The AFC says that unless the opposition coalition APNU signs a non-disclosure agreement, it will not release documentation to the coalition that would form the template for negotiations on its pro-democracy alliance proposal.
The assertion was made in a press release on Saturday responding to reports in sections of the media attributed to the Chairman of APNU Dr Rupert Roopnaraine in respect of the state of affairs with the proposed pro-democracy alliance discussions.
“On the last meeting of the General Secretaries of both parties, the AFC tabled a Non-Disclosure Agree-ment for the review and signing by the APNU, with the clear understanding that on the return of the signed document the AFC would release to APNU, our Draft Memorandum of Understanding which would form the template for our negotiations,” AFC General Secretary David Patterson said.
He emphasized that the AFC’s publicly stated timeframe was not limited to discussions with APNU only but with all interested and invited stakeholders and the party intends to work within that timeframe.
“AFC is prepared to issue our draft MOU to the APNU within 24 hours of receiving the signed Non-Disclosure document and to start negotiation within 48 hours thereafter which could be as early as Wednesday January 7, 2015,” he said.
Patterson said that in the meantime, the AFC has continued to meet with serious-minded groups and individuals and the party is finalizing its campaign team and strategy and subsequent structure and plan for government.
“Finally, it should be noted that we don’t intend to negotiate (any) agreement within the public space and therefore will not be commenting further on this matter until there is a substantive announcement to be made,” he declared.
Last month, AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan said the AFC is prepared to lead a pro-democracy alliance of progressive forces, inclusive of APNU, to remove the PPP/C government from office.
Ramjattan’s comments marked a departure from the previous opposition to any coalition with APNU. Among other reasons for not wanting an alliance, AFC members had cited a desire to keep the party’s identity and support base.
Ramjattan had said that the AFC is ready to enter into negotiations and to lead a pro-democracy alliance of progressive forces that should comprise civic groups, workers unions and political forces, including even disaffected PPP leaders and members, and not excluding APNU.
Many observers believe that an AFC and APNU coalition could claim office from the incumbent PPP/C, which lost the majority for the first time at the last general elections in 2011, although it retained the presidency.
