St Vincent talks: Ali holds firm on Guyana’s position in 1st phase meeting with CARICOM heads

See below the full statement issued by the Office of the President:

In the first phase of the engagement at Argyle Airport St. Vincent & the Grenadines, President Ali met with several CARICOM heads where he made a presentation reiterating our fundamental position in accepting the invitation to participate in the engagement i.e. that the border controversy which is before the International Court of Justice is not up for discussion, negotiation or deliberation.

Guyana’s position is and will remain that the controversy must be resolved at and by the ICJ. President Ali reminded CARICOM that the referral of this matter to the ICJ is consistent with and pursuant to the Geneva Agreement.

President Ali further reiterated emphatically that Guyana’s only intention is to pursue a course that will secure and ensure peace and stability in our region and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Ali also noted the consistency of CARICOM’s position that all parties must abide by International Law, respect the outcome of the ICJ process and desist from the threat/ or use of force.

President Ali made it clear to CARICOM Heads that matters consequential have nothing to do with the ICJ case or matters connected therewith.

In the 2nd phase of the talks, President Ali and President Maduro will meet across the table with CARICOM, CELAC, Brazil and UN observers.