Norton Calls for Strengthened Military Capacity in Guyana Amid Venezuelan Tensions
Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, urges the enhancement of the military in response to Venezuelan aggression, citing recent incursions and claims over Essequibo. He emphasizes the need for better training, advanced technology, and proactive diplomatic strategies to effectively address territorial disputes and deter further acts of aggression from Venezuela.
Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, has called for a significant enhancement of the nation’s military capabilities in response to escalating aggression from Venezuela, which continues to assert territorial claims over parts of Guyana. Over the past five years, Venezuela has constructed a bridge on Ankoko Island, conducted a referendum regarding the Essequibo Region, and enacted laws acknowledging the results of that referendum, all actions regarded as violations of provisional orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Norton highlighted a recent Venezuelan Coast Guard incursion into Guyana’s waters as a clear manifestation of this aggression, alongside ongoing discussions in Venezuela about elections for a Governor of the Essequibo Region. During a recent press conference, he emphasized the imperative for Guyana to augment the capacity of the Guyana Defence Force, advocating for increased weaponry and enhanced training in jungle warfare, thus enabling the military to maintain sovereignty in the face of potential invasion.
He stressed that Venezuela’s actions warrant a robust response, pointing to the correlation between the Venezuelan incursion and assaults on Guyanese military personnel near the border. Norton criticized the government’s approach to Venezuelan migration, suggesting that it may facilitate infiltration and destabilization tactics by the Maduro regime. He urged a comprehensive and strategic response to the issue.
Norton advanced that equipping the Defence Force with advanced technology to monitor airspace and coastal waters is essential for Guyana’s defense. He asserted that the country possesses adequate financial resources to strengthen its military capabilities significantly. After a recent meeting with President Irfaan Ali following the Venezuelan incursion, Norton expressed frustration regarding the lack of progress on previous recommendations made by the Opposition aimed at increasing regional awareness of the Guyana-Venezuela Territorial Controversy.
These recommendations involve diplomatic efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean, strategic advertisements, and the mobilization of support from African countries, all aimed at building deterrence against Venezuela. Norton articulated the belief that while a favorable ruling from the ICJ is crucial, proactive measures must be in place to deter Venezuelan aggression and garner international support when required. Additionally, he voiced disappointment over the postponement of a promised public relations campaign to educate Guyanese citizens on this significant matter.
In conclusion, Aubrey Norton advocates for a substantial upgrade of Guyana’s military amid heightened tensions with Venezuela. He calls for enhanced military capacity, comprehensive strategies to counteract infiltration risks, and increased diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional and international support. Despite past governmental commitments, Norton expresses disappointment at the slow progress on critical recommendations to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity against external aggression.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
