UN Good Officer to frequent Guyana …as border controversy mediation intensifies
Norwegian Diplomat,Dag Halvor Nylander
Norwegian Diplomat,Dag Halvor Nylander

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge on Wednesday announced that as the mediation continues on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, UN Secretary General,Antonio Guterres’ appointed personal representative, Dag Halvor Nylander of Norway, would be “in and out of Guyana over the next few weeks quite frequently.”
The Norwegian envoy who dealt with the Colombian peace process has been assigned to try to settle the longstanding border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela by the end of the year. If that process fails, then Guyana will be on its way to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement.
Speaking at a press conference held at his Ministry’s conference room, Greenidge who was accompanied by Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Audrey Waddle,said the border controversy remains on the front burner and noted that Guyana will abide by the decision of the UN Secretary-General to have another try at mediation this year.
“The dialogue with the partners at the international level takes place… the UN Secretary- General continues to dialogue with us through his personal representative and we expect that he will be in and out of Guyana over the next few weeks quite frequently.”
Greenidge disclosed too that the border controversy was also discussed with British Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St. Johns DBE,during her meeting with President David Granger and other government officials on Tuesday.
He said among other issues, the Baroness and President Granger spoke of the challenges as it relates to the controversy. Guyana has long resolved that the only way to settle the controversy is by way of a juridical settlement at the ICJ. Baroness Anelay after departing Guyana will be visiting Venezuela and Trinidad. The Foreign Affairs Minister reminded that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was an award that arose from United States’ pressure on Britain in 1895. It was reflected in a treaty of 1897 and the 1897 treaty was signed by the United Kingdom. “The award was accepted by the Venezuelan government just as it was accepted by representatives of the United Kingdom and in 1966 when the Geneva agreement was first signed,it was signed by Venezuela and Britain… in February of 1966.”
Greenidge noted when Guyana became independent in May, 1966 the agreement was signed. “So it (Great Britain) was the principal signatory to that agreement and in that regard it has a responsibility and a role. So that is why that arose and we spoke a little bit of what might be required,” he said in relation to the role the British Government has in the controversy.
Meanwhile, Guyana had welcomed the announcement by the UN Secretary-General of the appointment of the Norwegian diplomat as his Personal Representative on the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
“We welcome the appointment. We feel it’s a positive move. We are confident that the appointee can do his job and we will abide by the Terms of Reference and the conditions that have been laid down by the United Nations’ Secretary-General,” President David Granger had said. He said too that the threats Guyana has experienced over the years to its territorial integrity have been a disincentive for foreign investors and noted that the move by the UN to try mediation once again is an indication that the matter will be resolved by the end of this year.

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