(Trinidad Guardian) Caricom is expected to hold an emergency session tomorrow to discuss the latest developments between Venezuela and Guyana in the dispute over the Essequibo region.
It comes as this country’s Government reinforced its call for respect of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) jurisdiction, for peace to be preserved and for full respect for Guyana’s territorial integrity. And, the Opposition has also called on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to prioritise a diplomatic solution to the present imbroglio with Guyana.
This follows measures instituted by Maduro on Tuesday to enforce the decisions of last Sunday’s Venezuelan referendum, where voters heavily backed Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region. The measures included a reconfiguration of Venezuela’s map to include the Essequibo and other immediate steps to emphasise Venezuela’s foothold there.
Among Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali’s statements on Tuesday, he said, “As I made clear from the date the referendum was first announced, this is a direct threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence, and in violation of fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations and OAS Charters.
“By defying the (ICJ), Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally, fundamental justice and morality, and the preservation of international peace and security. They have literally declared themselves an outlaw nation.
“Nothing they do, however, will stop Guyana from proceeding with the case in the ICJ, or stop the ICJ from ultimately issuing its final judgment on the merits of the case. We will not allow our territory to be violated nor the development of our country to be stymied by this desperate threat.”
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, whom Guardian Media contacted via WhatsApp yesterday, didn’t reply to queries on the issue from London, where he was still on an energy mission.
However, T&T’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Dr Amery Browne, said Caricom was currently in the process of convening an emergency session of Heads of Government via video conference for tomorrow (Friday).
“And will make additional pronouncements at such time,” Browne added.
Caricom recently upheld the ICJ’s ruling that Venezuela refrain from any action which would modify the current situation where Guyana exercises control over the Essequibo.
Browne said the ministry had received updates and exchanged information with Guyana and Venezuela after last Sunday’s Venezuelan referendum. The ministry also remained in constant contact with Guyana’s Foreign Ministry, its team in Caracas, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Port-of-Spain, and with all Caricom counterparts and key external partners.
Browne added, “Caricom speaks with one voice on this border issue—that voice as always fully includes T&T—and we continue to clearly call for respect for international law and the jurisdiction of the ICJ for peace to be maintained and preserved, and for full respect for the territorial integrity of Guyana and all member states.”
UNC Foreign Affairs spokesman Rodney Charles noted yesterday the various developments, including Maduro’s latest move on Essequibo.
“We also note the US has sent military advisers and that Guyana has taken the matter to the UN Security Council for appropriate action. We once again call on President Maduro to prioritise a diplomatic solution to the present imbroglio.”
Charles added, “One of the positives to emerge from this ongoing dispute is the forged unity among the disparate political and other forces in Guyana with the Guyanese government and opposition standing firmly in defence of their homeland.
“There are many lessons for T&T in this Essequibo conflict. It’s unfortunate that it took an external crisis to forge a measure of Guyanese unity. But now is the time for our Government to put our country first, set aside PNM paramountcy, and work assiduously and genuinely towards a united T&T as our country faces many intractable challenges.”
