- No negotiations, absolutely no compromise on the border: President Ali
- Guyana’s position on border controversy non-negotiable.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali restated on Sunday that Guyana’s stance on the boundary dispute with Venezuela is “non-negotiable,” emphasising that the ICJ would ultimately assess the validity of the case.
The Head of State revealed this information during a live broadcast on his Facebook page. He emphasised that the meeting with President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela on Thursday is merely a “conversation” aimed at maintaining regional peace.
“During the upcoming meeting, we will engage in a dialogue with President Maduro.” The Head of State emphasised that Guyana’s position on the border question is non-negotiable.
President Ali’s decision to attend the conference was based on extensive consultations with many parties, including stakeholders, Guyana’s technical team, agents, lawyers, and the Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.
“From the beginning, we explicitly stated that there is absolutely no room for compromise regarding our border dispute.” The issue is currently under consideration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and it will be resolved there. There is no room for talks over this matter. “There is absolutely no room for compromise,” President Ali emphasised.
During an emergency meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, President Ali was encouraged to consider the option of a meeting with President Maduro.
On Saturday, President Ali was approached by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regarding a meeting with President Maduro.
The conference is scheduled to take place at 10:00 hours in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The event will be presided over by the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, together with the Heads of State of CARICOM, a United Nations Under-Secretary General, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
We anticipate that rationality will prevail and the dedication to peace, stability, and the cessation of the threat of devastation will be upheld.
“President Ali expressed his commitment to regionalism, peace, stability, and maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries. He emphasised Guyana’s willingness to take any necessary steps to strengthen the relationship between the two countries that share a border,” stated President Ali on Sunday.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from regional and international partners and reassured the people of Guyana that the country’s growth will continue without any obstacles.
President Ali affirmed that collaboration, cooperation, and joint operations will proceed according to the established plan.
“We aim to preserve a tranquil atmosphere in which all countries in this region can peacefully coexist, adhering to international laws and principles, and showing mutual respect without the presence of force or its utilisation,” he remarked.
There have been several appeals for the region to maintain its status as a peaceful zone, and for Venezuela to actively engage in the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
