THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has welcomed the decision of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on moving towards a resolution of the border controversy raised by Venezuela against Guyana.
The AFC in a statement congratulated the outgoing Secretary-General Mr. Ban for “being forthright in his choice of options to continue with the mediation process for another year. Should the controversy remain unresolved after this time, the issue would then be taken before the International Court of Justice.”
The AFC urged all political parties along with labour, business and other social partners to show support for this process as a prelude to protecting the integrity of Guyana’s sovereignty.
“AFC further expresses appreciation to His Excellency, President David Granger, Vice- President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and the entire Guyana team that prosecuted the Guyana case, especially over the last 18 months since the assumption to [sic] office of the APNU+AFC coalition Government.”
The UN has decided that Guyana and Venezuela are to return to the Good Officers Process for another year, with the hope of the two countries coming closer to a resolution on the ongoing border controversy. Outgoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has indicated that based on the various assessments done over the years, a return to the Good Officers Process is the best option at this point. Guyana has since indicated its acceptance of the decision of the UN Secretary-General.
Guyana said it will do everything in its power to ensure that the UN SG’s expectations, and those of his successor to whom the mandate of implementation now falls–as well as our expectations are fulfilled.
“The Government calls upon all Guyanese to support the process that now lies ahead in the confidence that it will lead to a just and binding resolution of the discord that have plagued our development for so long. It is a fitting advance in this 50th year of our independence. May God continue to bless our nation in this noble cause,” a statement on Friday noted.
