APNU still to agree to AFC proposal for secret talks –APNU General Secty Joseph Harmon

THE current political environment in Guyana was cited as a possible reason for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to acquiesce to a proposal from the Alliance For Change (AFC) for secret talks.

APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, let on as much in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, but he also said that the coalition was still to make a decision on the matter.

“The question of publicizing what we would talk about is an important consideration, particularly given the political environment we are in. Caution would be the order of the day to ensure there are no missteps,” he said.

AFC PROPOSAL
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has, over the weekend, disclosed that it is prepared to hold talks with APNU on condition that the discussions remain confidential.

“We don’t intend to negotiate an agreement within the public space, and therefore will not be commenting further on this matter until there is a substantive announcement to be made,” AFC General Secretary David Patterson said in a statement.

Patterson explained that, during a recently held meeting, the AFC had tabled a non-disclosure agreement for APNU to review.

“The AFC tabled a non-disclosure agreement for review and signing by the APNU with the clear understanding that, on the return of the signed document, the AFC would release to APNU (its) draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would form the template for our negotiations,” Patterson said.

He said the AFC is prepared to issue its MoU to APNU within 24 hours, once the main opposition party signs the non-disclosure agreement.

“Negotiations can start within 48 hours thereafter, which could be as early as Wednesday, January 7, 2015,” he said.

SINCE DECEMBER
APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon has told the Guyana Chronicle that the non-disclosure agreement has been with the coalition since last month, but a review of the proposed document has not yet been completed.

“We saw the document around Christmastime, but we have not been able to study it as yet. Our structure requires consultation at the Shadow Cabinet level as well as at the leadership level,” he said.

Asked about the possible issues that would form part of the agenda for talks, Harmon disclosed that inclusionary democracy and the question of establishing a government of national unity after the elections are two such areas.
He, however, said his coalition would be dealing with the matter soon.

The AFC’s position, as articulated over the weekend, comes on the heels of statements made by APNU Leader, Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger, in which he disclosed that there have been no substantial discussions with the AFC to date.