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Written question asked by Lord Stevens of Birmingham (Crossbench) on Thursday, 7 December 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 December 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Guyana: Venezuela

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what (1) diplomatic, (2) defence, and (3) other support, they will provide to the government of Guyana, following Venezuela's referendum proposing the illegal annexation of Guyana's Essequibo region.

Answer

We are concerned by the recent steps taken by Venezuela. We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. The Foreign Secretary has reassured President Ali of this. We continue to work with regional partners and international bodies to de-escalate tensions.

Minister Rutley visited Guyana on 18 December. He met with President Ali, Foreign Secretary Todd, National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia, Defence Force Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett to show UK support for Guyana's territorial integrity.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1004
Session
2023-24
Subjects
International assistance Referendums Sovereignty Venezuela Guyana
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk