REFORM urges international community to help parties de-escalate crisis
Stabroek News
July 12, 2002
The REFORM wing of the opposition PNC/R has condemned all acts of violence and is urging the international community group to meet with the ruling PPP and the PNC to secure an urgent de-escalation of the current crisis.
In a statement yesterday, the REFORM group stated that "in recognition of Guyana's rapidly accelerating and deteriorating political, social and racial conflicts leading to constitutional and other crises," it was urgently calling on the leadership of the international diplomatic and donor communities to:
- Jointly meet with the PPP and PNC in an effort to de-escalate the current crisis and to urge both parties to pursue restraint;
- Broker a meeting between the two political parties so that promises and agreements made in the (suspended) dialogue (between President Bharrat Jagdeo and PNC REFORM (PNC/R) leader Desmond Hoyte) are honoured and implemented within the next 60 days; and
- Convene a conference of civil society and interested groups to discuss mechanisms for constitutional and other changes leading to more inclusive governance.
The REFORM statement signed by its leader, Stanley Ming, also declared its strong condemnation of "all acts of violence, intimidation, misleading propaganda and racial discrimination."
Further, the REFORM asserted, in fully recognising that justice is a fundamental element of a true democracy, it firmly believes that political brinkmanship leading to violence and lawlessness is not in Guyana's best interest.
The REFORM also re-affirmed the founding principles of its Charter: - A commitment to the fundamental principle of a democratic, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, free enterprise system in which every Guyanese regardless of race, religion, creed or political persuasion has an equal opportunity to realise his or her full potential;
- The rule of law, peace and security for all; and
- Good governance, an inclusive government and a significant partnership with civil society.
REFORM had been criticised in the letters columns of newspapers and by one of its own members Peter Ramsaroop for not condemning the July 3rd attack on the Office of the President by protesters and the looting and arson that followed.
The REFORM statement yesterday did not refer to the July 3rd disturbances but condemned "all acts of violence". Its statement came eight days after the attack. REFORM's coalition partner, the PNC, has come under attack over the July 3rd unrest as it mobilised its supporters to participate in the march which later degenerated into the attack on the Office of the President and the looting and mayhem.