Some people in the Netherlands are calling for all ties with Suriname, a former Dutch colony, to be broken. They say: "Let Suriname sort out its own problems now Desi Bouterse has been voted president." But, is the Netherlands risking shooting itself in the foot?

It sounds logical. In 1999, Mr Bouterse was convicted by a Dutch court of drugs trafficking and, in his own country, faces multiple charges of murder, allegedly committed during the military regime which he headed in the 1980s.

Surely, the Dutch government shouldn't do business with such a man. This was the reasoning behind Amsterdam police chief Bernard Welten's decision this week to suspend joint projects between the Surinamese police and his own force.

Journalist and Suriname observer John Jansen van Galen doubts this was wise. The intensive Dutch-Surinamese co-operation is tackling the drugs trade at source.

"Pulling the plug on it could spark an increase in drugs running via Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and trafficking through the Port of Rotterdam. Tighter checks in Suriname have over the last few years brought about a decrease."

Caretaker Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin has rescinded Police Commissioner Welten's decision. Ministers decide about co-operation with Suriname not police chiefs. The two men are now due to look into the question together at a future date.

Close ties
It is, however, obvious that the Netherlands has broken off its special relationship Suriname. Mr Bouterse has made it clear he is relieved to see the back of Dutch interference, preferring to look towards his South American neighbours for support. Meanwhile, Amsterdam City Council has announced it is reviewing co-operation with Suriname in the fields of fire fighting and health care. Suriname expert Gert Oostindie thinks such projects are not in danger, especially considering the 350,000 or so Surinamese-Dutch people living in the Netherlands.

"You have city-to-city links. You have links between all kinds of non-governmental organisations. Not to mention the links between individuals and the communities in Suriname and the Netherlands. Those are close ties. I don't think a total withdrawal is on the cards."

He goes on to point out that contractual obligations cannot just be summarily cancelled.

Pragmatic
Mr Jansen van Galen describes the Dutch government's position as hypocritical. After all, it often does business with heads of state who stand accused of crimes. He says the new Surinamese government should be judged on its actions.

"You have be pragmatic. Do we and Suriname get something from the aid? If there's nothing to suggest we don't, I'd say: carry on with it."