CARICOM rejects acts of aggression by Venezuela – Kaieteur News

CARICOM firmly rejects acts of aggression by Venezuela


Stakeholder consultation held at Ramphal House.

Kaieteur News – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed their deep disappointment and concern in Venezuela’s decree and subsequent statements regarding that country’s border disputes with Guyana, including suggestions of creating a strategic area of ​​national development entitled “Territory for for Atlantic Surface Development. ”
In a statement issued yesterday, CARICOM said it strongly condemns any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana.
“The Caribbean Community fully supports the judicial process underway at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the longstanding debate between the two countries,” the 15-member state . the organization said.
He also sought to reiterate “the strongest possible strength of his firm and unwavering support” in maintaining Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Notably, the government on Monday conducted an engagement to brief stakeholders on the recent decree issued by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, claiming sovereignty over Guyana territory.
Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira said the aim was to keep all stakeholders informed of recent developments. The engagement, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ramphal House, included representatives from religious organizations, political parties, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
Minister Teixeira said, “One of the reasons for meeting the stakeholders is that you will be able to go back and brief your members because this is an issue, I think we have to stand together as people. We have to stand as one, put aside all the other issues that we have differences that we don’t like or agree on each other, that the same issue this is what requires us as people to stand together. “
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, in his remarks noted that once Venezuela’s decree, it would give relevance to that country’s position and would be considered a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty. As a result, the Government of Guyana must be proactive in having these discussions.
“And that is pre-empting Maduro’s actions. So, we take it very seriously and we see this as a threat. “
Minister Todd added that observers have seen Venezuela’s actions over the decades which necessitate a move to bring an issue to a close.
The Government is also in the process of engaging with international organizations including CARICOM, the Commonwealth of Nations, the American Provinces Organization (OAS), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
“We’re going to give them all the presentations we’ve come out of Venezuela. The decree is still awaited, but we keep them updated with the events that have taken place in the National Assembly. We’re going to give them our point of view and we’re going to reiterate to them that this is not an issue we take lightly given the context, and that we continue to depend on their support given the support we are getting so far, ‘said Minister Todd.
Earlier on Monday, Members of the Parliamentary Sector Committee (PSC) were also briefed on the issue. The Committee unanimously condemned any law by Venezuela making unilateral claims to the territory of Guyana. Minister Teixeira described the move as ‘a healthy development.’
The border case between Guyana and Venezuela arose after the latter argued that the 1899 Arbitration Award was void. The 1899 Prize settled the border between the then British Guiana and Venezuela, which the latter recognized until 1962.
The debate is currently before the ICJ, where Guyana is seeking a final ruling to hold the 189 Arbitration Award. The ICJ on December 18 ruled that it had jurisdiction to hear the case and determine the validity of the Arbitration Award and its outcome legal on both States. Venezuela has since rejected the ICJ’s decision.



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