Schelto van Heemstra (ambassador)

Dutch diplomat (1941–2023)

Schelto van Heemstra

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Spain
In office
2003–2006
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia
In office
1998–2003
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Suriname
In office
17 June 1994 – 16 July 1998
Preceded by| Pieter Koch [nl]
Succeeded by| Ruud Treffers [nl]
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Argentina
In office
1990–1994
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Zambia
In office
1986–1990
Personal details
Born| (1941-01-06)6 January 1941
Arnhem, German-occupied Netherlands
Died| 12 September 2023(2023-09-12) (aged 82)

Schelto, Baron van Heemstra[a] (6 January 1941 – 12 September 2023) was a Dutch diplomat. He served as ambassador of the Netherlands to Zambia, Argentina, Suriname, Indonesia and Spain.

## Biography

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Van Heemstra was born on 6 January 1941 in Arnhem. His family belongs to the Dutch nobility since 1814, and has a hereditary title of baron.[2] His father was a diplomat, and he spent his childhood in many countries. In 1953, van Heemstra was sent to the Netherlands for an education, and graduated from the University of Utrecht. In 1968, he started to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[3]

In 1986, van Heemstra received his first appointment as ambassador to Zambia.[3] In 1990, he was transferred to Argentina.[4]

His distant relative Aarnoud van Heemstra had been governor of Suriname, and van Heemstra applied to become the new ambassador.[3] He was installed on 17 June 1994.[5] During his time in Suriname, he presented a radio program for literature, and wrote a column in De Ware Tijd.[3] In 1998, an Interpol arrest warrant for cocaine smuggling was issued for Desi Bouterse by the Dutch government, which cooled the relationship. On 16 July 1998, he left Suriname without an official reception or decorations, but with a simple handshake.[6]

In 1998, van Heemstra was appointed ambassador to Indonesia, and in 2003, he was appointed to Spain.[3] He retired in 2006.[7] In 2001, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Honorary Order of the Palm by Surinamese President Venetiaan.[8][1]

Schelto van Heemstra died on 12 September 2023, at the age of 82.[9]

## Notes

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1. ^ Sometimes spelled Schelte.[1]

## References

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1. ^ a b "Benoemingen in de Ereorde". Government of Suriname. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
2. ^ "Noord-Nederlandse adellijke families". Hoge Raad van Adel (in Dutch). Retrieved 26 December 2021.
3. ^ a b c d e "Oud-ambassadeur Schelto baron van Heemstra". Parbode (in Dutch). 1 November 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
4. ^ "CD-nieuws". De Telegraaf via Delpher.nl (in Dutch). 31 March 1990. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
5. ^ "Den Haag biedt steun". Amigoe via Delpher.nl (in Dutch). 18 June 1994. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
6. ^ "Koel afscheid Nederlandse ambassadeur". Reformatorisch Dagblad via Digibron.nl (in Dutch). 17 July 1998. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
7. ^ "Spreekverbod ambassadeurs? Ja en nee". Adformatie (in Dutch). 4 July 2006. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
8. ^ "Schelto baron van Heemstra". Trouw (in Dutch). 10 August 2001. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
9. ^ "Schelte baron van Hemmstra death notice". Retrieved 17 September 2023.