No compromise on Essequibo -Insanally
Encouraged by Chavez visit
Stabroek News
February 21, 2004

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Guyana has not committed itself to any agreement that would fetter its control of the Essequibo.

So said Minister of Foreign Affairs Rudy Insanally when he was invited to comment on a statement by Venezuela's president, Hugo Chavez that sensitive projects that might be organised in the area would be discussed in the framework of the high-level bilateral commission.

At the joint press conference on Thursday which rounded off his one-day state visit to Guyana, Chavez said that while his government would not hinder the development of any project that would benefit the inhabitants of the Essequibo, such as water supply, communications, roads and such other projects, it would want to discuss sensitive projects within the context of the high level bilateral commission.

Insanally recalled that when Guyana raised the impediments suffered as a result of Venezuela's objections to investment in the Essequibo, Chavez gave a commitment that Caracas would not object to projects in areas such as water, agriculture and communications. However, he said the Venezuelan president suggested that projects which give concern to the Venezuelan government could be raised within the framework of the high-level bilateral commission; but this did not imply any restraint on Guyana's control of the area.

Insanally said that to avoid problems and build confidence, the high-level bilateral commission could be used as a forum to exchange information, as Guyana is not involved in any project that would encroach on Venezuelan territory.

Asked to comment on the significance of Chavez's visit, Insanally told Stabroek News that it had opened up new vistas in the relations between the countries.

He said it was a new departure in the relations with the past being put behind in the interest of a future of co-operation and understanding.

Insanally said that Chavez had suggested, and Guyana had agreed, that the best way to deal with the border controversy was within the context of the United Nations Good Officer process.

Observers detect Venezuela's new approach to the controversy in the appointment of its ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Hector Azocar who will partner Ralph Ramkarran SC in facilitating the UN Good Officer process. Before his posting to Port of Spain, Azocar served as Venezuela's ambassador to Guyana, where he was highly regarded.

Observers have told Stabroek News that Guyana's objective should be to get the UN Good Officer process working and it should not entertain any suggestions that would in any way fetter its sovereignty over the Essequibo.

President Chavez finally accepted President Jagdeo's invitation extended since 2000 to visit Guyana. He did so on Thursday, leaving behind for a few hours his own domestic battles including the prospect of a recall referendum. However, security concerns prompted the pre-positioning of two bullet-proof limousines flown in from Venezuela in advance of his arrival and a sniffer dog trained to detect explosives. (Patrick Denny)