Foreign Affairs that the Surinamese diplomats who work in Venezuela are safe. He explained that the ministry is constantly in contact with the diplomatic representatives in that country. Minister Bouva met with the committee in response to the recent political and international developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The reports regarding the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States of America and the possible implications of that for the region and Suriname were also discussed. Minister Bouva assured the committee that Suriname is monitoring the situation closely from within the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Caricom is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and respect for human dignity. The region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela. The. Caricom remains ready to support all such efforts, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

The Bureau of Heads of Government assures that every effort is being taken to ensure the safety and security of citizens of the region.

The members of the parliamentary committee asked several questions regarding the safety of Surinamese nationals in the region and Minister Bouva repeated that the diplomats are safe and that there are no indications for cause of concern.