–President Ali reaffirms; says there will be no compromise on country’s position on border controversy with Venezuela
–ahead of Thursday’s talks with the Bolivarian Republic’s Head of State

WITH talks scheduled with Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering stance in the border controversy with the Bolivarian Republic, maintaining that the matter remains “non-negotiable” and there will be “no compromise” on the issue, since the case is still before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a live broadcast to the nation on Sunday, President Ali outlined the steps that led to his decision to engage in a conversation with President Maduro, while underscoring Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ as the rightful channel for resolving the controversy.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 10:00 hours in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will be hosted by that country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
In attendance will be Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio “Lula” Da Silva, Heads of State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a United Nations Under-Secretary General, and members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

From the outset, President Ali has made it clear that there is no room for compromise on the border issue which is currently before the ICJ.
“This matter is before the ICJ and that is where it shall be settled. There is no negotiations on this, there’s no compromise on this. As you’re aware, the ICJ has already issued orders that called on Venezuela to ensure that the status quo remains,” the Head of State said.

He referenced the orders issued by the ICJ, calling on Venezuela to maintain the status quo and reiterated Guyana’s dedication to international law. The President pointed out that Guyana’s allies and partners continue to show unwavering support.
“We are tremendously proud of the level of partnership, the expanded partnership, the strength of our partnership,” President Ali said, assuring that collaborative activities, training programmes, and exchange initiatives with allies will proceed as planned.

He expressed gratitude for the continued support, highlighting Guyana’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
“Guyanese are committed to peace; we are committed to every action that will ensure that this region remains a region of peace and a region of stability. We have a commitment to this region to work together to ensure the prosperity, the stability of our region. We have no objection to any conversation with Venezuela with the aim of ensuring the stability of our region,” he said.

However, he added that that the issue of the border controversy was explicitly laid out in the 1899 Arbitral Award, and through the Geneva Agreement of 1966, the ICJ was designated by the UN Secretary General as the appropriate body for the resolution of this issue. Dr. Ali underscored Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ process and its outcome.
Acknowledging recent requests from Brazil, CELAC, and CARICOM, President Ali clarified that Guyana has no objections to conversations with Venezuela on matters outside of the border controversy.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
In the interest of regionalism, peace, and good neighbourly relations, that Head of State said that Guyana is open to actions fostering positive relationships between the two countries.

“I made it very clear to them that we have no objections to a conversation, but on the issue of the border controversy, our position is very clear. In the interests of regionalism, in the interests of peace and stability and good neighbourly relations, the coexistence of two countries sharing a border, Guyana is always up for any actions that will enhance relationships,” President Ali said.

Following an emergency meeting of CARICOM heads, a proposal for a meeting with President Maduro in St. Vincent was presented. President Ali said he consulted with stakeholders, including legal and technical teams, agents, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition. Subsequently, he agreed to participate in the meeting on Thursday.

Standing firm on the non-negotiable nature of Guyana’s position on the border controversy, President Ali anticipates a rational discussion with President Maduro.
“I made it very clear that on the issue of the border controversy, Guyana’s position is not negotiable… we expect that good sense will prevail and the commitment to peace and stability will be maintained, and the threat of disruption will cease.

“And I assure all Guyanese, all investors, our development in all administrative regions, all three of the counties will continue unimpeded. [We will] continue to push our investment or investors to work aggressively to bring prosperity to our country and by extension to our region,” the Head of State said.

The Commander in Chief reassured the nation that the peaceful protection of Guyana’s borders is paramount, highlighting that development, security, peace, and advancement in all regions will persist. He encouraged unity and trust in global institutions, particularly the ICJ, as they review the merits of the case.
“Let us understand that as a nation, as people, once we stand on the side of principle and stand for what is right, with our good friends and allies, who we also pray for, we will always be victorious,” President Ali said.