REPORTED DECISION TO CLOSE USDAO PARAMARIBO

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000713

SIPDIS


FROM THE AMBASSADOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT PREL MARR
SUBJECT: REPORTED DECISION TO CLOSE USDAO PARAMARIBO


1. Although this Embassy has received no official indication
of the Defense Department's intent to close the DAO,
personnel of DAO have been advised informally of changes in
TODs designed to effect the closure of the office NLT the
end of June, 2006. It is alleged that a decision to close
was taken several months ago. In the last month the Embassy
has signed a lease on a larger house, obligating DOD funds,
to accommodate someone whose assignment was announced, but
whose tour is now said to have been cancelled.


2. While I can appreciate the need to realign resources to
meet changing priorities, I regret the proposed closure of
the DAO. The office has been a vital participant in this
Embassy's efforts to help Suriname turn a coup-staging, drug-
running military beholden to no one into a more professional
organization committed to the nation's security under
civilian leadership. The conclusion of a long sought Status
of Forces Agreement formalizes the progress we have made.
The former military dictator remains a player on the
political stage and continues to have some admirers within
the military. The Chinese and Venezuelans are stepping up
their levels of engagement with Suriname's military. In the
absence of DAO, we will be less able to assess the role the
military will play in Suriname. Further, as new programs
come on line, for example, a Yuma Proving Ground program to
test vehicles in a tropical environment, it is unclear that
the Embassy will be able to provide appropriate support or
oversight in the absence of a DAO. The other military
presence at this small Embassy consists of a TDY officer
filling an SAO billet, supported by a sergeant and a TDY
officer detailed by SouthCom to support HAP and TCA
activities.


3. In order to enable post to plan, including the provision
of notification to the Government of Suriname, it is
imperative that the NSDD38 process be complied with
promptly.

BARNES


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