[4] The ruling military regime had led the National Assembly to adopt a new constitution, which permitted coup leader Dési Bouterse to remain as head of the army.

[7] Shankar agreed to pardon the Maroons who had been waging the civil war against the military in an effort to preserve their autonomy within their traditional territory in the rain forest.

[9] Dési Bouterse and the National Democratic Party opposed the agreement,[8] calling it a violation of the constitution.

[10] In December 1990 both Bouterse and Shankar were on an international trip, and made a stop over in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Bouterse was not allowed to leave the security area by the Dutch military police while Shankar could pass, and received full access to the gathered press.