Foreign Minister Hugh Todd yesterday said that his Brazilian counterpart has expressed support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process for the resolution of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.
Todd’s statement came following a virtual meeting yesterday with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Todd during the meeting reiterated Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the controversy in accordance with international law and emphasised that the current ICJ process represents a mutually agreed mechanism for a peaceful, just, binding and permanent settlement of the controversy over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which fixed the boundary between the two countries.
The release said that Vieira, in expressing his country’s support for the current ICJ process to resolve the controversy over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, stated that Brazil adheres to the peaceful settlement of boundaries. He also underlined that Brazil has great respect for the ICJ and awaits the final verdict of the Court which it believes is the best solution, in accordance with international law, especially since the matter was referred there by the United Nations Secretary-General.
Todd also emphasized the position as articulated by President Irfaan Ali, that Guyana is irrevocably committed to the settlement process at the ICJ and is available to meet with Venezuela on any subject of interest to the two countries – other than the controversy over the 1899 Arbitral Award.
The Foreign Minister further rejected statements being propagated by Venezuela and reaffirmed that there is no intention by this country or any other State to establish a military base in Guyana’s territory.
Vieira cited the importance of the peaceful co-existence of countries in the region if the region is to advance its integration agenda.
The two Foreign Ministers also discussed ideas to advance bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil, and collaboration at the multilateral level, the release said.
In recent weeks, Caracas has stoked tensions over the controversy by objecting to Guyana’s auctioning of offshore oil blocks and has also announced plans for a referendum on the Essequibo region. In addition to this, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other senior officials have called for direct talks with Georgetown on the controversy. Guyana has firmly rejected these calls, pointing out that it is irrevocably on the path now in motion before the ICJ.
