Border disputes hot topics at public hearing
GUYANA border and territorial issues with Venezuela and Suriname were the main issues discussed Friday evening at the public hearing involving the Heads of Mission at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), New Garden Street. Members of the public demonstrated their anger in no uncertain way at the manner in which the two neighbouring countries are claiming parts of Guyana as their own. They suggested educational materials be available to the public so that persons can become knowledgeable about facts pertaining to Guyana's borders. Responding to the remarks made by members of the public, Guyana's Ambassador to Suriname, Mr Karshan Arjun said he is optimistic that the "strained relationship" with the two countries will be resolved very quickly. "Every effort is being made to resolve our problems peacefully," he assured. According to him, there has been some sign of hope with the election of the new government in Suriname, headed by President Ronald Venetian, with whom he met with recently. The Surinamese leader also indicated his desire to resolve the problem speedily, Ambassador Arjun said. "Guyanese in Suriname are very concerned about the situation and have joined us in seeking a peaceful solution," he said. He urged all Guyanese to work together with the Government to defend "our territorial rights, integrity and sovereignty". Ambassador Arjun said that when the news of the CGX Oil Rig dispute, was publicised, the Surinamese government, the media and certain Government officials, and parties campaigning for elections were sensitising the public with all types of anti-Guyana slogans. The Ambassador said despite the many meetings with Guyana and Suriname at the Ministerial as well as the Presidential levels, Suriname did not bargain, discuss or try to resolve the problem which led to the present state. "After five meetings there was no agreement," he reiterated. Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela, Mr Bayney Karran, pointed out that it has been made quite clear to the Venezuelans that Guyana is not prepared to compromise its territorial integrity and sovereignty. "We make it very clearly understood (and) Venezuela understands very clearly that we are not prepared to compromise our territorial integrity, and that we are not even contemplating compromising on our territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said. "We are not Guyana's shield in Caracas, but we are a critical link in the chain of all the elements linking the agencies that are involved in preserving Guyana's territorial integrity and sovereignty," he declared. Ambassador Karran indicated that Venezuela in a plan to keep its claim alive, has a pattern of protesting the presence of any concessions granted in the Essequibo area involving foreign elements. He noted that what is compounding the problem with Guyana and Venezuela is that the latter and Trinidad signed a maritime agreement sometime ago. This agreement affects Guyana's maritime concession. (STACEY DAVIDSON)  Follow the goings-on in Guyana
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