Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia endorse Suriname’s Albert Ramdin for OAS Secretary General. Ramdin’s prior role as Assistant Secretary General equips him to tackle current regional challenges. The election is set for March 10, following Almagro’s controversial decade-long term, ending May 25.
The nations of Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have united in their support for Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, as their candidate for Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Ramdin’s previous role as Assistant Secretary General equips him with the expertise deemed essential to tackle the current issues facing the region, offering a fresh perspective for the OAS amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The election to succeed Luis Almagro, the current Secretary General, is scheduled for March 10, with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano also vying for the position. Almagro, who has served for a decade, will conclude his term on May 25.
A joint statement from the foreign ministries of Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay highlighted that this nomination symbolizes a pivotal movement towards regional unity and a notable opportunity for the Caribbean to provide leadership within this critical international forum.
The document further emphasizes that Minister Ramdin’s extensive diplomatic background, particularly his experience as the OAS’s Assistant Secretary General, makes him exceptionally qualified to address the pressing challenges faced by the Americas.
Almagro’s tenure has been marked by controversy; in 2022, he faced an investigation related to allegations of maintaining a consensual relationship with an assistant. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding his involvement in the rise of Jeanine Áñez to power in Bolivia in 2019 remain questionable, as Áñez is presently in pre-trial detention.
In summary, the support for Albert Ramdin by five South American countries illustrates a strategic move towards enhanced unity in the region and the potential for significant changes in the leadership of the OAS. Ramdin’s diplomatic experience positions him well to address contemporary challenges, paving a path that may lead to the Caribbean’s first leadership role in this influential organization. The election will ultimately determine the new direction for the OAS following Almagro’s contentious tenure.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
