Caricom expresses unwavering support for Guyana

Venezuela’s provocation on border controversy

… As 34-nation OAS joins in condemning unilateral border extension by Nicolás Maduro

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the 34-member Organization of American States (OAS), two of the largest organizations in the hemisphere, have thrown their support behind Guyana in the wake of Venezuela’s recent unilateral assertion of Guyana territory.

In a statement on Tuesday, Caricom expressed his disappointment with the decree issued by Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and the rhetoric emanating from that Spanish-speaking country
“The Caribbean Community is very disappointed and concerned about Venezuela’s decree and subsequent declarations in relation to that country’s border disputes with Guyana, including suggestions of creating a strategic area of ​​national development called” Territory for Developing the Atlantic Face, ”Caricom said in his statement.
According to the regional body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the right place to address the border dispute. In fact, the case is currently before the ICJ and a case management conference is scheduled for Friday, although Venezuela has so far clearly stepped out of court.

“The Caribbean Community fully supports the judicial process underway at the International Court of Justice which is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the longstanding debate between the two countries,” said Caricom.
“Caricom reiterates in the strongest possible terms its firm and unwavering support for the maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Caricom condemns any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana, ”the regional body added.

OAS support
Meanwhile, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro has also expressed support for Guyana. This was revealed by Brigadier General Godfrey Bess, who at the time addressed the media at State House on Tuesday after signing a military aid agreement with the US Department of Defense (US).
“As we speak, I am aware that Caricom’s heads of government are meeting. And the Caricom community has denied the stance that Venezuela has taken. The OAS Secretary General has also denied that. And many of our bilateral and international partners have been supporting our stance on the border issue, ”said Bess.
Meanwhile, Bess himself expressed the GDF’s concern with Venezuela’s posture, particularly from Maduro President Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.
“The Guyana Defense Force noted the rhetoric from Venezuela’s President, Vice President and Defense Minister with concern. We discussed this issue with the Chief Executive, His Excellency’s President Dr Irfaan Ali and we aim to continue to work through the diplomatic channels to ensure the peaceful resolution of this issue, ”said Bess.
The new decree issued by President Maduro last Thursday came just over a week before the world court was due to hold a case management hearing on Guyana’s bid for a final and binding settlement of the border debate with Venezuela.
A condemnation has quickly followed the decree, with President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the nation in a special address on Saturday and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon releasing a statement the following day.
Internationally, the United States (US) and Canada also came out quickly in condemning Venezuela and in expressing support for Guyana. On Sunday, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch made a statement on the issue in which she reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution to the Guyana border debate.
“The United States has long called for a legal, peaceful resolution to Guyana’s border dispute with Venezuela and we are repeating that call today,” the diplomat tweeted, also sharing a post from the Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of Western Affairs United States, Michael Kozak, condemned Maduro’s decree.
In his tweet, Ambassador Kozak reiterated that the United States supports the ICJ’s December 18, 2020 ruling that it has jurisdiction over Guyana-Venezuela territorial border disputes, which he claimed is the “legal and peaceful way forward.”
“The United States supports the ICJ’s 12/18 ruling that it has jurisdiction over the Guyana-Venezuela territorial border issue, which is the legal and peaceful way forward. Maduro’s abusive allegations do not change this, he only shows the world his disregard for his neighbors and the intro. law, ”a State Department official had posed. (G3)