Police, judiciary to discuss Suriname

Justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin said on Wednesday he will discuss the Netherlands’ future relationship with Suriname with police chiefs and the judiciary, following the announcement by Amsterdam chief constable Bernard Welten that joint projects with the Suriname police will be cancelled.

Welten made his comments in NRC on Monday and was immediately called to order by Hirsch Ballin, who said only the justice and home affairs ministries could make such a decision. The minister said the Netherlands is seeking a businesslike and close relationship with Suriname.
That relationship has been cooling for some time. In May, foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said Bouterse would not be allowed in to the Netherlands. The new president was sentenced to jail in the Netherlands for drugs smuggling.
During his inauguration speech last week, Bouterse made it clear he wants to break with Suriname’s colonial past and forge contacts with other South American countries.
The Netherlands assists Suriname with the construction of police stations and the training of arresting officers.
It became a Dutch colony in the 17th century and gained full independence in 1975.