The Suriname government has defended its decision to appoint Steve Meye as the country’s non-resident ambassador to Israel after legislators questioned the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) support for Palestine.
Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Minister, Melvin Bouv, said that there has been no change in Suriname’s position on Palestine. He said that Meye’s appointment does not represent a change in Surinamese foreign policy, noting that the country has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for years and various cooperation projects exist in areas including agriculture, education, and healthcare.
‘There is an existing diplomatic relationship with Israel, and nothing has changed in that regard,’ Bouva told legislators, insisting also that Suriname’s position on Palestine also remains unchanged.
‘Nothing has changed regarding the recognition of Palestine. Suriname has continued to stand by that position unwavering since 2011, and this government also maintains that policy.’
Bouva said that Suriname is increasingly making use of such diplomatic representatives to maintain international relations without the costs of a permanent diplomatic post.
But as Parliament debated the national budget, both government and opposition legislators raised the issue.
Government legislator, Ann Sadi, said that the appointment comes at a sensitive time, given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. ‘Why was the decision made to proceed with this appointment precisely now?’ asked Sadi, pointing to international concern regarding the situation in Gaza and wanted to know how the decision fits within Suriname’s foreign policy.
The National Party of Suriname (NPS) faction leader, Jerrel Pawiroredjo, also questioned the appointment, referring to human rights issues and stated that Suriname, as a multicultural society, must handle international issues relating to equality, justice, and human rights with care.
The faction leader of Pertjajah Luhur (PL), Bronto Somohardjo recalled that Suriname recognised Palestine as an independent state in 2011 and asked Bouva to confirm that the appointment of an ambassador to Israel does not constitute a weakening of that principled position.
‘Maintaining diplomatic relations is one thing, but Suriname must not for a moment give the impression that it remains silent when civilian casualties occur or when serious accusations of violations of international law are made,’ said Somohardjo.
Government legislator, Ebu Jones, in defending the appointment, noted that some CARICOM countries maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, while simultaneously supporting UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire and endorsing Palestine’s right to a state of its own.
Jones said the appointment of a non-resident ambassador therefore need not be in conflict with Suriname’s position.
‘It is precisely through a diplomatic relationship that one can make one’s views on human rights and the international legal order known,’ he added.