Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said the rule of law must
prevail even as he encouraged Venezuela to participate in the
proceedings for a final resolution of the longstanding border
controversy between the two countries.
Today, Minister Greenidge updated the 73rd session of the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA 73) on the matter during his address at
the General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York, USA.
In January, the UN’s Secretary-General referred the matter to the
International Court of Justice for final resolution. Venezuela
contends the Arbitral Award of 1899 that settled the boundaries
between the two countries is null and void.
Minister Greenidge noted this decision is binding on both parties. In
March of this year, Guyana filed its application in the ICJ seeking an
affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the
international boundary that it established.
However, Venezuela had refused to participate in the proceedings.
“Guyana sincerely hopes that it will change its mind. There is still
time for it to do so,” Minister Greenidge said.
Minister Greenidge expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for
his important contribution to the resolution of the matter.
“[Guyana] looks forward to a final judgment by the International Court
of Justice. The rule of law must prevail,” Minister Greenidge said.
Guyana seeks peace, not only in its region but throughout the world,
Minister Greenidge noted before reiterating the call for a two-state
solution to the generational conflict between the peoples of Palestine
and Israel.
He also called on the international community to take necessary steps
to safeguard the human rights of the Rohingya population in Myanmar
while saluting the efforts of Bangladesh to provide haven to refugees
fleeing persecution.
The minister also reiterated calls for the removal of trade and
economic embargo against Cuba.
Minister Greenidge stressed that “adherence to the cardinal principles
of the sovereign equality of States, respect for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of States, and the peaceful resolution of
disputes are the most effective guarantees of peace.”
Carl B. Greenidge, Vice President and Foreign Minister of Guyana addresses the general debate of the General AssemblyÕs seventy-third session.
Secretary-General Antnio Guterres meets with Carl Greenidge (Vice-President, REPUBLIC OF GUYANA)
