GUYANA’S first line of defence is through diplomacy. Diplomacy, it is said, is “war by other means.” And even though the border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela has not reached a stage that can be regarded as a full-fledged war, the potential of it degenerating to such a state cannot be ruled out altogether, given the incendiary rhetoric and postures emanating from Caracas.

It is in the above context that the recent engagement between President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart President Nicolas Maduro has to be seen. Guyana has taken a firm and consistent position that it is interested in a peaceful and legal resolution to the border controversy within the framework of international law.

Hence its decision to have the matter referred to the United Nations Secretary-General and ultimately to the International Court of Justice, as provided for under the Geneva Agreement.

The decisions taken and agreements reached at the meeting in Argyle, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have contributed to such an outcome.

The discussions which were hosted by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves resulted in a number of agreements reached, among which are that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two states. It further agreed, inter alia, that any controversies between the two States will be settled in accordance with international law including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966.

This is a clear and unqualified victory for Guyana. President Ali has consistently upheld the position that the existing border controversy between the two countries must be settled within the framework of international law as provided for under the Geneva Agreement. And even though the position of Venezuela regarding its position on the ICJ process has been noted in the agreement reached, the fact remains that the ICJ process will continue unabated and without prejudice to any of the other agreements reached.

President Ali and his team of advisors must be commended for the resolute and unwavering stance taken on the way forward in arriving at a peaceful and legally binding resolution of the border controversy. The objectives of the meeting between the two leaders have clearly been met, namely a de-escalation of tension between the two neighbouring states and the preservation of the region as a zone of peace.

This development could not have come at a better time as Guyanese are preparing to enjoy the festive season of Xmas and the New Year without the proverbial Sword of Damocles dangling over their heads. It remains to be seen whether, or to what extent, President Maduro will follow up on his announced ‘annexation’ plans for the Essequibo Region based on the infamous and sham referendum of December 3.

At least for now, a climate of peace and stability appears on the horizon. The two nations have committed to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean and agreed to continue dialogue on any other pending matters of mutual interest to both countries.

This is much more than one could reasonably hope for, and credit must be given to all those who facilitated the meeting, in particular, the host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The proof of the pudding, as it were, is now on the eating and all eyes will be on President Maduro to see if he will stick to his end of the bargain.

As for President Ali, he has made it pellucidly clear that Guyana is not interested in any confrontation with Venezuela on the border controversy other than through peaceful and legal means via the mechanism of the International Court of Justice.
President Ali and his team of advisors have done Guyana proud at the Argyle meeting which is undoubtedly a victory for diplomacy.