PARAMARIBO - DEMARCHE: ADVANCING THE US POSITION

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000074 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL EU CU NS SUBJECT: PARAMARIBO - DEMARCHE: ADVANCING THE US POSITION FOR CHANGE IN CUBA REF: 08 STATE 18320 ¶1. (SBU) Regretably, and despite numerous attempts, Ambassador was unable to contact high level GOS Foreign Ministry officials on Sunday, February 24, to deliver reftel demarche points. However, Ambassador did succeed in contacting MFA Permanent Secretary Jane Aarland-Nanhu on February 25. In response to the Ambassador's comments with respect to Cuba's undemocratic leadership transition, PermSec Aarland-Nanhu confirmed that she well understood the USG position with regard to democracy in Cuba. She also agreed that there was no surprise in the announcement that Raul Castro would succeed his brother, Fidel. Ambassador observed that, given Suriname's experience with the 1980's dictatorship of Desi Bouterse, as well as anecdotal evidence that at least some among the Surinamese people recognized that Cuba's leadership transition could not be characterized as "democratic", she hoped that the GOS would include a statement advocating true democracy in CUBA in any post-"election" message that Suriname might send to the GOC. ¶2. (SBU) In respnse to the Ambassador's request, PermSec Aarland-Nanhu noted that she would first need to consult with Foreign Minister Kraag-Keteldijk, who has been traveling. The Permanent Secretary promised to advise the Ambassador of the GOS position on any possible statement on democracy in Cuba after her meeting with the Minister. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Given past experience, as well as internal GOS politics (the Health Minister, whose political party is a member of the ruling coalition, is especially close to the GOC),it is doubtful that the GOS will see its way clear to issue any statement with respect to democracy in Cuba. Nevertheless, Post will continue to pursue the issue and report any developments septel. End Comment. SCHREIBER HUGHES