Govt engaging OAS, other foreign partners to protect Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity – Pres Ali

…as engagements show unwavering support

By Rupa Seenaraine

Unwavering support has been received from international partners as Guyana faces its ongoing border controversy with Venezuela, and should there be aggression on the part of the Spanish-speaking nation, these counterparts will stand firmly in defending Guyana’s territorial and sovereign integrity.
President Irfaan Ali on Saturday assured at his press conference that there is no doubt regarding the backings from international partners and friends. He was joined by National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia, GDF Chief of Staff Omar Khan and Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken.
The Guyanese leader stood firm on the position that his country has no interest in engaging in conflict, and rather, its primary focus is to ensure the Region remains one of peace. It is in this light the border case is being pursued relentlessly through diplomacy.
However, every front is being covered, including the worst case scenario if Venezuela were to act ‘recklessly’.
The Head of State stated, “Guyana will always remain committed to a peaceful resolution of this controversy with Venezuela…We believe that Venezuela will not act in a reckless way. However, if they do act in a reckless way, we have already engaged our strategic partners and we are sure that Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty will not see our development partners standing aside and allowing anyone to take advantage of us.”
At the level of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, foreign partners both regionally and beyond have been made aware of the current situation in Guyana. Aggressive communication and exchange of information are also facilitated between the Guyana Defence Force and their military counterparts in other countries.
“This has been going on at a rapid and continuous pace. At the level of the Head, I have been engaging leaders and colleagues not only in the Region but all across the world, ensuring that everyone is fully aware with the development as it relates to this controversy. Absolutely no space we’re leaving in relation to the seriousness in which we’re treating this matter.”
Engagements with foreign partners have called to attention that Venezuela’s actions are completely outside the norm of the rule of law, and present a real threat to peace and security.
He added that Guyana currently enjoys full and unequivocal support from, the Organization of American State (OAS), the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Commonwealth and partners around the world.
Ali expressed, “The International Community has been overwhelmingly responsive. Outside of statements and engaging leaders within Commonwealth, CELAC, Caricom, I have had engagements with our key strategic partners and I want to assure you that those engagements have been very fulfilling and comforting for me as Head of State.”

“Good neighbour”
When asked whether he plans to engage with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Ali asserted that the issue before the court is not up for discussion as the ICJ is the chosen avenue to come to a settlement.
However, as a ‘good neighbour’, Guyana stands willing to discuss matters of regional development.
“We are responsible people. We have to be mature in our leadership…That matter is not up for negotiations or discussion. As a good neighbour, understanding that we live in the same Region and share the same space, understanding that there are important development issues that we must address together, I have always said I am prepared to meet on these matters,” the President told media operatives.
Guyana is currently seeking an injunction from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Venezuela’s efforts to annex Essequibo via a referendum planned for December 3. Tensions have been high in recent time, and following the determination of Guyana’s application against the referendum, hearings on the case’s merits are the next stage. A final decision on the substantive case might not come for years.
After years of failed good offices process via the UN, Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.
Guyana’s Spanish-speaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.