Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, affirmed that Venezuelan incursions into Guyana’s maritime territory, specifically involving FPSO platforms, fall under Guyana’s jurisdiction. He highlighted the urgency of activating the Argyle Declaration to manage escalating tensions and emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts by involved nations, particularly the US and UK, to avert military conflict.
Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, asserted that the recent Venezuelan naval activities involving Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) platforms are undeniably within Guyana’s jurisdiction. In a radio interview on NBC Radio, Gonsalves emphasized this following a report from President Irfaan Ali concerning Venezuelan incursions into Guyanese maritime territory, particularly those platforms located in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Argyle Declaration, a peace treaty signed to mediate the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, was activated in light of this situation. Gonsalves highlighted its role in facilitating peace while acknowledging potential challenges beyond the International Court of Justice’s forthcoming decision. He commented on the immediacy of the response necessary to prevent escalation following the troubling report.
Gonsalves explained that he had to divert his attention from other commitments to ensure diplomatic communication throughout the night. He underscored the importance of dialogue in managing the situation, stating that differing perspectives on potential provocations required urgent intervention to maintain peace.
The involvement of the United States and the United Kingdom, both of which have interests in Guyana, was noted as critical to diplomatic endeavors aimed at de-escalating tensions. Gonsalves warned against the risk of military conflict, underlining the need for swift action to avert potential crises.
The Prime Minister affirmed his dedication to the peace process facilitated by the Argyle Declaration, stressing the importance of maintaining stability between the disputing nations. He acknowledged that while the declaration aims to uphold peace amid continued tensions, the regional diplomatic efforts must persist to prevent any future conflicts.
Gonsalves reiterated that the Argyle Declaration is a vital tool for upholding peace and asserted, “This is no joke. Peace must always come first, especially in matters of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He emphasized the crucial role of the international community, including CARICOM, the United States, and the United Kingdom, in fostering regional stability.
The statements made by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves highlight the complexities surrounding the maritime dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, especially regarding the recent Venezuelan incursions into Guyanese waters. The Argyle Declaration serves as a pivotal mechanism aimed at maintaining peace amidst escalating tensions. Gonsalves remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that peaceful resolutions must precede any considerations of sovereignty and security in the region.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
