Dear Editor,
Given the fundamental illegality of Maduro’s actions which clearly repudiates international law, his disputed legitimacy as Venezuela’s leader given the widespread allegations of electoral misfeasance surrounding his grip on power, the myriad questions revolving around the legitimacy of the recent Venezuela referendum, the fact that Guyana has openly and rightly stated that it is the ICJ and nothing else that will determine Essequibo question, strong and justified international support for Guyana as a victim due to Venezuela’s recent actions and conduct, our vastly strategic oil importance and the recent UN chiding of Venezuela, President Ali should not, I repeat should not, meet Maduro under any conditions whatsoever. Add to this refrain is the attempt by Maduro in a letter yesterday stating that the border issue is up for discussion and negotiation during the meeting.
It is a terrible decision to meet Maduro and now even more frightening with his letter issued days before the meeting. Maduro will spin any such meeting as Guyana’s willingness to negotiate on an issue that is already fixed by law and the fact of occupation and as Guyana’s recognition of Venezuela as a party even as Venezuela refused to agree to the ICJ jurisdiction. Venezuela will blatantly lie and accuse Guyana of all manner of things following this meeting and will use this meeting as a pretext to ramp up its aggression. Further, Venezuela will use this meeting to try to get concessions from the US so the US pulls back its gaze on Venezuela thereby giving Maduro an opportunity to cement power in Venezuela and to continue to play war games on Guyana’s border.
Sincerely,
M. Maxwell