Suriname’s Opposition parties have insisted that control acts committed by the Guyanese army in the disputed Tigri Area, claimed by Suriname as part of its territory, should not go unanswered.
The issue was raised in a public session of the parliament on Thursday by National Democratic Party (NDP) faction leader Rabin Parmessar following media reports that the Guyana Defence Force intercepted a Brazilian helicopter in the Tigri Area last week and detained two Brazilian nationals.
Since 1969, Guyana and Suriname have been at odds over the sovereignty of the Tigri Area, known in Guyana as the New River Triangle. Guyana has laid claim to the area and in 1969, used military force to drive out the Surinamese armed forces and has occupied it ever since.
In a press release, the National Party of Suriname (NPS) called on the government to take action against acts by Guyana in the disputed area. It said it is deeply concerned that more than a week after reports of the actions by the Guyanese army appeared in the media, government officials have not formally spoken about it.
“It is striking that so far no clear action has been taken from the Office of the President or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold the government of Guyana accountable for the unsolicited entry into the Sipaliwini district in the southwest of our country,” said the NPS.
“It is unheard of and wrong for a neighbouring country to behave in such a way and for the government to remain silent about it. The government is called upon to respond promptly to this unfriendly action by Guyana by pointing out to the government of the neighboring country that such actions are not expected from a friendly neighbour.”
In Parliament, Parmessar questioned what steps have been taken by the authorities to bring this issue to Guyana’s attention and whether Georgetown had consulted with Paramaribo to request permission for the Guyana Defence Force to act in the area.
“How can there be collaborations with our neighbour while they occupy our territory?” he questioned.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dew Sharman said it was a “very serious matter”.
“Entering our territory is a grave violation of our sovereignty,” Sharman said.
Defence Minister Krishna Mathoera told Parliament that the Suriname government has already taken steps on this issue.
“This case has definitely not passed the government by. The government immediately took action,” she said, adding that the actions included determining exactly where the Guyanese army had intervened and informing the National Border Commission of this matter.
In addition, the Defence Minister said, information has been requested from the Guyanese government and Foreign Affairs Minister Albert Ramdin has requested a meeting with his Guyanese colleague to discuss this matter.
Mathoera emphasized that the government “does not sleep and does not sit still”.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sharman then indicated that the matter would be further discussed, possibly on Friday.
CMC/
