President maintains Guyana’s position as he heads into St. Vincent meeting with Venezuelan President

President maintains Guyana’s position as he heads into St. Vincent meeting with Venezuelan President

The Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela arrived in St. Vincent this morning for their meeting, which is being facilitated by CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

The Prime Minister of St. Vincent, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is hosting the talks. He was at the Argyle International Airport early to welcome the two Presidents and other CARICOM Leaders and officials.

He said he is hoping that the talks will be successful and that he will be playing the role of interlocutor for the two nations and will also have his say.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley is also in St. Vincent for the talks. She said that the fact that the two leaders have agreed to have the meeting, already represents progress.

President Irfaan Ali arrived with his Attorney General, Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary and other Officials from the Foreign Ministry. As he made his way to the inside of the Airport, he said he is taking the facts with him that the border controversy was settled more than 100 years ago.

“I am taking the facts with me, and the fact remains that the 1899 Award clearly defines the borders of Guyana and Venezuela and that is the fact”, President Ali said.

Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro arrived close to an hour after the arrival of President Ali. Flanked by several security officials and members of his Government, he spoke briefly with the Spanish media before heading into the discussions.

The two leaders are expected to meet separately with officials of CARICOM and CELAC before meeting face to face. (Story by Gordon Moseley in St. Vincent)

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