So says Sir Paul Reeves, the Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy to Guyana.

Sir Paul issued a press statement on the dialogue at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel yesterday, on the eve of his departure after a two-day visit here.

Says the statement:
“I welcome the Communique signed on May 6, 2003 between President Jagdeo and Mr. Robert Corbin, Leader of the Opposition, and the importance it places on an effective Parliament.

“Parliamentary Committees and Commissions are being established, the PNC/R has returned to take its place and the leaders have pledged to continue their constructive engagement.

“This is a very significant development.

“I offer my congratulations to President Jagdeo and Mr. Corbin for what has been achieved so far. They have shown considerable leadership and I urge them to continue to do so as they confront difficult and challenging issues.

“The Communique marks the beginning of a process as further decisions are made to the work of the Committees and the Commissions. The capacity of Parliament to handle these responsibilities is very important and the monitoring of the implementation phase is crucial.

“I am pleased that the international community, including the Commonwealth, is ready to assist in whatever way is thought appropriate.

“I leave Guyana with a renewed sense of hope. Much remains to be done but I sense there is a real desire - not only by the political parties but also by the people of Guyana - to move forward and consolidate the gains that have been made possible through political dialogue.”