Guyana’s Government, through the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, has been engaging its hemispheric neighbours to discuss the stability of the regional in light of the current crisis in Ukraine after Russian troops invaded the European country on Thursday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd
On Thursday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd held a series of teleconferences with his counterparts from South American nations.
He spoke with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Alberto Franco França, and the Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, Marta Lucía Ramírez, “following the recent developments in Ukraine,” brief statements posted on the Georgetown Ministry’s Facebook and Twitter accounts detailed.
However, Brazil’s Foreign Minister tweeted on Friday that, “Minister Carlos França received a call today from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hugh Todd. They discussed the situation in Ukraine and the handling of the issue by the two countries”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Carlos Alberto Franco França
Meanwhile, Columbia’s Foreign Minister shared on her twitter account, “I had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of #Guyana, Hugh Todd, with whom we discussed the Ukraine-Russia crisis and its impact not only on the security of Europe, but also on the stability of #AméricaLatina (Latin America) and #Caribe (Caribbean), zone of the world traditionally of peace”.
These engagements followed previous meetings held on Thursday between Minister Todd and members of the diplomatic community in Georgetown including Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, Marta Lucía Ramírez
A brief note from the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Facebook page stated that the meeting followed “Russia’s actions against Ukraine” but did not indicate the nature of the discussions held.
The Ministry also said “following the recent developments in Ukraine,” Minister Todd met with United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch; British High Commissioner, Jane Caroline Miller; Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman, and the European Union Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Cantó.
The Guyana Government already joined global condemnation of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, calling for immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution of differences between the two European neighbours.
“Guyana is gravely concerned over the recent military intervention by Russia in violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy,” it said.
According to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, “Guyana deplores the threat or use of force in the conduct of international relations and urges a peaceful resolution of the differences that currently exist, in consonance with the rule of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter”.
Thursday’s missive went on to outline that the current military action in Ukraine is contrary to the principles of respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and the non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign State.
“The aggression against Ukraine is a threat to the region and countries everywhere. Guyana supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to bring a speedy resolution to the situation in Ukraine and cease the threat to international peace and security,” the Guyana Government stated.
It further indicated that it has been consulting with its international partners on this matter.
The Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) – both of which Guyana is a member of – have also condemned Russia’s act of aggression, which has been described by western neighbours as “a dark day for Europe”.
After months of tension between the two countries, Russia’s military invaded Ukraine on Thursday morning local time, launching attacks by land, sea and air that targeted Ukrainian bases and several major cities including its capital – Kyiv. Initial reports from Ukrainian authorities are that over 100 civilians and miliary personnel were killed and dozens of others injured in air strikes and bombings during invasion attacks that has spread across the European country.
Day two of Russia’s invasion saw explosions in Kyiv’s skies in the wee hours of Friday, while shelling and gunfire were heard throughout the capital. Clashes were reported south and in the eastern suburb of Kyiv.
With some citizens continuing to take shelter in subways and bunkers, scores of others are rushing to borders to seek refuge in neighbouring country such as Romania.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his top Government officials on Friday joined the fight in the streets.
In a late-night message on Friday, Zelenskyy said Russian forces are advancing on the capital city, adding that it will be a make-or-break moment for Ukraine.
“It was a difficult but courageous day. We are fighting for our country on all frontlines – in the south, east, north, in many cities of our beautiful country… This night will be very difficult, and the enemy will use all available forces to break the resistance of Ukrainians… The fact of Ukraine is being decided right now,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, as global condemnation and sanctions continue to roll out against Russian businesses and officials including its President, Vladimir Putin, some 50 countries have signed a joint statement saying Russia abused its veto power by blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemns its invasion of Ukraine.
However, following that Security Council meeting, UN General Secretary António Guterres said “leaders need to turn to the path of dialogue and peace… We must give peace another chance”.
Nevertheless, he noted that the UN is scaling up the delivery of life-saving support, adding that humanitarian needs are multiplying and spreading by the hour.
Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Friday declared that it will remain in Ukraine and scale up operations.
