Guyana committed to protecting territorial integrity -- says PM Hinds by Sharon Lall Guyana Chronicle July 5, 2000 GUYANA will protect its territorial integrity within the parameters of international norms and practices, Prime Minister and Acting President Sam Hinds signalled yesterday. He said this country, as a small developing nation, continues to face constant threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It now looks to the international community for support in a bid to ensure that members adhere to the rule of law and work towards the peaceful settlement of disputes. Speaking at a United States Embassy reception to mark the 224th Independence anniversary of that nation, Mr Hinds indicated to the gathering of foreign delegates and key Government figures that Guyana stands "committed to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity" within all the relevant parameters of international norms. His remarks came in the wake of growing tensions over the forceful removal by Suriname authorities of the Canadian-owned CGX oil rig from Guyana's territorial waters. Since the June 3 occurrence, both countries have been engaged in unfruitful talks over the issue. The dispute is now engaging the attention of CARICOM Heads of Government at the 21st CARICOM Summit being hosted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Continuing his address, Prime Minister Hinds said Guyana values the assistance given by the United States in support of the Government's effort to alleviate poverty and improve economic and social development. This country also welcomes US support through the PL480 agreement. And, services rendered by US Peace Corps volunteers in the areas of education, health and other social sectors, the Prime Minister stated. "We look forward to improved programmes of cooperation between Guyana and (the United States)...reflecting shared commitment to enhancing even further our relations, particularly in the promotion of trade and investment and in building capacity to facilitate human resource development," Mr Hinds said. Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy, Ms Sheila Peters, pledged the US Administration's support in helping Guyana strengthen its democracy, increase its capacity to participate successfully in the global economy, and improve the living standards of its people. "During the past year, bilateral cooperation between our two countries has continued to grow in many areas, including democracy and good governance, assistance to the health sector, and security," she said. According to Peters, the US Government is equally committed to supporting a "clean and transparent" election process for this country in 2001. "USAID is very much involved in the process of ensuring that the institutions set in place for the next elections will be around for future polling," Peters said. She added that the US knows from experience the difficulties of creating and sustaining a culture of democracy. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today