Dear Editor,
It was reported recently that at a joint press conference Andrew Ayre the British High Commissioner, Nicole Giles the Canadian High Commissioner and Bryan Hunt the US Charge d’Affaires, called upon Guyana to stand in solidarity with the international community and to condemn Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has given a diplomatic and well-reasoned response.
Article 2 of the UN Charter states that the UN is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations. The sovereignty of our small nation is as valuable as the sovereignty of these three large states. To seek to influence Guyana’s foreign policy by a public appeal outside of normal diplomatic channels was discourteous and not in the spirit of international law.
It was reported that Andrew Ayre drew a parallel between the invasion of the Ukraine and Guyana’s territorial integrity. I sincerely hope he did not. The border between Guyana and Venezuela was peacefully and finally settled in 1899 by a unanimous decision of the Paris Arbitration Tribunal. That was the end of the border dispute. It is not appropriate for a British High Commissioner, or any other diplomat, to express any sentiments that could be construed as calling into question a border that was settled in accordance with international law over 100 years ago.
Nicole Giles is reported as stating that “we” would be very pleased if, in the struggle against Russia, Guyana would issue a statement in support of the international order and international law. I agree that it is a good idea for states to make public pronouncements whenever there is a gross violation of international law.
An issue that immediately comes to mind is Palestine. Many people would be very pleased if the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA would issue a statement calling on Israel to respect international law and to obey Security Council Resolution 242 which requires Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories. The statement should require all states to respect the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (2004) which says that, “all States are under an obligation not to recognise the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem. They are also under an obligation not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction.”
The United Nations was set up to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” The fundamental goal of international law is peace. The response to Russia’s action in Ukraine is best handled through the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (of which Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine and the USA are all members), plus other international fora that can promote dialogue and peace.
Yours faithfully,
Melinda Janki
