two incidents that took place on the Marowijne River in the past two months indicated that the Surinamese government would never allow another country to waltz over Suriname or its citizens. The French police reportedly deemed it necessary to seize the property of Surinamese goldminers before setting it on fire. The reports indicate that in one case the French police did not hesitate when they towed a vessel from the Surinamese side to the French side of the river before destroying it. In another case the possessions of gold miners were destroyed by the French despite the objections of the Surinamese soldiers who were part of the joint patrol. Suriname and France reportedly have a lot to talks about especially with regards to the border issue. There are currently no clear agreements regarding the Marowijne River except for the ‘connection’ between Portal and Stoelmans Island. “But we have already made it clear to the French that we will not tolerate any French aggression and especially not along the border that happens to be a border river and that is determined mutually”, said Minister Pollack Beighle who added that the time is ripe for both nations to discuss the border issue and border rules at a higher level. Minister PollackBeighly also made it clear that one must not create the impression that Suriname wants to support the illegality of Surinamese goldminers. She made it clear that relations with France must be kept warm at all times. “We have talked to the French ambassador on several occasions and we are now at the point where there will be technical discussions between the team from the French side and the team from the Surinamese side.

The mudslide buried six homes in the municipality of Niteroi. (Photo: RTVE)