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PRESIDENT WIJDENBOSCH DENIES GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE IN JUDICIAL ADO

President Wijdenbosch's reaction to the latest developments in the Judiciary was to state that the President of Justice has the responsibility what course of action to take to gain admittance to the chambers alloted him as Chief Justice in order to carry out his job. The Government may not interfere with neither the furnishings nor the the internal organization of the Judiciary.In the matter concerning the changes that were made to the locks of the President's chambers, President Wijdenbosch firmly denied having any thing to do with it. This was unfolded at a press conference held yesterday by the President who is convinced that the people are being fed misinformation by the Opposition and Labor Unions about his alledged violation of the constitution by ordering the CIVD to change the locks to the Judicial chambers of the Acting-President of Justice.The President feels insulted by these accusations that brands him a violator of the Constitution. He lashed out at his accusers for not making use of the rightful paths of gathering correct information but are stooping to such low levels to bring about a state of national unrest, and also further encouraging the already confused people to participate in demonstrations against the Government. He stated that these leaders should take a good look at themselves and their selfrespect before trying to twist the truth around. According to the Head of State, the President of Justice , Alfred Veldema had twice asked the Acting-President of Justice John von Niessewand by letters for the keysto the chambers. His first request was denied and his second ignored, after which he called in the assistance of the Ministry of Justice to help him gain admittance to his chambers so that he can carry out his job.That is Veldema,s responsibility and his way ofdealing with it. The President of the Country has no reason to interfere in this.The persistance of the press in asking if the CIVD was involved in this incident irritated both the President as the Vice President who eventually left the hall stating that the press were trying the President's patience and that he had already answered that question, but the press were not so easily put off and kept at it because they were not satisfied with the answer they received from the President which was that he had not given any orders to this unit and that they were not involved in this matter. According to Wijdenbosch the locksmith was there and if others were also present it was not his concern,even if the entire CIVD was present its still not his concern. Wijdenbosch stated that he was not the one to look at for an answer to this problem but that it should be settled internally. The room belongs to the President of Justice and none other. He also pointed out that the Government never spoke or wrote about an Acting President of Justice, people took it for granted that van Niessewand would act as such. Wijdenbosch said he could not understand why the appointment of Veldema has caused so much ado. The Court's members were aware since last December of the fact that the former President Oosterling was approaching retirement and would leave the service. The members could have recommended someone at the time even though it is not normal procedure it would have served as an advice. Six months long the position was vacant with never a recommendation to its being filled.The President said that he had followed the right procedures in the appointment of Veldema, since he himself had worked on the making of that article of the law for appointments at the High Court and if anyone should know better it should be him.The President stated further that he has received advice from top academici which he has followed. He also added that had he asked advice of the Court in this matter there would have been problems because members of the Court have often bothered him by breaking their collegues and asking him to consider them for the President's post because the others were not good enough, and these were members of the team. How do you expect me to ask advice from such a team? asked the President. Another fact that bothers him is that Opposition leaders have stated that he would not follow the path of dialogue but continues to make his own decisions without calling on those concerned. The head of State pointed out that on at least 5 occasions he had held talks with members of the Judiciary and that according to him the talks were constructive. Now the impression is being created as though there is some sort of feud between the Judiciary and the President and that the President refuses to hold a meeting with the Judges. Minister of Justice Paul Sjak Shie is reported to have said that he could understand the President's action. According to the Minister Von Niessewand had not expected that he would not be appointed President, that is why he took so long over the advice of the Attorney General even though the Acting President had agreed that the appointment was approved and would later be confirmed by letter. Sjak Shie said that the people are not interpreting one of the laws properly and that advice is only needed in the appointmnt of the Attorney-General and not by appointments of the High Court.He is said to be disappointed in the sitting Magistracy for having prevented the President of Justice from doing his Job. Wijdenbosch added to this stating that this was a Judicial matter and should be solved within the Judiciary.

CENTRAL BANK AND ABN/AMRO REACHES ACCORD

After reaching an agreement on Monday with the Central Bank Of Suriname , the ABN/AMRO can once more function as a Foriegn-Currency Bank in Suriname. After having revoked the Banks license on September 16 for for what was reported to be a neglection of the rules by the ABN/AMRO there was an inquiry made by the Central Bank at the ABN/AMRO. Now after a month of discussions and promises not to repeat the situation that had led to the withdrawing of the Banks' license the Central Bank has now okayed the permission to grant the ABN/AMro back its license to operate again as a Foreign currency bank . As of yesterday the ABN/AMRO resumed its operations as a Foreign Currency Bnak.

GOVERNMENT MUST RESIGN AND MAKE PLACE FOR INTERIM CABINET

This was proclaimed last night at what isreported to be a "structual co operation" of the Opposition, Labor Unions and the Association of Suriname Enterprise. The goal of this cooperation is to get the Government out either voluntarily or legally and appoint an interim government for at least 12 months but not longer than the rest of the present sitting time of the National Assembly. The interim government is expected to bring about social ,economic and political reform, revision of the Constitutional laws to guarantee democracy.` In the proclamation it is stated that the Government is supported by a marginal group in the parliament.The governemnt puts independent institutes such as the Audit Office, the National Assembly and the Judiciary systematically out of function, which is endangering the Constitution. The policy of this government has caused a national crisis to all sectors of the community and does not promise any future perspective.

BARR GIVES PRESIDENT WIJDENBOS 6 DAYS TO REVOKE APPOINTMENTS

President Wijdenbosch has 6 days inwhich to revoke the appointments of the President of Justice and the Attorney General. This ultimatum expires at midnight October 28. Should the President ignore this then he must suffer the consequences.