Commonwealth Ministerial Group concerned at Venezuela’s actions on border controversy
-encourages Secretary General to continue Good Offices to support Guyana
The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) on Wednesday expressed concern about Venezuela’s actions this year on the border controversy with this country.
In a statement, the Group said that since its last meeting in December 11, 2023, Venezuela has taken actions which constitute a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty.
Following the conclusion of a virtual meeting which was addressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, the CMGG said: “The Group noted with concern developments in Venezuela since the last CMGG meeting. They include Venezuela’s promulgation of the ‘Organic Law for the Defence of the Guyana Esequiba’ on 3 April 2024 that creates a new state, establishes a High Commission for its defence, proposes the implementation of social programmes for the local population, and administrative units for oil, mining and industrial activities.
“Ministers cautioned that these actions constitute a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty, a disregard for the ICJ’s (International Court of Justice’s) Order of 1 December 2023, and a departure from the Argyle Declaration. The Group also noted the 9 April 2024 Statement of the United Nations Security Council expressing concern over the escalation of tensions”.
The Group welcomed the 1 August 2024 statements of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Grenada, which reaffirmed continued support for the maintenance and preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana and for the ICJ process.
“The Group reiterated its firm and steadfast support for the ICJ process as the appropriate and lawful means to address the matter under international law. Similarly, the group confirmed its support for the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, for Guyana’s right to self-defence, and for the unobstructed exercise of its right to develop the entirety of its territory for the benefit of its people”, the statement said.
The Group also commended the Good Offices of the Secretary-General to engage partners to support peace and stability in the Caribbean region and encouraged the
Secretary-General to continue to use her Good Offices to support Guyana in upholding its territorial sovereignty and integrity.
Further, the Group welcomed the Joint Argyle Declaration of 14 December 2023, wherein both Parties committed to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. Therein it was noted by the CMGG that the Parties agreed that controversies, “be resolved in accordance with international law” and that both, “will refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy between them”.
The Group welcomed the meeting of Foreign
Ministers and technical teams in January 2024 pursuant to the Argyle dialogue and noted that subsequent scheduled meetings are yet to be held.
According to the statement, the Group agreed to draw the conclusions of the meeting to the attention of all Commonwealth member governments and to present this statement to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting later this month.
The CMGG meeting on Wednesday was convened by Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland at the request of Guyana.
The meeting was chaired by Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser of the interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and attended by Foreign Ministers, and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The Ministers also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Guyana, to the family of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal and to all the Commonwealth on the passing of the longest serving and second Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“The Group recognised his exemplary global leadership, his pivotal role in the coordination of international opposition to apartheid in South Africa, his visionary advocacy for the rights of small states, and his tireless work to bring nations together”, the statement said.
Members of the Group, as constituted following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Durban, South Africa in 1999, are Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa and the United Kingdom.