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19.
On August 23, 2004, the President issued another Order in which he decided
to hear testimony during the September 9, 2004 public hearing from two additional
witnesses and a different expert witness, as indicated below (infra paragraph 21).
20.
On the same date, the Commission submitted Thomas S. Polimé’s affidavit to
the Court. Although it was transmitted to the State and the representatives on
August 25, 2004, neither party presented any observations on Mr. Polimé’s affidavit.
21.
On September 9, 2004, at the public hearing on preliminary objections,
possible merits, reparations and costs, the Court heard testimony from the witnesses
and expert witness proposed by the Inter-American Commission, as well as the final
oral arguments on preliminary objections, possible merits, reparations and costs
from the Commission, the representatives and the State.
Appearing before the Court:
for the Inter-American Commission:
Elizabeth Abi-Mershed, advisor;
Víctor Hugo Madrigal, advisor; and
Lilly Ching, advisor;
for the representatives of the alleged victims:
Mariska Muskiet, Director, Moiwana ’86; and
Fergus MacKay, Coordinator, Forest Peoples Programme;
for the State of Suriname:
Soebaschandre Punwasi, Agent;
Eric Rudge, advisor;
Margo Waterval, advisor;
Lydia Ravenberg, advisor;
Henry MacDonald, advisor; and
Monique Pool, interpreter;
witnesses proposed by the Inter-American Commission:
Stanley Rensch;
Erwin Willemdam;
Antonia Difienjo; and
Andre Ajintoena;
expert witness proposed by the Inter-American Commission:
Kenneth M. Bilby.
22.
On October 8, 2004, the representatives submitted their final written
arguments on preliminary objections, possible merits, reparations and costs.