- Guyana, Venezuela Leaders Meet as Region Pushes to Defuse Territorial Dispute
The presidents of Guyana and Venezuela are engaging in individual discussions with CARICOM leaders prior to commencing face-to-face talks.
Prior to the dialogue with CARICOM Prime Ministers, both leaders expressed divergent views.
President Ifraan Ali of Guyana, upon his arrival, said that he would engage in the debate with a factual attitude, as he briefly addressed the media.
“I am taking the facts with me, and the fact remains that the 1899 Award clearly defines the borders of Guyana and Venezuela, and that is the fact,” Ali said.
Upon his arrival in St. Vincent, President Maduro expressed his intention to capitalise on the discussions in order to ensure the enduring tranquilly of Latin America and the Caribbean.
“I come with the Venezuelan people’s mandate and with words of dialogue and peace, but to defend our people and country’s rights,” Maduro said, explaining the purpose of this first conversation with Ali.
The Bolivarian leader cited the 1966 international legal agreement, which Venezuela acknowledges as the only authorised means to address the Essequibo conflict, stating that its purpose is to pursue effective, satisfying, and practical resolutions via communication and negotiation.
Prior to the meeting, Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, expressed his anticipation for more meetings to take place.
“Using a cricket metaphor, this is not a limited overs cricket match,” he said. “The situation can be compared to a test match, with subsequent rounds and games. However, the crucial aspect is the communication that will take place in a friendly and neutral setting, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
The purpose of the conference is to alleviate the escalating tensions around Essequibo, a large border area rich in oil and minerals, which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana’s territory but is also claimed by Venezuela.
