ICJ Judgement testimony to what can be achieved as a nation – President Ali
– Victory for Guyana- Min. Todd
His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said the ground-breaking judgement handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this morning, is testament to what can be achieved if Guyanese work together.
The ICJ upheld that it has jurisdiction to entertain Guyana’s contention concerning the validity of the 1899 Award about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary.
President Ali was joined by Ministers of Government, heads of the disciplined forces and senior Foreign Affairs officials, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, to listen to judgement which was read by ICJ’s President Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, from the chambers of the Peace Palace in The Hague.
“It is a great moment indeed for Guyana, whose governments and people have been united in looking to international justice to uphold the territorial integrity. It is testimony too to what we can achieve as a nation,” President Ali said, moments after the judgement.
He said the court’s decision demonstrates that international law can be brought to bear to ensure Guyana’s patrimony is preserved.
As a result of today’s ruling, the President said the court will hear the merits of the case and will decide on Guyana’s claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is indeed valid and binding on both countries.
“It is to that phase of the case that we now bend our will in unity as a nation and with conviction in the rightness of our cause. Now that court has ruled decisively in favor of its jurisdiction to rule on the merits, that our neighbors would consider participating in the proceedings.”
He continued “Our greatest strength is when we are united. This case is just an example of that unity,” he proclaimed.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Hugh Todd said the ruling is a victory for Guyana, noting that the Government had taken an inclusive approach to the issue.
“This has been a longstanding issue that we have been dealing with for decades that has no political confinement. It is an issue that requires the involvement of each and every citizen regardless of colour, race, class or political affiliation.”
Minister Todd said while Guyana respects Venezuela and its people, it also has to protect its own sovereignty and self interest in international systems.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Hon Gail Teixeira expressed that the ruling signals end to one major issue.
“We have crossed a major hurdle today and I think we can all feel that this can hopefully signal to our Venezuelan neighbors that the International Court and International Law will rule on this case. There are still roads to go and ultimately, we will win in the end. I believe the Court will rule in our favour,” she stated.
Advisor on Borders Mr. Carl Greenidge, who also serves as Agent in the matter, said the favourable decision by the Court is what Guyana has been looking for.
“We are pleased to see this case brought to a forum, accepted by a forum which ensured the definitive resolution of a controversy which has bedeviled our country and our neighbour since 1962. The issue has been characterised by endless interminable repetition of processes and arguments. And in the background Guyana lost territory, investments and the opportunity to improve the well-being if its people.”
Following the Judgement, President Ali spoke with Agent, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and expressed congratulations on the victory. Guyana first presented its case to the ICJ on June 30 this year, arguing that the international court has jurisdiction to hear the matter arising from Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 establishing the boundary with Guyana, is null and void.