Suriname: New Government Program

National Intelligence Daily

The government’s new domestic and foreign policy plans announced on Sunday are moderate in tone and content.

25X125X1The initiatives presented by Prime Minister Alibux emphasize social welfare and community development projects, an expanded economic infrastructure, and decentralized administration. Alibux said the government will try to improve relations with the Netherlands, strengthen relations with some other countries, and expand Suriname’s participation in international organizations. 25X1Army Commander Bouterse’s speech on the same day reiterated many of Alibux’s points but made heavy use of revolutionary rhetoric and condemned the Dutch. Bouterse also said the People’s Militia will be controlled by the National Army. The US Embassy notes his remarks were less hostile toward the US than those made in similar gatherings in the past. 25X1Comment: The policy statement indicates Alibux’s Nationalist Party has won the current round of political infighting. Mobilization Minister Sital’s pro-Cuban party reportedly wanted to emphasize political action programs and to continue a hostile posture toward the Dutch. Placing the militia under Army control would substantially reduce Sital’s potential power base, if in fact Bouterse can do so.

25X1Bouterse’s rhetoric suggests, however, that he is unwilling to alienate Sital’s party. The Surinamese leader’s main goal is to retain power, and he apparently intends to cultivate all current sources of support. 25X1Alibux gave no indication how the government hopes to finance its ambitious program. Several of the proposed projects are in areas where Cuba has offered assistance, and they thus could provide Havana with an opportunity for an expanded role.

The Prime Minister’s party may hope an improvement in relations with The Hague will encourage the Dutch to renew their aid. The Dutch Government has reacted negatively to the regime’s new program, however, and has indicated that conditions for the resumption of aid have not been met.

Date:
May 5, 1983
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