— Foreign Secretary Persaud affirms
–says agreement does not hinder regional, international engagements; Guyana’s relationship with allies remains strong

GUYANA’S Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, has maintained that the Argyle Declaration between Guyana and Venezuela paves the way for peace, stability and good neighbourly relations.
He made those remarks during a recent programme on the National Communications Network (NCN).

Last Thursday, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali met with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.

This historic meeting culminated in what is now known as the “Argyle Declaration,” an 11-point agreement which addresses matters consequential to the border controversy, including the fact that Guyana stands firm to its position that the substantial case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“This declaration does not restrict or will not reduce the engagements we have with our allies…,” Presaud said.
While examining the clauses that Guyana and Venezuela have committed themselves to, the Foreign Secretary said that it is not a “one off” effort, and there needs to be consistent, prolonged and sustained engagement from those who were present at the meeting.

“It was not a meeting to negotiate about any issue (concerning) our land boundaries, Essequibo or to discuss any issues about taking the matter outside of the ICJ [International Court of Justice], but rather to look at the broader issues concerning peace, security, respect for international law and also matters, you know, that concern our two countries because we are neighbours…,” the Foreign Secretary said.

He related that the meeting gave both Presidents the ability to have “frank, direct and open” exchanges.
Additionally, while the meeting was one which was cordial and allowed for both Heads of State to voice their views, according to Persaud, President Ali was not shy in echoing the legality of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

“…The President has made it absolutely clear before, during and I’m quite sure he will make it clear going forward that Guyana will abide by and respect the ICJ process… That is where that matter is and that is where that matter will remain, until such time…,” he firmly said.

The Foreign Secretary did not mince his words when explaining that the matter is a “controversy” as opposed to a “dispute.” Guyana’s borders have always been accepted internationally, but despite the initial acceptance by Venezuela, the country raised the “controversy” in 1962. According to Persaud, legally, the matter is being described as a “border dispute.”

Also, despite the Declaration standing as evidence of the commitment between both countries to upkeep peace within the region, the Foreign Secretary reassured Guyanese, especially Essequibians, that they have nothing to fear.

“Essequibo will always and forever be part and parcel of Guyana because that has been clearly established from 1899,” Persaud said, while adding that the government is confident about Guyana’s case that is squarely before the ICJ.

ZONE OF PEACE
President Ali has maintained that Guyana will not retreat from its position that the border controversy with Venezuela is properly before the ICJ.

President Ali and President Maduro of Venezuela, have also committed to maintaining a “zone of peace.”
Following the historic meeting between the two leaders on Thursday last, Guyana and Venezuela declared they will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.

They also agreed that any controversies between the two States will be resolved in accordance with international law.
Among other things, Guyana and Venezuela also agreed to continue dialogue on any other pending matters of mutual importance to the two countries, and a commitment was given that both States will refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy between them.

The two nations will also cooperate to avoid incidents on the ground conducive to tension between them. In the event of such an incident, the two States will immediately communicate with one another, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), and the President of Brazil to contain, reverse and prevent its recurrence.

Guyana and Venezuela have agreed to establish immediately a joint commission of the Foreign Ministers and technical persons to address matters as mutually agreed. An update from this joint commission will be submitted to the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela within three months.

ARBITRAL AWARD
The genesis of the controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite historical arbitration, tensions persisted, leading Guyana to approach the ICJ in 2018, seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

The ICJ’s recent provisional measures are binding on the parties involved. Under the UN Charter, all states are solemnly bound to comply with the court’s orders, which can be enforced by the UN Security Council.
The substantive case, which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.
Guyana enjoys the full, principled and unequivocal support of CARICOM, the Commonwealth and other partners from around the world.