By: Staff Writer
December 15, 2023
President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, said after Thursday’s meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro that he has reiterated to CARICOM that as it relates to the land boundary there is “no retreat.”
Dr Ali, speaking to the media after Thursday’s historic meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines, said that the ruling and further advisory given by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) must be respected and that Guyana will stand by that ruling.
Dr Ali added: “The merits of the case in relation to the controversy must be determined by the ICJ and the outcome by the ICJ must be respected by all.
“The second phase of the meeting was between CARICOM and the Venezuelan team. The third phase of the meeting, which has just concluded was the first face to face exchange between President Maduro, myself and our team in the presence of CARICOM, CELAC, Brazil and the United Nations. In that meeting I outlined once again, Guyana’s clear position that is, we are a peace abiding country and people. We have no other ambition than to pursue the peaceful coexistence with Venezuela and every country in this region.”
The meetings Declaration coming out of the meeting outlined some key points that were agreed by all. Firstly, “That Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.
“Agreed that any controversies between the two States will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966.
“Noted Guyana’s assertion that it is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy. Noted Venezuela’s assertion of its lack of consent and lack of recognition of the International Court of Justice and its jurisdiction in the border controversy.”
It also said that both parties will continue the dialogue between one another and will “refrain,” from escalating the conflict any further.
Both States agreed to meet again in Brazil, within the next three months, or at another agreed time, to consider any matter with implications for the territory in dispute, including the abovementioned update of the joint commission.