REPRESENTATIVES from the ABC-E countries yesterday met with a team from the Main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), led by Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (Rtd) David Granger, after meeting with President Donald Ramotar and members of his administration on Tuesday.

According to a statement from APNU, the diplomats from the USA, Britain, Canada and the European Union all “seem” to favour an early end to the prorogation.
The position was expressed after the APNU reiterated its position that there will be no extra-parliamentary engagement with the President on the matters which were before the National Assembly, during the period of prorogation.
President Donald Ramotar announced his decision, in an address to the nation, to prorogue Parliament, which essentially means that the current session is suspended up to a maximum of six months – a move that is provided for in Section 70 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution.

DIALOGUE
The Head of State also made it clear that his intention was to give dialogue a chance to address the impasses that have characterised the political arena since the 2011 elections, rather than have Parliament dissolved, as promised by the combined opposition, via the Alliance for Change (AFC)-sponsored no-confidence motion.

At yesterday’s meeting, APNU also indicated to the diplomats that the Partnership will embark upon a series of measures dedicated to the restoration of the National Assembly as the most appropriate venue for the discussion and consideration of affairs of the State and the people.
“The discussions were cordial and centered mainly on the prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana,” APNU said in its release.

The American, British, Canadian and European Union diplomats present at yesterday’s meeting were Charge d’Affairs of the US Embassy, Mr. Bryan David Hunt; Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Jim Couzens; Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Giles; and European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Robert Kopecky.
APNU was represented by Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger; Deputy Chairman, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine; General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Harmon; and Local Government Shadow Minister, Mr. Ronald Bulkan.
The meeting, which was at the behest of the diplomats, was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, on Cross and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.