PRESS
STATEMENT
The Government regrets the allegations of "desperate
maneuverings" made by the PNC/Reform in its Press Conference
of Wednesday February 25, 2004 to describe the action taken by
Guyana to refer its maritime dispute with Suriname for arbitration
by the United Nations Law of the Sea Tribunal.
The reasons for the referral of the matter were
fully given in the President's address to the nation on February
25, immediately after the submission by Guyana of its statement
of claim to the Tribunal. Most important was the need for timely
action to secure the involvement and jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
Failure to act expeditiously could have denied the Government
and the people of Guyana a unique opportunity to have the maritime
dispute with Suriname settled legally and peacefully. There was
therefore nothing sinister in the step taken.
In relation to our relations with Venezuela,
it is misleading for the PNCIR to suggest that Guyana has given
its western neighbour the right of veto over projects in the Essequibo
region. The Government has always made it clear that while it
is not averse to exchanges of views in the spirit of cooperation
and confidence-building Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity
are not subjects for discussion.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs February 2004
Thursday,
February 26, 2004