Dear Editor,
The recent vote at the UN Security Council which saw the defeat of a US arms embargo against Iran could result in increased potential for war between the two Nations. This coupled with the recent US seizure of four tankers with Iranian Oil headed to Venezuela are major developments in world affairs that could significantly impact our peaceful region of the world. Not prolonging the arms embargo against Iran during these tense times will allow Iran to strengthen its military in preparation for a potential armed conflict with the US.
Our Nation’s position should be such that we avoid getting into any conflict with our strong Allies, many of which also abstained during the security council vote. Instead, we should be supportive of their position on Iran and Venezuela especially given our New Government’s strong opposition to dictatorial rule. This position should be reflected in our trade and voting position at the United Nations if further escalation occurs. The recent support given by Guyana to the US in support of restoring democracy in Venezuela is a great gesture, but at what cost? Such support should be given to the US with an agreement and the understanding that Essequibo will remain within Guyana’s borders and the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice’s or ICJ’s ruling will be recognized and supported. Currently both the US and Venezuela do not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction and the US recognizes a President of Venezuela whose position on Essequibo is not in our best interest.
As Sun Tzu says in the Art of War “water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows…just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.” We must as a Nation be like water. It is time for Guyana and the Guyanese people to be ready to easily adapt to the global environment as it evolves and the situation changes in our Region. Maintaining Essequibo within our borders continues to be our main objective.
Best regards,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
