Opposition Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir today grilled Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd on the Argyle Declaration that came out of the talks between President Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro last week in St. Vincent.

During today’s sitting of the National Assembly, the Opposition MP submitted that while the Argyle Declaration addresses the need for both countries to “refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute” as outlined in the second provisional measure handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December, it did not address the first Provisional Measure.  

According to that Measure, “Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails” in the Essequibo Region, which is administered by Guyana and for which Guyana has control over. 

It was against that backdrop that the Opposition MP questioned whether Guyana insisted on having aspects of the first Provisional Measure included in the declaration.

The Foreign Minister responded in the affirmative, but his response did not sit well with the Opposition MP. 

“If you requested, why isn’t that reflected in the declaration?” MP Walton-Desir asked. 

In a second attempt to allay the concerns of the Opposition, the Foreign Minister told the House that the Declaration was founded on the basis of peace, and allows for both countries to discuss issues of mutual interest. According to him, it was incorporated into the context. 

But MP Walton-Desir fired back, telling the House that the issue is too important to be left to the imagination of Guyanese or the other parties involved. 

“Mr Speaker, we have a document titled a declaration and the honourable member expects us to accept that a matter as important as ensuring that the security that Guyana enjoys from the interim decision of the ICJ that we are to imply it? In a declaration? The essence of a declaration is for something to be stated and declared Mr Todd. So, that answer is completely unacceptable,” the MP said. 

Alluding to the Declaration, the Foreign Minister said while aspects of the ICJ Provisional Measures are not explicitly stated in the Declaration, Venezuela has agreed to maintain the peace. 

“The honourable member would recall that Venezuela agreed not to threaten or use force against Guyana either directly or indirectly, in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversy between the two States,” he reminded the House. 

Minister Todd added that the neighbouring country has also committed to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful co-existence and unity of the Latin America and Caribbean. He said too that the country has taken noted of Guyana’s position that it is committed to the process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the resolution of the controversy. 

However, MP Walton-Desir submitted that while Venezuela committed to “peace” and “good neighbourliness,” it does not address the issue of interference of Guyana’s ability to administer Essequibo.

“It certainly is not the only way that our administration and control of the Essequibo could be interfered with. And I want to draw his attention to Article 9 of this Agreement, because Article 9 says, they would have to speak in essence with Venezuela on any matter that has implications for the territory, and I am deeply, deeply disappointed, deeply concern that the honourable Minister is suggesting to the people of Guyana that threat of the use of force is the only way that our administration and control of the Essequibo could be interfered with,” MP Walton-Desir said. 

But the Foreign Minister, in response, said it was no oversight on the part of Government, as being suggested by the Opposition MP. 

He said President Ali and his Administration have committed to ensure the protection and maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also the maintenance of peace and security. 

“The President made it clear to the people of Guyana and the people of this region that we will explore all available options to ensure that we have a peaceful co-existence with Venezuela,” he said 

He further clarified that Article 9 of the Declaration allows for the two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest that are outside of the controversy. 

The Foreign Minister also briefed the Assembly on the December 1 ruling of the ICJ and the granting of the Provisional Measures in favour of Guyana, the December 3 Referendum and the consequent measures proposed by Venezuela, and the Argyle Talks in St. Vincent. (Svetlana Marshall)

Related posts:

Argyle Talks have set the stage for good neighbourly relations with Venezuela -Foreign Secretary Opposition raises concern again over Guyana’s foreign policy and representation abroad Foreign Minister and Opposition MP meet on situation with Venezuela Guyana not moved by Maduro’s latest pronouncements and recall of Ambassador -Foreign Minister Greenidge