PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo remains committed to the dialogue process he started last year with Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte.

In his New Year's address to the nation, he said the past year had brought the country mixed fortunes.

"Some things were good, some bad. But on the whole, our country and our people lived in peace and harmony. We continue to be a nation standing on solid ground", he said.

"We are hopeful that our fortunes will be better tomorrow. We intend to work hard on the tasks ahead in nation building, including the way we live and work together", Mr. Jagdeo promised.

He recalled that at the commencement of his tenure of office, he articulated this approach to moving the country forward.

"I recognised that there would be difficulties and differences. But these can only be constructively resolved through dialogue and genuine cooperation.

"Over the past six months, there has been continuous dialogue between the two major political parties.

"This dialogue has been constructive and is supported by the people of Guyana.

"Political leaders have a duty to enhance this process and to display a sense of political maturity in dealing with national issues", he said.

"Surely, there will be hiccups, sometimes fuelled by media sensationalism and speculation. There will be differences. But these are common even in a family."

The President added:

"What I am most proud of is that Guyanese leaders, without the prompting of external parties, are able to sit down and resolve differences and find solutions to Guyanese problems. This is the only way.

"That is why I am committed to this course and will do everything possible to see that it continues.

"As we look around, we see a world caught up in unrest, conflict and violence. Some countries are trying as best as they could to develop cohesive and prosperous societies. Some are even battling to survive.

"In Guyana, we are greatly endowed to create a better place for all of us, now and in the future, in spite of our own periodic episodes of instability.

"To do this, we need the resolve to work in Guyana's best interest. To do this, we need a new Guyanese spirit and commitment.

"Let us therefore in this New Year make a Guyana resolution: To love our country; to love our fellow Guyanese; and to work and live in unity.

"Let us therefore embrace the New Year with greater confidence, and let us all go forward with renewed hope!

"In closing let me thank our public servants and farmers, sugar and mine workers, nurses and teachers, policemen, firemen and soldiers, entrepreneurs and professionals, our womenfolk, and young people and every single Guyanese for your support in 2001.

"And let me wish for all our people, those living here and abroad, a peaceful, and prosperous 2002!

"Long Live Guyana!"