In a statement, the PPP said that Wednesday was "another day of infamy for our nation, brought about by a party that has historically visited violence on our country and its people."

Protesters in an illegal procession last Wednesday stormed the Office of the President complex, where two were shot dead, and this was followed by a flare-up of violence in the city, marked by arson, robberies, and assaults on citizens.

"This mobilisation was led by leading members of the (PNC/R). In public meetings held in North Ruimveldt, Wortmanville, Bagotstown, and Mocha, and several East Coast of Demerara villages, the party openly galvanised its supporters for protests. On the day of the protest itself, PNC/R leaders Robert Corbin, Vincent Alexander and McAllister all featured prominently in the procession", the PPP stated.

The main partner in the governing PPP/Civic (PPP/C) alliance said that at a PNC/R organised public meeting on June 13, 2002 at the 1763 Monument Square in Georgetown, "the plot hatched by the PNC/R was clearly outlined by Phillip Bynoe who said: `We will bring this government to their knees. Do not believe we will have dialogue with them. Do you know why we ask you to come in your numbers on this street here tonight and march? We want to begin a process. Participate in a process that will cause the rebanishment of these corrupt people. Don't let anybody come and tell you to cooperate with the beast and talk with them. They will tremble in their boots when 5,000 people surround the Office of the President and the same 5,000 people surround parliament and all government offices and Bharrat Jagdeo house.'"

The PPP said that PNC/R leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, speaking at the same meeting on June 13, 2002 in response said: "Phillip has spoken to you very clearly about OUR intentions."

It said that Corbin, PNC/R Chairman at the same meeting indicated to their supporters: "This government only respond to pressure and action and yet we understand that there is no point in speaking to them politely".

"That the PNC/R did not succeed with its violent scheme of threatening the life of the President and attacking the seat of Government indicates the quick response of our security forces. This was followed by widespread condemnation of the entire Guyanese community, including civil society, politicians and even several PNC/R officials. Also, the international community, among them CARICOM heads and the Governments of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have all roundly condemned the Wednesday, July 3 organised tragedy", the statement said.

The PPP urged the PNC/R to be "honest, admit to its mistakes and face the consequences of its brutal and cowardly actions." "The PNC/R must bow in penance before the people; renounce violence and race-hate as weapons of negotiation and agitation and beg the forgiveness of Guyanese", it suggested.

The PPP said that as a responsible party, it "stands ready to play its part in ensuring peace and stability in the country, built on respect for the rule of law. We will not shirk from this duty. However, let no one believe in their morbid hallucinations that we will succumb to brute force and ignorance."