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Monday, October 16, 2006
In Suriname a group of former rebels have threatened to take up arms again and blow up the hydro-power dam if the government continues to refuse to implement a peace agreement signed in 1992. The former members of the Jungle Commando are frustrated because they are still waiting for the jobs, re-education and land to start their own businesses which was promised to them after they were demobilized.
We are giving the government one week to at least start with the implementation of the 1992 Peace Agreement. We have nothing to lose and are prepared to die for our rights, said former members of the Jungle Commando at they presented a petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Paul Somohardjo. The former combatants say that they do have guns and will use them if they are not offered some form of employment. Defence Minister Ivan Fernald has advised government to consider the issue very seriously and to seek a constructive solution. At press time, the government had yet to issue a formal reply to the petition.
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