Not a square inch would be ceded, now or ever – Pres. Ali

Ahead of the “fictitious” elections Venezuela has claimed it will hold for a Governor for Guyana’s Essequibo territory, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasised that “not a square inch would be ceded, now or ever”.

The Guyanese Leader was at the time speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

President Ali explained that Guyana’s actions amid the border controversy are guided by three main pillars: diplomacy, support from the international community, and building capacity of its defence system.

He emphasised that diplomacy continues to be an important aspect, noting that Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela Dr. Richard Van West-Charles has clear instructions.

“Our instructions to the Ambassador and the Embassy there is to ensure that Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and our position is well-known to all stakeholders,” President Ali explained.

Meanwhile, asked to comment on recent statements from US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot, President Ali reiterated that the US continues to be a very important partner to Guyana.

Ambassador Theriot said yesterday that the US is prepared to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in its efforts to combat the growing threat posed by foreign gangs along the Cuyuni River, a key stretch of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

President Ali explained that crimefighting is not just “guns and firing” but a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

“It’s gathering intelligence, it’s understanding what’s happening,” he explained.

“We have a holistic approach to this matter as well as other matters,” he added.