VENEZUELA POSES NO THREAT TO GUYANA

Sep 21, 2008 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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It is not in Guyana’s national interest to become embroiled in the differences between the George Bush administration and the Hugo Chavez government of Venezuela. Guyana would be best advised not to become involved in any of the spats that are likely between now and the future to develop between these two countries.

There are of course many persons, including one columnist of this paper, who would wish to see any manoeuvre within Venezuela as a possible threat to this country. There are others who would like to use Guyana to perpetuate their interests in opposing Chavez.

Equally there are those with illusions of paranoia who view every proposal by Venezuela as a threat to Guyana and every military exercise as a dress rehearsal for that country asserting its claim to our territory.

Thus the alleged flyover of Russian aircraft destined for exercises in Venezuela is likely to be projected as a dangerous signal that our western neighbour is becoming belligerent. We should not fall into the trap of adopting a confrontational stance against Venezuela.

Guyana does not have the military resources to defend itself against any attack from that country. Our defence resides solely in a resort to international law and diplomacy.

So there is no need for Guyana to get worked up about any military exercises that is taking place in that country, save and except that those exercises constitute an act of intimidation, provocation or aggression against Guyana.

Military exercises are a way in which countries send diplomatic signals to others that they are prepared for defending their territory.

Just a short while ago, the Brazilians, suspicious of a proposed deployment of US naval fleet within its exclusive economic zone in which are believed to lie large deposits of oil reserves, launched a military exercise to signal its readiness to ensure that its resources are not invaded.

Similarly, Venezuela feels that the United States is about to invade and therefore it is engaging in military exercises while forming a strategic alliance with the Russians to act as a further deterrent to any American invasion, which is possible, considering the failure of the surge in Iraq and the need for the Americans to create a diversion in the face of its huge economic problems just two months away from a presidential elections.

By arranging for military exercises, by timing the purchasing of military hardware from the Russians, the Venezuelans are signaling to the Americans that they are more than prepared to deal with any act of aggression.

The Guyanese public can, however, expect in the days ahead to read all manner of analyses about the need for Guyana to take heed of what is taking place because it could be the pretext for that country invading Guyana.

I have said it before many times, there is no threat of Venezuela invading Guyana under Hugo Chavez. The Venezuelan leader would destroy his international credibility and the Bolivarian Revolution to which he is firmly committed by engaging in any such act of aggression against Guyana.

Guyana has nothing to fear from our western neighbour. That territorial dispute was a product of the Cold War used by Washington and Britain to ensure that Guyana did not become a communist state under Cheddi Jagan.

It was also used by Burnham to further militarize the country and divert from the deteriorating economic and social conditions of the time.

True, Venezuela has never renounced its claim to sections of Guyana’s territory. But neither has Chavez acted on this claim. No leader who renounces the claim is likely to survive in Venezuela. This is how passionate people feel about land.

However, all the indications are that our western neighbour is committed to healthy relations with Guyana and the territorial dispute has not posed, and is not likely to pose, any impediment to the improvement of those relations.

There is a proposal for that country to build a pipeline to Guyana. We should not be afraid to consider this proposal even though we should consider the reaction of the Americans who are likely to be vigorously opposed to Guyana proceeding with that proposal.

We must, however, act in our national interest and this means weighing the benefits that such a pipeline would provide in terms of royalties against the likely impact of the disguised sanctions which the Americans are bound to impose should the project be realized.

At all times we must act in accordance with principles, and in our national interest. However, no matter what is the price to be paid, Guyana should not prostitute itself and sell its pride and dignity simply to avoid incurring the wrath of the most powerful nation on the planet.

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