On 22 December 1990, Bouterse resigned from the Army after a disagreement with President Ramsewak Shankar. On 24 December a military coup known as the "telephone coup" ousted President Shankar, and Ivan Graanoogst was appointed as Acting President. On 29 December, Kraag was chosen by the National Assembly as President of Suriname. Jules Wijdenbosch, a supporter of Bouterse, was appointed Vice President. On 30 December, Kraag approved the Army's request to reinstate Bouterse as Commander of the Army, and Bouterse officially returned on 1 January 1991. On 16 September 1991, Kraag was succeeded by Ronald Venetiaan.