Commonwealth Ministerial Group stands firm behind Guyana in Venezuela border row

The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana today

reiterated the unequivocal and collective support

of Commonwealth member governments

for the maintenance and

preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders,

in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award,

the upholding of the rule of international law,

and the resolution of conflict

and differences by peaceful means.

The Group met in New York on Thursday 24 September, 2015. 

The meeting was convened by the Secretary-General

following a request from the Government of Guyana,

and chaired by Senator the Hon Arnold Nicholson,

Foreign Minister of Jamaica.

The Group received an update

from Vice President and Foreign Minister of Guyana,

HE Carl Greenidge,

on recent developments in the ongoing controversy

that was brought about by the Venezuelan contention

that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void

and which Commonwealth member governments

have followed closely since 1999.

The Group, in particular, noted and

shared the concerns of Guyana

over Venezuela’s Presidential Decree 1859 and Decree 1787,

which were viewed as a threat

to the territorial integrity of Guyana.

The Group received with serious concern

reports from Guyana regarding recent

military activities of Venezuela along the border

between the two countries and

within the established marine areas of Guyana,

leading to heightened tensions at the border.

The Group noted and commended the Statements issued

by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on 27 June 2015,

and by CARICOM Heads of Government on 7 July 2015.

The Group further noted and welcomed

the efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General

to facilitate a solution to the controversy

between the two countries.

The importance of keeping open diplomatic channels

and engaging in dialogue was reiterated.

The Group noted Guyana’s preference that

resort to the International Court of Justice

to bring finality to the contention

of the invalidity of the Arbitral Award

should be urgently pursued.

The Group also agreed to draw its concerns

to the attention of all 53 Commonwealth Heads of Government. (Commonwealth Secretariat)

Now....Yuji...Fix yuh Mouth

and tell Marudo & Jagdeo

Haul their Ass Da Side