Five South American countries have endorsed Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, for the Secretary General position of the OAS. The vote to select the new Secretary General is scheduled for March 10, succeeding current Secretary General Luis Almagro. The endorsement highlights regional unity and aims to address contemporary challenges through Ramdin’s diplomatic experience.
On March 10, the Organization of American States (OAS) will hold a vote to select a new Secretary General, with five South American countries—Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia—proposing Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, as their candidate. Ramdin previously served as the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS and is regarded as well-qualified to tackle current regional issues and offer fresh insights. The current Secretary General, Luis Almagro of Uruguay, will conclude his term on May 25 after a decade in office, while Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano is also a contender.
In a joint communication, the foreign ministries of the five supporting nations articulated that this endorsement represents an important step towards regional unity amidst the current geopolitical climate. They emphasized the historic significance of having a candidate from the Caribbean region for this leadership role within the organization dedicated to hemispheric integration. Ramdin’s extensive diplomatic background is cited as a strength, enabling him to effectively navigate contemporary challenges faced by the Americas.
Almagro’s tenure has been marked by controversy, including a 2022 investigation regarding a consensual relationship with a staff member. Furthermore, questions remain regarding his involvement in Jeanine Áñez’s rise to power in Bolivia in 2019; Áñez currently awaits trial in custody. This backdrop reinforces the perceived need for new leadership within the OAS to address regional concerns more effectively.
The endorsement of Albert Ramdin as the candidate for Secretary General of the OAS by Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia underscores a collective commitment to regional unity and a vision for leadership reflective of Caribbean interests. Ramdin’s qualifications and experience are positioned as critical assets in confronting the pressing challenges facing the Americas today. With the upcoming vote scheduled for March 10, the outcome will determine the direction of the OAS under new leadership as Almagro’s controversial term concludes.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
