Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia support Albert Ramdin of Suriname for OAS Secretary General. Ramdin offers relevant experience as a former Assistant Secretary General. The election will occur on March 10, 2023, as Almagro’s tenure concludes on May 25, following controversy during his leadership.
Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have collectively endorsed Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s Foreign Minister, as their candidate for the Secretary General position of the Organization of American States (OAS). Ramdin, who has previously served as the OAS’s Assistant Secretary General, is recognized for his qualifications in confronting current challenges and offering innovative viewpoints. The election to appoint a new Secretary General is set for March 10, following the end of Luis Almagro’s decade-long term on May 25. Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano is also a candidate in this election.
In a joint communication, the foreign ministries of the endorsing nations emphasized that this decision marks a crucial advancement toward regional unity amidst contemporary geopolitical dynamics, representing a historic opportunity for the OAS and the Caribbean. They highlight that Ramdin’s potential leadership could significantly influence hemispheric integration.
The statement further noted, “Minister Albert Ramdin, with his vast experience in diplomacy, including his past role as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, is uniquely positioned to address the contemporary challenges facing our countries, bringing a fresh perspective that reflects the realities and aspirations of the Caribbean region and the Americas as a whole.”
Luis Almagro’s term has faced scrutiny, notably during a 2022 investigation regarding allegations of a consensual relationship with an assistant. His involvement in the political transition involving Jeanine Áñez’s rise to power in Bolivia in 2019 remains contentious, with Áñez currently under pre-trial detention.
In summary, the endorsement of Albert Ramdin for the role of Secretary General by five Latin American countries highlights a significant shift towards regional solidarity at a critical geopolitical moment. Ramdin’s experience and perspective are viewed as assets in addressing the challenges facing the Americas. The upcoming election will determine the future leadership of the OAS, following a controversial tenure under Luis Almagro.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
