Caribbean News Now!

By Ray Chickrie
Caribbean News Now contributor

NEW YORK, USA -- Guyana, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people since 1975, on Thursday became the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to establish diplomatic relationships with the State of Palestine at the ambassadorial level, which took place at the UN in New York.

Palestinian Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Riyadh Mansour, and the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, George Talbot, signed a communiqué establishing diplomatic ties between their two countries in which they agreed to adhere and commitment to the UN Charter and International law; promotion of peace and security and respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in their internal affairs, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

Guyana historically has backed and lobbied for Palestinian statehood and has been home to three Arab embassies -- Libya, Iraq and Egypt.

A few weeks ago in Egypt, while attending an Organisation of Islamic (OIC) heads of government summit, Guyana’s foreign minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, said, “As the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state based on its 1967 borders, and as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people, Guyana will continue to demonstrate support for peace that is sustained at all levels and will continue to work with the international community in all efforts that will galvanise a peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

She added, “The government of Guyana, as it has resolutely done over the years, will continue to reiterate its unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their just struggle for their inalienable rights, including the right of a homeland of their own.”

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Ian Francis, Toronto, Ontario:

Someone has made a glaring mistake. Under Forbes Burnham, the PLO was diplomatically recognized and the Government of the Guyana enjoyed warm and fraternal relations with the PLO.

I am at a lost regarding this current communique.

1. Has Guyana upgraded its diplomatic contact/status with PLO?

2. Did not Guyana recognize the PLO under Burnham?

Can someone from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarify this situation?

4. I am confused