… The importance of “defense diplomacy” identified by the Chief of Staff
By Jarryl Bryan
Diplomacy remains an integral tool in Guyana’s arsenal and in light of Venezuela’s recent aggressive actions against Guyana, the importance of diplomacy has taken center stage in the national effort.
Guyana’s international relations efforts have brought the verbal support of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the American Provinces Organization (OAS) and members of the international community including ABC countries (United States, United Kingdom and Canada).
On Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali delivered a presidential address, followed by a panel of top officials asking questions from the public and the media. The whole panel emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomacy to resolve the issue and to avoid armed conflict. According to Border Adviser Carl Greenidge, diplomacy is Guyana’s first response.
“In international relations, the first reaction of allies and members of the international community who may not be allies is to use diplomatic methods. The first response is not to meet the violation of international law with force. They use various devices in their mode as recalculation continues. ”
“So don’t expect tomorrow that the international community will send troops and boats overnight, to solve this problem. They will bring pressure to bear on Venezuela and intensify it, until they consider any other necessary action. ”
President Ali, meanwhile, noted that their diplomatic efforts are bearing fruit with the condemnation that has flowed against the Nicolás Maduro regime.
“We have strong condemnation from international organizations and bilateral partners, from Caricom (Caribbean Community) itself (against Venezuela). That is the first step, to get this international condemnation. And there is international support for Guyana. ”
“As I said, we are pursuing the resolution of this conflict. We are committed to the International Court of Justice, to peaceful resolution and also to diplomacy. And through diplomacy, we have seen overwhelming support for the cause and cause of Guyana, ”said the President.