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HEAD OF DELEGATION AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, AMBASSADOR SIR RONALD SANDERS
STATEMENT FROM ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA DURING THE TWENTY-NINTH MEETING OF CONSULTATION OF THE MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

May 31, 2017 - Washington DC


Mr. Chairman, Antigua and Barbuda did not agree with the convocation of this meeting, because we are committed to the principle of non-intervention as set out in the Charter of the OAS. Nonetheless, we accept and respect the will of the majority that wanted this meeting. That is why we are here.

That is also why my government on 23rd May proposed a draft declaration for consideration by this Meeting of Consultation. The Antigua and Barbuda proposed draft declaration preceded the other two draft declarations that are now before this meeting. Antigua and Barbuda is participating in this meeting not to interfere in the affairs of a member-state but to seek ways in which, collectively, our countries might be able to provide any assistance, that may be requested by the government of Venezuela and other parties, to help resolve the political impasse in that country that has exacerbated its economic circumstances to the detriment of its people.

We are convinced that the most effective solution to the challenges in Venezuela can only be sustainable if it is a Venezuelan situation.

We believe that these sentiments are well expressed in the draft declaration proposed by all CARICOM Countries which calls for absolute respect for the Rule of Law, Human Rights, and Constitutionality.

In this connection, Antigua and Barbuda, withdraws its draft declaration and expresses its full support for the draft declaration provided by all CARICOM Countries.

We now have two declarations before us. Flexibility will be required on all sides to agree an outcome that benefits Venezuela and enhances this organization.

We recognize that consensus at this meeting is dependent on a spirit of compromise and of taking into account the views of each of our member states with respect.

We hope that this spirit will guide member-states as we keep uppermost in our minds our collective desire to help Venezuela to overcome the challenges that confront it.