Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok is under fire after making a string of controversial comments about immigrants and refugees as well as saying he is unaware of any successful multicultural societies. According to Blok, Suriname is a "failed state" and "that is mainly due to ethnic division." The comments were made by Blok at a private meeting with Dutch nationals who work for international organizations. One of the participants has given television current affairs program Zembla video clips of the event. The source said that many in the audience were "shocked" by what Blok said.