DEMARCHE DELIVERED: NICARAGUAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

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