(De Ware Tijd) THE HAGUE — The investigation into the role of the Dutch Military Mission in Suriname before, during and after the military coup of 25 February 1980 will remain a secret till 2060. Holland has made a law and published this in the State Gazette on 21 February. “The interest of the State or its allies” is given as reason. In 2009, Major Koen Koenders, army intelligence officer, had alleged on Dutch television that Holland was also responsible for the coup in Suriname. Colonel Hans Valk, military attaché, was allegedly deeply involved in the preparations of the coup and the formation of the government that followed.
This is what DWT’s editorial said on the matter today:
EDITORIAL
The role of Holland in the 1980 military coup is getting increasingly dubious and demands speedy revelation. If it turns out that Holland was the mastermind behind the coup (President Desi) Bouterse is somewhat relieved from his role of coup leader. Holland is known in the world as a great advocate of human rights, democracy, constitutional state, good governance and transparency and acts as teacher towards other nations. The reverence many Surinamese still have for Holland will suddenly disappear if it turns out that Holland was the mastermind behind the 1980 coup that not only caused a setback in Suriname but also affected the relations among humans due to the military dictatorship.
The presence of a great delegation of the communist party of China stresses the importance that country attaches to good relations. This signal is demonstrated by the expansion of Chinese interests of Chinese citizens in Suriname which is normal in diplomatic relations in the world. Willingness to give great financial support, loans and infrastructural works should therefore be regarded in that light. Suriname would do well to get everything it can from bilateral relations with China but refrain from making Surinamese’s interests subordinate to those of the Chinese.
