The United Nations (UN) Mission tasked with investigating the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy wrapped up talks with Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Director- General Audrey Waddle and other members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Director-General Waddle described the meeting as a “useful and fruitful exchange”. Monday’s talks followed trilateral meetings among the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela and the UN Secretariat held at the recently concluded 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon committed to having an investigative team visit both Guyana and Venezuela in an attempt to resolve the border controversy. The UN Mission was headed by chief of staff of the UN Secretary General, Susana Malcorra, and comprised five other officials. The team’s investigation was preceded by a maiden visit to Guyana by the UN Secretary General on Sunday. Ban arrived in Guyana following Climate Change talks in Bolivia. Brief meetings were held with Guyana’s Diplomatic group.
Though Ban did not speak with the media, his meeting which lasted approximately an hour with Greenidge is believed to have been on the ongoing border controversy.
Guyana has maintained that the border issue with Venezuela was settled in 1899 by way of an Arbitral Award. The UN Mission team departs Guyana in the morning. The team is expected to visit neighbouring Venezuela soon.