President Ali thanks regional, international partners for support in detained fishermen matter

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, today, expressed gratitude to Guyana’s regional and international partners for joining in calls for the release of the 12 Guyanese fishermen who were detained in Venezuela.

The fishermen along with their vessels, Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf, were held by Venezuelan authorities for almost two weeks after they were intercepted on January 21, off the coast at Waini Point in Guyana’s waters.

Following the detention, Guyana received support from several countries including Belize, Brazil, Canada, France, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.  Groups from the regional and international community, such as Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Asia-Pacific States and the European Union, also conveyed their support for Guyana.

Dr. Ali said he is sure those statements made an impact.

“I thank our international partners, CARICOM Heads of Government and all other international partners, for adding their voices in a very strong manner on this very important issue,” the President told journalists on the sidelines of an event in Region Three today.

With the release of the Guyanese, the President said his Government is now willing to hold discussions with Venezuela on issues unrelated to the border matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“We have other issues like COVID 19 and, as good neighbours, we are willing to discuss those issues. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister did talk to our Foreign Minister and we reiterated that once there is a need to speak on any issue, the ICJ issue is separate on accord, that is not up for discussion. We have already made our position clear on that.”

The President also referred to his Saturday, January 30 address to the nation where he called on Venezuela to act responsibly and not “continue along this line, interfering with anyone conducting business in our waters.

“We have made it clear that this is our right. Our EEZ is our right and we will continue to facilitate the economic activity in our region.”

Meanwhile, President Ali said he was informed today, that following the intervention of Venezuela’s President, Mr. Nicolas Maduro, the case against the fishermen would be discontinued.

“We were informed that the vessels would have left and we are expecting the safe return of the vessel and the crew,” he said.

In his statement Saturday, Dr. Ali said Guyana had the full support of the international community and would continue to look for a peaceful solution to Venezuela’s aggression.

He said his Government will follow the legal process in addressing the border issue via the ICJ route.