–President Ali affirms; says country wants peace in the region, prosperity for all nations
–rebuffs Bolivia’s inaccurate statements regarding military exercises in Guyana

AS Guyana continues to pursue the path of respecting and upholding international law, President Irfaan Ali has underscored that the nation will never be used as a platform for war.

President Ali, in his address to leaders at the VIII Summit of Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in St Vincent and the Grenadines, firmly remarked that Guyana is prepared for the ruling that will be handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which is a full, perfect and final settlement of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

“I assure all leaders here that Guyana’s priority is peace and you can have the confidence that our territory will never ever be used as a platform of war or for war,” the Guyanese Head of State remarked.

In keeping with this, the President said this is why Guyana accepted the offer from Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States, Brazil and the United Nations (UN) as an observer, to facilitate a dialogue with Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, last December, in order to address the tensions that had arisen between the two neighbours last year.

“I assured everyone at that time, and now, that I am prepared to speak with President Maduro on any aspect that may contribute to enhancing the relationship between our two countries,” Dr Ali said.

He further related: “The aspect relating to Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo is before the International Court of Justice and the Joint Declaration of Argyle on Dialogue and Peace acknowledges that Guyana is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy.”

This historic meeting in St Vincent 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 ICJ.

The President then stated: “We are prepared to accept the judgement of the Court on this matter. I can assure you that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process, as well as, to maintaining our region as a “Zone of Peace”. We want peace. We want prosperity for our neighbours and all in this region. We want to be our brother’s keeper with our neighbour.”

Staying in tune with his commitment to ensuring that the region remains a “Zone of Peace,” Dr Ali further said: “Everything we [Guyana] do is built on peace and our fundamental values are based on peace.”

MISINFORMATION
He, however, did not shy away from calling out those who are attempting to stir up tensions between Guyana and Venezuela and spread misinformation.

The Guyanese Head of State related: “Instead of drawing conclusions, states within the region must ascertain the facts. Statements that are not based on facts can only add to destablisation. As we heard this morning from our friends in Bolivia, the air surveillance and sea exercises mentioned by Bolivia were part of bilateral and regional security co-operation and had nothing to do with the Guyana and Venezuela controversy.”

He added: “It is also important to note that no mention was made about the incursions into Guyana’s territorial space.”

Dr Ali underscored the importance of adhering to international law, noting: “The collective commitment of all of us to international law, the safety and security of our people and region, safeguarding democracy and the upliftment of the dignity of all our people is paramount.”