In a statement signed by its leader, Mr. Stanley Ming, the Reform wing said it "strongly condemns all acts of violence, intimidation, misleading propaganda and racial discrimination."

It stated that "justice is a fundamental element of a true democracy" and that it "firmly believes that political brinksmanship leading to violence and lawlessness is not in Guyana's best interest".

The Reform group suggested that the leadership of the international diplomatic and donor communities should make specific efforts to reverse what it called "Guyana's rapidly accelerating and deteriorating political, social and racial conflicts leading to constitutional and other crises".

It recommended that the diplomatic and donor communities should jointly meet the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the PNC to "de-escalate the current crisis and to urge both parties to pursue restraint"; to "broker a meeting between the two main political parties so that promises and agreements made in the previous dialogue are honoured and implemented within the next 60 days" and to "convene a conference of civil society and interested groups to discuss mechanisms for constitutional and other changes leading to more inclusive governance."

But while the Reform arm of the PNC sees a critical role for the international diplomatic and donor communities, PNC leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte yesterday criticised the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada for a statement on the situation.

In a statement at a news conference, Hoyte said his party had noted the statement issued by the heads of the United States, United Kingdom and Canadian diplomatic missions in Georgetown.

"This foray into the internal affairs of Guyana is, to say the least, ill-advised, unbalanced and unhelpful", he argued.

He added: "Insofar as it purports to define `democracy' and the basis for the authority and legitimacy of the government, it is woefully incomplete and startlingly ingenuous."

He, however, said, "we wish to reiterate that PNC/R has no agenda to overthrow the government, notwithstanding PPP/C propaganda."

In their joint statement, the three major western diplomatic missions said they shared "the deep concern of others, including CARICOM Heads of State and Government, about the recent events in Guyana, some of which have resulted in tragic loss of life."

"We attach great importance to vigorous democracy in Guyana, based upon democratic values and practices and supported by democratic institutions.

"We endorse the principle that the will of the Guyanese people, expressed through regular, free and fair elections, must be the sole basis of the authority and legitimacy of the government. Furthermore, we believe it is the role of Guyana's government to safeguard the human rights of its citizens, including the right of peaceful assembly, and to implement all of its international obligations and commitments", the statement said.

The U.S., U.K. and Canada said change in Guyana can only be achieved through constitutional means.

"Violence and related activities from any quarter can never advance the genuine interests or prosperity of the Guyanese people. The use of violence as a means to an end is contrary to all democratic principles and civilised behaviour and must cease if Guyana is not to degenerate into a state of lawlessness.

"We therefore call upon all political leaders to disassociate themselves from any acts which may disrupt public order and undermine the rule of law", the joint statement added.

"Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States call upon all Guyanese to work together to secure through democratic means a society free of fear in which all individuals can advance and enjoy the prosperity they deserve", it said.

Hoyte said the "diplomats can hardly claim ignorance of the troubling causes of the unsettled nature of Guyana's political and social life."

CARICOM Heads of Government at the end of their 23rd summit here last week, also strongly condemned the Wednesday attack by a group of protesters on the Office of the President complex.

In a statement, the CARICOM leaders said they "were greatly disturbed by the acts of violence" committed last week Wednesday "by bands of persons who flouted the law with the intent of creating social disorder".

The CARICOM leaders "strongly condemned the attack on the Office of the President and the criminal acts which regrettably led to assaults on innocent persons, loss of life and the destruction of property in the city."

In their statement, the Heads of Government "reiterated their commitment to uphold and respect the traditional democratic values of the Community."

"Among these values is the commitment to respect for the institutions of Government and to the holding of periodic elections for the people to determine the government of their choice", they said.

"In this context, they recalled that CARICOM, along with a number of highly reputable international organisations and other entities had observed the last election held in Guyana and had found that it had been freely and fairly conducted. It was therefore their view that the results should be fully accepted", the statement said.

The Heads reiterated their "condemnation of any attempt to use extra-constitutional and illegal means aimed at removing democratically elected governments from office. Such actions were contrary to several international resolutions, including the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which have been agreed upon by all hemispheric states."

They also reaffirmed the need for all parties "to adhere to the principles of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of controversies through dialogue and negotiation."

The Office of the President (OP) blamed the attack on the complex on the PNC/R.

Hoyte yesterday said it was "regrettable...that the (CARICOM) Heads should have allowed themselves to be gulled by (President Bharrat) Jagdeo into believing that the incident had something to do with elections or a plot to overthrow the government."