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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 26, 2019 (SKNIS): Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), lauded Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, Chairman of CARICOM, for his leadership in promoting peaceful dialogue on the current political impasse in Venezuela.

Secretary-General LaRocque made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the 30^th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

“The leadership role has been passed seamlessly to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, who has taken in stride a hectic and challenging schedule that has been thrust upon him due primarily to events in our wider region over the past two months,” said Ambassador LaRocque. “Principal among those has been the efforts to secure a peaceful resolution of the crisis that has engulfed over neighbouring country, Venezuela.”

Ambassador LaRocque said that the Heads of Government have engaged in two emergency meetings in early 2019 “to find a way forward” to bring about a resolution.

“We are acutely aware of the consequences of any alternative solution and with our likeminded partners, have stressed the need for an internal and meaningful dialogue without which the situation could become disastrous. “The Community maintains that a solution must come from among the Venezuelan people and abides by the internationally recognized and accepted principles: non-interference; non-intervention in the affairs of the state; respect for sovereignty; adherence to the rule of law; and respect for human rights and democracy.

His Excellency LaRocque noted that the principle of non-interference “also applies as CARICOM countries confront a persistent threat to our efforts at development” in the region.

The conference ends on Wednesday, February 26, 2019.