Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PARAMARIBO230
2009-07-31 18:30:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Paramaribo
Cable title:
SURINAME: RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR
how-toVZCZCXRO1565 PP RUEHGR DE RUEHPO #0230 2121830 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 311830Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0799 INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000230
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DRL/MLGA KMCGEENY, WHA/CAR FOR SWHALEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UN NS
SUBJECT: SURINAME: RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR
INITIATIVES TO COUNTER TORTURE
REF: SECSTATE 70129
UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000230
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DRL/MLGA KMCGEENY, WHA/CAR FOR SWHALEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UN NS
SUBJECT: SURINAME: RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR
INITIATIVES TO COUNTER TORTURE
REF: SECSTATE 70129
1. (SBU) Per reftel, PolEconPDOff asked Tom Kartoebi, Head
of the Americas Division at Suriname's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, to share mechanisms aimed at preventing torture and
protecting victims. Kartoebi verbally supported the
iniatitive, but requested a diplomatic note be sent to
Chantal Elsenhout, Head of the International Organizations at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that they could formally
respond from a governmental perspective. Post sent this
diplomatic note on July 22nd and, despite follow-up requests,
has been unable to solicit any response from the Government
of Suriname (GOS).
2. (SBU) PolEconPDOff also reviewed with Tom Kartoebi the
President's "Statement on United Nations International Day in
Support of Torture Victims" using the White House's press
release on the subject. Mr. Kartoebi indicated that he was
pleased to "know exactly what the position of the United
States is on the topic."
3. (SBU) In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Post also attempted to engage the Ministry of Justice and
Police. Embassy contact at the Ministry of Justice and
Police indicated that while the GOS has already formulated
several "policy-articles" on torture, the Ministry has to
secure approval from its Minister prior to providing any
response. Post has been unable to collect this information
despite repeated requests and had hoped to glean any insights
on non-governmental mechanisms to prevent torture through
this channel.
4. (SBU) Post will report in a separate cable any additional
information received from the GOS on the matter.
5. COMMENT. Post is unaware of any non-governmental
mechanisms to prevent torture and expects that any such
mechanisms, should they exist, will be limited in scope. END
COMMENT.
BELL
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DRL/MLGA KMCGEENY, WHA/CAR FOR SWHALEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UN NS
SUBJECT: SURINAME: RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR
INITIATIVES TO COUNTER TORTURE
REF: SECSTATE 70129
1. (SBU) Per reftel, PolEconPDOff asked Tom Kartoebi, Head
of the Americas Division at Suriname's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, to share mechanisms aimed at preventing torture and
protecting victims. Kartoebi verbally supported the
iniatitive, but requested a diplomatic note be sent to
Chantal Elsenhout, Head of the International Organizations at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that they could formally
respond from a governmental perspective. Post sent this
diplomatic note on July 22nd and, despite follow-up requests,
has been unable to solicit any response from the Government
of Suriname (GOS).
2. (SBU) PolEconPDOff also reviewed with Tom Kartoebi the
President's "Statement on United Nations International Day in
Support of Torture Victims" using the White House's press
release on the subject. Mr. Kartoebi indicated that he was
pleased to "know exactly what the position of the United
States is on the topic."
3. (SBU) In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Post also attempted to engage the Ministry of Justice and
Police. Embassy contact at the Ministry of Justice and
Police indicated that while the GOS has already formulated
several "policy-articles" on torture, the Ministry has to
secure approval from its Minister prior to providing any
response. Post has been unable to collect this information
despite repeated requests and had hoped to glean any insights
on non-governmental mechanisms to prevent torture through
this channel.
4. (SBU) Post will report in a separate cable any additional
information received from the GOS on the matter.
5. COMMENT. Post is unaware of any non-governmental
mechanisms to prevent torture and expects that any such
mechanisms, should they exist, will be limited in scope. END
COMMENT.
BELL