The following is the full text of a statement from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG):
“THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins Guyanese in expressing concerns over the pronouncements of Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro, as he spoke about measures targeting the Guyanese territory of Essequibo.

These efforts are linked to last Sunday’s referendum which, according to some media reports, did not see the popular participation of the Venezuelan people. Additionally, the pronouncements and any actions which stem from them come into direct conflict with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 01, 2023.

“In the same vein, FITUG is fully supportive and endorses the position of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government to advance diplomatic and peaceful measures to address the increasing rhetoric emanating from Caracas.
“Our recourse to the ICJ and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) outlines Guyana’s commitment to the respect of international law and norms. It demonstrates that our country is clearly committed to a just, peaceful, and lawful resolution to an issue which had been conclusively settled over a century ago and later revived on very shaky grounds by the Venezuelans.

“Indeed, for its efforts, our country would have earned even greater respect in the eyes of the international community. And for our part, we remain deeply appreciative and truly comforted by the support and solidarity from many of our long-standing partners and friends who are standing beside us as we confront a political leadership in Venezuela that is growing seemingly more belligerent.

“At this time, the federation remains staunchly opposed to any actions which violate or infringe on our territorial boundaries. We urge Venezuela to remain respectful of international laws and rules and to engage fully in the ongoing process at the ICJ. Let Latin America and the Caribbean remain a Zone of Peace.”