Border controversy: UK working to get ‘partners’ to support Guyana and call out Venezuela’s ‘unacceptable’ actions

The British Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories David Rutley has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for Guyana’s territorial integrity given threats by Venezuela.

Mr. Rutley, during an interview with reporters on Monday, said the UK is working to get more of its partners to similarly support Guyana and call out Venezuela’s “unacceptable” actions.

“We have been working very closely with other nations, bilateral allies, like-minded countries and also international bodies.

“I’ve been speaking to Brazil, the Commonwealth, other countries on the United Nations Security Council, like Ecuador, and working with other countries, like Colombia, to understand where they are and also to encourage them to speak up and highlight how important it is to respect the territorial integrity but also to highlight how unacceptable and unjustified Venezuela’s actions are,” the British Minister said during an interview conducted at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Georgetown.

Before the interview, Mr. Rutley met President Dr. Irfaan Ali, members of the Guyanese government and private sector players.

The discussions focused on the continuation and expansion of the relationship between the UK and Guyana, especially in areas of sustainable and economic development and security, a release from Guyana’s Office of the President said.

Mr. Rutley told reporters that a “whole range of different issues” were discussed but a key focus was on bolstering diplomatic efforts amid the border controversy. He also said it is important for international partners to press Venezuela to honour commitments made in the Argyle declaration last week.

A joint declaration was issued by Guyana and Venezuela following a meeting of President Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s Nicola Maduro. Significantly, they agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.