Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have endorsed Suriname’s Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin for Secretary General of the OAS. Ramdin’s experience as Assistant Secretary General positions him well to address regional challenges. The election is scheduled for March 10, with Luis Almagro’s term ending soon after amid controversy surrounding his leadership.
Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have collectively endorsed Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, as their candidate for the position of Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). With prior experience as the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ramdin is regarded as exceptionally qualified to tackle current challenges and offer a refreshing viewpoint on regional matters. The election to succeed the outgoing Secretary General, Luis Almagro of Uruguay, is slated for March 10, with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano also contending for the role.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministries of Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay articulated that “this decision represents a significant step towards the unity of the region in the current geopolitical context and also a historic opportunity for the organization,” emphasizing the potential for the Caribbean region to lead this crucial forum for hemispheric integration for the first time.
The joint statement highlighted that “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,” while reflecting the aspirations of the Caribbean and the Americas as a whole. This endorsement comes amid Almagro’s controversial record, including an investigation in 2022 regarding allegations of an inappropriate relationship and his ambiguous role in the controversial rise of Jeanine Áñez in Bolivia in 2019, who is currently incarcerated awaiting trial.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Albert Ramdin by Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia marks a significant moment for regional unity and the leadership of the OAS. Ramdin’s extensive diplomatic experience positions him as a strong candidate to lead the organization through contemporary challenges. The forthcoming election not only offers a fresh perspective but also highlights the growing influence of the Caribbean within the OAS leadership.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
