Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Wednesday told a meeting of South American defence and foreign ministers in Brazil that Venezuela’s December 3rd referendum on Essequibo poses a threat to the stability of the entire region.
A statement from his office said he underscored Guyana’s steadfast commitment to “the peaceful settlement of disputes” and the need to uphold the principles of international law while emphasising the crucial role of regional cooperation in ensuring peace and security.
The statement said that Phillips spoke extensively about the rising tensions tied to Venezuela’s long-running border controversy with Guyana, which is currently before the Inter-national Court of Justice (ICJ). He stated that Venezuela’s planned referendum on Decem-ber 3rd jeopardises stability in the region and by challenging Guyana’s territorial sovereignty, the referendum and related rhetoric pose “an existential threat” to this country.
“Besides posing an existential threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in violation of International Law, it represents a threat to the peace and stability of the region as a whole”, he stated.
He noted that Guyana has turned to the ICJ seeking provisional measures to prevent an escalation, pending the Court’s binding judgement on the underlying boundary controversy.
The statement said that Phillips drew attention to the complex international landscape and underscored the necessity of inter-state collaboration to protect shared aspirations for regional safety and security.
“This defence forum offers a valuable platform for reinforcing our collective aspirations for a safe and secure region. We are inherently connected by geography, unified by culture, and interdependent in trade. It is through this intricate network of relationships that we strive to uphold and enhance peace and stability across our region. Brazil’s initiative to lead our region at this critical juncture is indeed commendable”, he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to follow the UN Charter and international law as a “guarantee for peace”, stressing the critical importance of peaceful conflict resolution.
“Let me reaffirm, at the outset, the Government of Guyana’s commitment to the Charter of the UN, to the purposes and principles of the organisation, including the peaceful settlement of disputes”, he said.
He contended that adherence to the tenets of the UN Charter and International Law is a “sine qua non” – a guarantee – for peace at the international and regional levels.
Phillips said that as an incoming non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Guyana stands prepared to confront existing and emerging threats to international peace and security in a principled manner.
He said that “no effort should be spared” to avoid conflict and ensure South America remains a “zone of peace and cooperation”.
Guyana, he said, continues to condemn Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, and expressed alarm over the crisis in Gaza.
He also voiced Guyana’s solidarity with Haiti as he spoke about the deteriorating situation, which he described as “deeply concerning”.
Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken along with GDF’s, Colonel General Staff; Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts are also part of Guyana’s delegation in Brazil.
The first South American meeting on political-military dialogue was convened by the Government of Brazil, in keeping with the mandate of the Brasilia Consensus dated May 30, 2023, which was agreed upon by the Presidents of South America, aiming at the resumption of regular dialogues on strategic regional issues, the statement said.
