President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, in a recent letter to the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has clarified his stance regarding the upcoming high-level dialogue with Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro. Scheduled for December 14 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ali emphasized that this meeting, while significant, will not entertain discussions on the long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
As Pro-Tempore President of the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), Gonsalves had requested the meeting to de-escalate the conflict.
In his letter, President Ali referred to the Communique of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government from December 8, 2023, which supports Guyana’s pursuit of a resolution of the border controversy with Venezuela through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). CARICOM urged Venezuela to respect the ICJ’s conservatory measures until a final resolution is reached. The Communique also highlighted CARICOM’s commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the maintenance of international law.
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Ali pointed out that there are inaccuracies in a recent letter by President Maduro to Gonsalves, specifically regarding the nature and objectives of the high-level dialogue. Ali said Maduro’s claim that the meeting aims to address the territorial dispute directly contradicts the framework established by CARICOM, which calls for “a de-escalation of the conflict through an appropriate dialogue between the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana to ensure peaceful co-existence, the application and respect for international law and the avoidance of the use or threats of force.”
“It is this framework for the meeting to which I have consented and to which I remain committed,” Ali stated.
Ali reiterated that the resolution of the border dispute is in the hands of the ICJ, as unanimously mandated by the National Assembly of Guyana. He stressed that the land boundary issue is not a matter for bilateral discussions and must remain under the ICJ’s jurisdiction until a final ruling is made.
The President also referred to the Geneva Agreement of 1966 signed between the UK/British Guiana and Venezuela. This agreement provided mechanisms for resolving Venezuela’s claims, ultimately leading to the involvement of the United Nations Secretary-General in selecting a means of settlement. The Secretary-General referred the matter to the ICJ in 2018.
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Ali noted that, in execution of this Agreement, “Venezuela has never offered any credible support or evidence for its contention of nullity and invalidity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which settled the boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela.”
Additionally, Ali refuted allegations of U.S. Southern Command “meddling” in the disputed territory, asserting Guyana’s right to bilateral cooperation with its partners, as is its sovereign right.
In conclusion, President Ali expressed willingness to engage with President Maduro on other aspects that could improve bilateral relations, emphasizing Guyana’s commitment to regional peace and security and appreciating CARICOM and other international efforts to facilitate dialogue.
