Guyana president seeks to end Venezuela border conflict through UN
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — President of Guyana, David Granger will address the ongoing border conflict between Guyana and Venezuela during a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres next month.
This was disclosed by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, Guyana intends to press the United Nations, during the 72nd General Assembly, to move forward with the aim of bringing an end to the ongoing border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.
On Wednesday, Greenidge said Guyana remains interested in the matter being referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“The president’s statement will no doubt make reference to the process and Guyana’s wish to ensure that the SG adheres to commitment that he made to facilitate dialogue with the parties and ensure by the end of 2017, if there is no resolution or significant progress, the matter will be referred to the ICJ.”
He said the consequences of this prolonged controversy and the uncertainty of Venezuela’s behaviour, stand to undermine Guyana’s development, social and political stability.
However, Greenidge did not comment on the ongoing mediation process, but noted that the process, as set out by the UN, does not make provision to address the process as it is ongoing.
“The process has time-lines and, notwithstanding our concerns about some of the ideas of the SG, we embraced the process on the understanding that it will be implemented in good faith by all parties including the United Nations,” the minister added.
The meeting with the UN Secretary General is likely to take place on September 25th.
The 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled for next week at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Greenidge said Guyana’s delegation will look to participate in as many side events as possible and engage friendly states in bi-lateral discussions on issues of common interest.
“We expect to have a range of meeting with traditional partners int he West as well as Europe and states in the African Pacific and of course Latin America,” he said.
