President David Granger, in pledging Guyana’s support to the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), yesterday stated that Guyana can serve as a bridge between UNASUR and CARICOM, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency said.
Earlier yesterday, Presi-dent Granger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George met with UNASUR’s Secretary General Dr. Ernesto Samper Pizano, in Paramaribo Suriname.
The release said that during the meeting Granger told Pizano that Guyana is committed to the infrastructural integration of South America. The Guyanese leader also noted that the objectives of UNASUR can only be fulfilled under a framework of peace and mutual respect among the states of South America.
That statement would be seen as a reference to ongoing aggression by Venezuela in relation to its border controversy with Guyana.
The release said that Granger pledged his support to cooperate fully to ensure “no disturbance of peace on the continent as he reaffirmed Guyana’s rejection of the use of threats and force to settle differences.”
The release said that Pizano, a former President of Colombia, emphasised the ongoing work of UNASUR in promoting peace, democracy and human rights.
He said that UNASUR has a social agenda that stresses inclusiveness; an economic agenda that reinforces competitiveness; and a political agenda that underlines participation. The Secretary General added that UNASUR will remain keen on promoting the free movement of persons on the continent.
Granger and a delegation were in Suriname for inauguration ceremony for that country’s president, Desi Bouterse.
