In wake of Venezuela’s latest acts of aggression, the political opposition is rallying long side the Government demanding that Guyana’s territorial integrity be respected.

President Irfaan Ali met and held discussions with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and an Opposition team on Saturday.

In a statement, the Alliance For Change condemned Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters, describing as a “barefaced show of force”.

The AFC said there is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

The AFC said the lawless and reckless behaviour of Venezuela must be called out for what it is and will be confronted, adding that it stands in solidarity with the Guyana Government and the Armed Forces of Guyana.

At a press conference today, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) added its voice to the national condemnation of Venezuela saying that Venezuela is not only testing Guyana’s resolve that the current borders with its neighbors are legal and legitimate, but also the commitment of the country’s allies, especially the USA.

The WPA said the Government needs to be tougher with Venezuela.

“This is a stubborn truth, which must concern all Guyanese. Our government appears more intent on fighting wars with its domestic adversaries rather than mobilizing a national response to this clear and present danger. While the government is correct in moving to galvanize regional and international opinion on our side, one does not get the impression that there is a sense of urgency or an overall strategy,” WPA co-leader, David Hinds said.

Mr. Hinds said while external support is imperative to stave off the “Venezuelan juggernaut,” a national domestic strategy is equally important.

“We repeat our call for the setting up of a broad-based, multi-party Border Cabinet comprising representatives of all parliamentary parties, key Civil Society groups and professionals and experts in security and international affairs. Such a Cabinet should be charged with continuous monitoring of the situation and making recommendations to the government. The opposition must not be treated as aliens on this matter and similar matters of national importance,” the WPA co-leader said.

Dr Hinds also called on the government to begin a recruitment drive to expand the size of the Guyana Defense Force, and to “beef up” the People’s Militia as a supplement to the GDF.

In its statement, A New and United Guyana said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the Government and people of Guyana, and unequivocally supports Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The opposition party said it stands in solidarity with the Government of Guyana in its pursuit of a peaceful resolution to this matter through the legitimate legal avenues.

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