Speaker notes at parliamentarian meeting...
Pres. Chavez one of region's best known leaders
Mark Ramotar
Guyana Chronicle
February 20, 2004
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, yesterday described Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as "one of the best known leaders in our region" as well as in the wider world because of the dedicated commitment with which he continually advance policies designed to secure economic and social justice for developing countries.
"We share with your Excellency and the people of Venezuela your belief in and advocacy of the right to economic self determination which is vital to the eradication of poverty and the establishment of equal opportunities for all our citizens," Ramkarran said last night during a forum held at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown where President Chavez, in his own charismatic style, delivered a lengthy, thought-provoking address to a large, high-level gathering comprising Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders in Guyana.
Ramkarran noted that ever since the establishment of diplomatic
relations , the Governments and peoples of Guyana and Venezuela have sought to forge a relationship between our countries based on a desire to live as good neighbours.
"While, the controversy that exists sometimes serves to distract us from this endeavour, the aspirations of our peoples have nevertheless served to focus our attention also on the means to solve development problems which are common to both countries," he stated.
The Speaker of the National Assembly in Guyana also told President Chavez that his visit is testimony to the fact that "we are committed to live together, in cooperation, peace and understanding".
According to him, this commitment as neighbours is premised on a mutual desire to preserve the freedom, which we inherited from the "courageous efforts of our fore-parents".
"Although there are differences between our two countries, we must, as neighbours, continue to live in peace with each other and to cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and understanding," Ramkarran contended.
The Speaker also noted that both Guyana and Venezuela are faced with many similar problems and therefore have an interest in closer cooperation. As such, he said the proposals, which Guyana and Venezuela have advanced for a reform of the development agenda, demonstrate a common concern for the welfare of mankind.