The Republic of Suriname is a democratic state based on the sovereignty of the people and on respect for and the guarantee of fundamental rights and liberties. The economic objectives of the Republic are aiming at the establishment of a national economy, free from foreign domination and in the interest of the nation. The Republic of Suriname recognizes and respects the rights of nations to self-determination and national interdependence on the basis of equality, sovereignty and mutual benefit and therefore promotes the development of the international legal order and supports the peaceful settlement of disputes. The most important human rights are enshrined in the Constitution or in other relevant laws. Suriname recognizes the rights mentioned in the Bill of Human Rights and other important Human Rights conventions of the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Head of State (President): Z.E. Desire Delano Bouterse

The President of the Republic of Suriname is the Head of State, Head of the Government, Chairman of the Council of State and of the Security Council. He is answerable to the National Assembly. The President has the supreme command over the armed forces and is in charge of foreign relations and therefore gives guidance to the overall foreign policy.

President and the 2010 Cabinet
Here are the complete list of the new 2010 ministries of Suriname after the general election on 2010.

The national Assembly

The National Assembly is the highest institution of the State and represents the People of the Republic. This body consists of 51 members, elected per district on the basis of general and free elections by secret ballot. Members of the National Assembly are elected for a term of five years. The exercise of legislative power is jointly in hands of the national Assembly and the Government.

The United People's Assembly

The United People's Assembly is made up of all 869 local, district and nationally elected officials: 712 Local Officials, 106 District Officials and 51 Parliamentarians.

Constitution of the Republic of Suriname (English version):
http://www.constitution.org/cons/suriname.htm

Regional Cooperation

Suriname became a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM in 1995) and is also a member of CARIFORUM. Suriname has made steps to integrate its economy into the regional and global economies. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname has reduced its import tariffs. Given the amount of natural resources, Suriname can play a prominent role in the development of the CARICOM. Suriname joined the Caribbean countries in forming the association of Caribbean States (ACS). The country has been a full member of the WTO since its establishment in 1995. Suriname is currently as an ACP member negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), with the European Union as part of the Cotonou Agreement. Suriname ratified the Amazon Co-operation Agreement, which aims at the development of the people of the Amazon region (8 countries). Suriname is also member of the Organization of American States (OAS) which Headquarter is based in Washington DC.