Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, asserts that Venezuela’s naval actions against FPSO platforms in Guyana’s EEZ fall under Guyana’s jurisdiction. He highlighted the Argyle Declaration’s role in managing this tension and emphasized the necessity of maintaining diplomatic relations to prevent military escalation. Gonsalves is committed to peace efforts, acknowledging the challenges that may persist, even after the ICJ’s final ruling.
Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasized that Venezuela’s recent incursions into Guyana’s maritime territory, including interactions with Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) platforms, clearly fall under Guyana’s jurisdiction. His remarks were made during an NBC Radio interview, underscoring the disputed area’s significance following an incident where Venezuelan forces interacted with FPSO platforms within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Argyle Declaration, which acts as a peace treaty pending the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolution, was highlighted by Gonsalves as a vital mechanism for maintaining peace. He noted that even after the ICJ’s final ruling, challenges in sustaining tranquility may persist between Guyana and Venezuela. Gonsalves received information from President Irfaan Ali about the Venezuelan naval activity, emphasizing that the FPSOs are critical to Guyana’s advancing oil industry and economy.
In response to the incursion, Gonsalves activated the Argyle Declaration to manage the crisis. He stated the urgency of mitigating conflict, illustrating the strained relations and the need for swift diplomatic action. During the incident’s escalation, he balanced other obligations while making essential communications throughout the night to maintain peace.
Gonsalves pointed out the different perspectives Guyana and Venezuela may have and stressed the importance of dialogue to deter provocation. He also acknowledged the involvement of the United States and the United Kingdom in diplomatic negotiations, given their economic interests in the region.
Raising the specter of potential military conflict, Gonsalves warned, “Anything can happen in a situation like this,” underlining the necessity for timely intervention to prevent escalation into hostilities. He recognized the previous issues since the Argyle Declaration’s inception and stressed the importance of preventing recurrence.
Gonsalves expressed his commitment to his responsibilities under this declaration, recognizing the delicate nature of his role. He remains optimistic that continued diplomacy may help avoid a major crisis, even as tensions could linger post-ICJ ruling. He reaffirmed that the Argyle Declaration serves as an essential tool for conflict prevention, particularly amid questions of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Moreover, Gonsalves stated, “Peace must always come first,” highlighting the critical role of the international community, including organizations like CARICOM, and nations such as the U.S. and U.K., in fostering and upholding peace in the region.
Ralph Gonsalves stresses the importance of the Argyle Declaration and diplomatic efforts in managing tensions between Venezuela and Guyana. His proactive approach aims to prevent conflict and ensure peace in face of recent naval incursions by Venezuela. The prime minister underscores the impact of international involvement in maintaining stability and acknowledges the ongoing challenges in resolving territorial disputes. Gonsalves is committed to his role in preserving peace and dialogue in the region.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
