Venezuela making moves on Bird Rock
Stabroek News
April 27, 2004
Caricom foreign ministers are concerned about recent moves by Venezuela to set up a naval base at Bird Rock.
The Venezuelan government has authorised funds for the creation of a scientific naval base, which is believed to be in an effort to bolster its claims to sovereignty over the tiny island.
Bird Rock, a guano-producing islet, is just 70 miles from Dominica but has been claimed by Venezuela.
At the end of the seventh meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Barbados last weekend Caricom Foreign Ministers called for an early discussion between the affected states and Venezuela.
They urged that talks be in accordance with the principles of International Law, while stressing the importance of the UN Law of the Sea Convention as the international code for disputes in the world's seas and oceans.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers also reaffirmed their support for Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity in its border controversy with Venezuela.
Both countries are still committed to resolving the issue under the United Nations Good Officer process.