In a statement at the United Nations Security Council on January 3rd, Guyana’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett condemned the recent attacks carried out by the Houthi rebel group of Yemen on ships navigating through the Red Sea.
“Guyana condemns in the strongest terms the recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. We are alarmed at the increased frequency of these attacks, which endanger international navigation and the lives of crew members. It is for this reason that we supported the call for today’s Open Briefing. We are particularly dismayed to note that the attacks have increased since 19th November and join the international community in calling for their immediate end and for the preservation of navigational rights and freedoms of all vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, in accordance with international law,” the statement read.
Rodrigues-Birkett recalled the Council’s press statement of 1st December condemning the Houthi attacks against commercial vessels and shared concern about the potential impact of these attacks on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Guyana urges the perpetrators to cease all attacks and avoid any further action that could spark an escalation in tensions and compound the already volatile situation in the Middle East. A wider regional conflagration in the present circumstances must be avoided at all costs. We also note that the Red Sea, with its connection to the Suez Canal, is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The importance of this route to international commerce cannot be overstated with more than 12% of global trade passing through the Red Sea every day. Consequently, the impact of these attacks can cause severe disruptions to global trade and must be addressed immediately”, she said.
The ambassador noted that the longer the attacks are allowed to persist, the greater the eventual cost and disruption to international maritime trade, energy security, and the global economy.
“In this vein, Mr. President, we urge full compliance with the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the Jeddah Amendment. We also underline the need for all involved to act responsibly and not impede ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East or to secure a comprehensive ceasefire and an inter-Yemeni inclusive political agreement under the auspices of the United Nations.”
Guyana this week took up a seat at the United Nations Security Council.
