For the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, there is no backing down.
That was made clear to all and sundry in St Vincent and the Grenadines today, after the first few hours of bilateral talks between the country’s president Dr Irfaan Ali; president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and CARICOM leaders here.
Three hours into the talks, Guyana’s Department of Public Information sent out a statement reiterating the position of its leader after the first set of discussion.
“In the first phase of the engagement at Argyle Airport St Vincent & the Grenadines, President Ali met with a number of CARICOM heads where he made a presentation reiterating the fundamental position in accepting the invitation to participate in the engagement, that the border controversy with which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is seized, is not up for discussion, negotiation or deliberation.
“Guyana’s position is and will remain that the controversy must be resolved at and by the ICJ,” the statement added.
The agency noted that President Ali reminded CARICOM the referral of the matter to the ICJ was consistent with and pursuant to the Geneva Agreement.
Ali stated emphatically that Guyana’s only intention was to pursue a course that would secure and ensure peace and stability in the Caribbean region, and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He further reminded the guests that the Chair and other leaders of CARICOM concurred with Guyana’s position.
President Ali made it clear to CARICOM heads that matters consequential have nothing to do with the ICJ case or matters connected therewith.
In the second phase of the talks later this afternoon, Presidents Ali and Maduro will meet across the table with CARICOM, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Brazil and United Nations observers. (BA)