Several Guyanese Diplomats in Guyana and abroad have expressed concern and worry about a statement issued by the US Assistant Secretary of State, Michael Kozak which appears to point to a changing of Guyana’s position on the internal affairs in Venezuela.
In a tweet by Mr. Kozak which has since been shared by the US Embassy in Guyana on its Facebook page, Kozak wrote “Great to see Guyana add its voice for the call to restore democracy in Venezuela. The US encourages all democratic countries to commit to helping the Venezuelan people achieve a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future”.
The US Embassy on its Facebook page highlighting the same tweet, added that “Guyana joins many democratic countries in support of democratic change in Venezuela”.
The post was linked to a Joint Declaration of Support for Democratic Change in Venezuela.
But several diplomats familiar with Guyana’s position over the years not to become involved in the internal affairs of Venezuela have expressed surprise that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any statement on a change of position on Venezuela or clarification on the US Statement.
A senior Diplomat told News Source that Guyana must be clear in its position and not allow itself to be guided by the position of the United States or any other country.
Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, met last week with the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.
The issue of Venezuela came up in the meeting, News Source understands. The US Ambassador reportedly questioned the new Foreign Minister about whether the new Guyana Government was going to recognise the Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Juan Guaido, as the President of Venezuela.
Ambassador Lynch, according to Government sources, was told by the Foreign Minister that the position of the PPP Government is that it recognises the will of the people of Venezuela.
The issue of the Lima Group’s declaration gaining support from Guyana was also discussed, but a senior Government source explained that no clear undertaking was provided.
The US and a number of other western countries have been pushing to topple the Nicholas Maduro regime in Venezuela and replace him officially with the country’s Opposition Leader.
While the US recognises Guaido as the President, Guyana’s position has been to recognise Maduro as the President and not involve itself in the internal political situation in Venezuela.
Under the APNU+AFC government, the US was trying to get Guyana to grant the Voice of America a radio broadcast license so that it could transmit messages and programmes from Guyana to Venezuela. That request was turned down by former President David Granger himself.
The former President had made it clear repeatedly that Guyana was not going to get involved in any internal situation in Venezuela and was not going to allow itself to be used either by other countries to get involved.
It is unclear whether the US will now push again for the license to be granted under the new government.
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