This morning, in the first phase of “peace talks” at Argyle Airport in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali met with a number of CARICOM heads. During that engagement, he reiterated Guyana’s fundamental position in accepting the invitation to participate. That nonnegotiable position is that the border controversy which is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is not up for discussion.
Dr. Ali said Guyana’s position is, and will remain, that the controversy must be resolved at and by the ICJ. President Ali reminded CARICOM that the referral of this matter to the ICJ is consistent with, and pursuant to the 1966 Geneva Agreement.
Further, President Ali reiterated that Guyana’s only intention is to pursue a course that will secure and ensure peace and stability in the region as well as respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The President also reminded that the Chair and other leaders of CARICOM concurred with Guyana’s position.
Dr. Ali also noted the consistency of CARICOM’s position that all parties must abide by International Law, respect the outcome of the ICJ process and desist from the threat/ or use of force.
President Ali made it clear to CARICOM Heads that matters consequential to the meeting have nothing to do with the ICJ case or matters connected therewith.
In the second phase of the talks, President Ali and President Maduro will meet across the table with CARICOM, CELAC, Brazil and UN observers.
