Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have endorsed Albert Ramdin of Suriname for Secretary General of the OAS, citing his qualifications and experience. The election will occur on March 10 to replace Luis Almagro, who has been in office for a decade. The joint endorsement highlights the importance of regional unity.
Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have jointly put their support behind Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, as their nominee for Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Ramdin, a former Assistant Secretary General of the organization, is regarded as particularly qualified to tackle modern challenges and provide a new outlook. The election to select a successor to the outgoing Secretary General, Luis Almagro of Uruguay, is set to occur on March 10, with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano also vying for the position. Almagro’s term is due to conclude on May 25 following a decade of leadership.
The foreign ministries of the endorsing countries released a joint statement affirming, “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, as well as for the Caribbean region, which for the first time could lead this important space of hemispheric integration.” They further articulated 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.”
Almagro’s tenure has not been without controversy; in 2022, he faced an investigation for allegedly engaging in a consensual relationship with an assistant. Furthermore, his involvement with the rise of Jeanine Áñez to power in Bolivia in 2019 remains contentious, as Áñez is currently awaiting trial.
The support of five South American countries for Albert Ramdin emphasizes a collective commitment to regional unity and leadership within the OAS. His extensive diplomatic experience positions him as a capable candidate to face contemporary issues. The upcoming election on March 10 marks a significant moment for the organization and the Caribbean region’s potential role in hemispheric integration.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
