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Sunday, February 10, 2019

Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris 

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — The Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris says the Montevideo Mechanism adopted in Uruguay earlier this week presents “the only objective mechanism” to address the complex political situation in Venezuela.

Harris, who is also the Prime Minister of St Kitts-Nevis, led a Caricom delegation to Uruguay for talks with Mexico and European officials, said the mechanism is the only initiative available for international actors “who want to see peace in Venezuela.

“We expect that the Montevideo Mechanism will become a landmark document in terms of moving forward. Not only will it survive in the context of what is happening in the Republic of Venezuela, but I believe it provides a platform, if you will, a framework for engagement in other disputes that would impact upon us,” Harris said.

The Montevideo Mechanism is regarded as the initiative in response to the call by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to find a pathway to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and from a position of respect for international law and human rights.

Caricom leaders have called for a non-interventionist policy regarding Venezuela where Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, backed by the United States and several other western countries, has declared himself the interim leader of the South American country.

But Russia, China and Cuba are among countries that are supporting President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn into office last month for a second consecutive term as head of state.

The governments of Mexico and Uruguay had called for the conference with representatives from the main countries and international organisations that hold a neutral position towards Venezuela.