BOUTERSE CALLS FOR MASS PROTESTS AFTER MARITIME BORDER

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000534 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR WHA/CAR -- JACKIE ROSHOLT, INR -- BOB CARHART, INR -- RAY MILEFSKY COMMERCE FOR MICHELLE BROOKS OSD FOR JUAN CARDENAS SOUTHCOM FOR J2, J5 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PBTS EINV EPET PGOV PREL NS SUBJECT: BOUTERSE CALLS FOR MASS PROTESTS AFTER MARITIME BORDER DECISION REF: PARAMARIBO 529 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Desi Bouterse, former military strongman and chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP),is attempting to mobilize mass protests against the Venetiaan government on October 1 during President Venetiaan's annual State of the Republic speech. These protests are likely Bouterse's bid to divert public attention from the upcoming 8 December murders trial, in which Bouterse is a main suspect. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Taking advantage of the disappointing outcome conveyed in the September 20 announcement of the maritime border resolution by the UN International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS),on September 26 former military dictator and chairman of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) Desi Bouterse called on the Surinamese population to stage protests against the Venetiaan government on October 1 as part of his "mission to overthrow the Venetiaan government." The protests are to take place at Independence Square, across from the National Assembly where President Venetiaan will deliver his annual State of the Republic speech. ¶3. (U) Bouterse cited the Surinamese government's handling of the maritime border dispute as evidence "President Venetiaan is incapable of leading the country." He blamed the Venetiaan government for an increase in crime and corruption since coming to power and alleged the country is "on sale" since the Venetiaan government gives away land and natural resources in negotiations with multinational companies. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Bouterse's plan for an October 1 protest on Independence Square is a strategic move, as President Venetiaan will deliver his annual State of the Republic speech in the National Assembly, just across from the square, on that date. Bouterse likely wants to divert attention away from the upcoming 8 December murders trial, which is scheduled to begin on November 30, and in which he is a prime suspect. Bouterse may well attract a large crowd on October 1, as many people are frustrated with the government's policies concerning land distribution, education and housing. Despite the bluster, however, Bouterse is unlikely to succeed in sending the President home. SCHREIBER HUGHES