Guyana and Venezuela show political will to resolve fishing dispute

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, May 01, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuelan Foreign Minister (MRE) Roy Chaderton Matos says his country is interested in resolving the recurrent problems of Venezuelan fishermen accused of illegally fishing in Guyanese territorial waters. "In Georgetown there is political will to reach an agreement on the matter." 

The problem is complex since Venezuela continues to claim the Essequibo region, which covers two-thirds of Guyana and of course, corresponding territorial waters. 

Although Chaderton Matos admits that no date has been set to sign an agreement, he says dialog will continue. 

Meeting with Guyana's Foreign Minister, Chaderton Matos has confirmed that they discussed environmental issues, trade, cultural and economic cooperation, agriculture, transport, narcotics control and immigration.  

During the visit, Venezuela's border negotiator, Luis Herrera Montano met his Guyana's counterpart, Ralph Ram Karran.

Answering a question raised in VHeadline.com report yesterday, Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown official, Fernando Rincon says the proposal to open an air route between the two countries will depend on whether it can run at a profit.