Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have collectively endorsed Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s Foreign Minister, for the position of Secretary General of the OAS. The election is scheduled for March 10, 2023, to succeed Luis Almagro, whose term ends on May 25. Ramdin is favored for his experience and fresh perspective on regional challenges, making this a significant opportunity for Caribbean leadership within the OAS.
Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have united in their support for Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, to assume the role of Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Ramdin, who has prior experience as the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, is regarded as well-equipped to confront the pressing challenges presently facing the region and is expected to introduce a novel viewpoint.
The election to select a successor for the current Secretary General, Luis Almagro of Uruguay, is set for March 10. In addition to Ramdin, Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano is also a candidate. Almagro’s decade-long tenure will conclude on May 25.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministries of the endorsing countries reflected on the significance of their decision, stating, “This decision represents a significant step towards the unity of the region in the current geopolitical context…” The document further emphasized, “Minister Albert Ramdin… is uniquely positioned to address the contemporary challenges… bringing a fresh perspective… for the Americas as a whole.”
Almagro’s leadership has been marred by controversy, including an investigation in 2022 regarding allegations of a consensual relationship with an aide. His involvement in Jeanine Áñez’s rise to power in Bolivia during 2019 remains ambiguous; Áñez is presently under pre-trial detention.
The endorsement of Albert Ramdin by five South American nations highlights a pivotal moment for the OAS as it seeks to foster regional unity and address contemporary issues. With the upcoming election for the Secretary General, regional support for Ramdin suggests a collaborative future, particularly for the Caribbean. Ramdin’s extensive diplomatic background positions him as a strong candidate amidst Almagro’s controversial tenure.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
