Jagdeo urges UN members to support peaceful settlement of disputes Cites `persistent and recent' threats to Guyana's sovereignty By Desiree Jodah Stabroek News July 1, 2000 Citing "persistent and recent external" threats to Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday expressed the hope that UN member states will voice strong support for the peaceful settlement of disputes. President Jagdeo was speaking at a function held in observance of the 133rd anniversary of Canada Day at the Canadian High Commission, Young Street yesterday. According to the head of state, as members of the UN, both Guyana and Canada have sought to adhere firmly to the principles which govern the conduct of relations between and among nation states and to support international peace and security. He said in the face of persistent and recent external threats to this nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, he hoped the international community would voice its strong support for the need of members of the UN, to uphold these principles which are enshrined in the UN Charter. He did not refer to any specific event but tension has risen sharply with Suriname over the latter's use of military force to evict an oil rig - hired by a Canadian company - from a concession legally conferred by Guyana. There have also been incursions into Guyana's airspace by Surinamese aircraft and sabre rattling by Paramaribo. Jagdeo said his government had committed itself to the schedule outlined in the Herdmanston Accord for elections. In acknowledging the assistance given by the donor community to facilitate the electoral process, he praised Canada's continued support to Guyana. The President said he was pleased to see all members of the Elections Commission present at the Memorandum of Understanding's (MOU) signing ceremony. "A bipartisan act such as this will undoubtedly build confidence in the electoral system and the future of our country," said President Jagdeo. However, he said, if the timetable as envisaged by the CARICOM-brokered Herdmanston Accord was to be met, parliamentary support for the MOU would have to be urgently obtained so as to accelerate the preparatory process in accordance with internationally accepted standards, while working simultaneously to conclude discussions on constitutional reform. Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Jacques Crete, said Canada's immediate priority for the moment would be the further consolidation of Guyana's democratic practices. He said he was gratified on June 19, to sign, on behalf of his government, the MOU which would guide Canada's cooperation with the government and the Elections Commission. Crete said Canada was willing to play its part in the context of a mutually agreed framework. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today