Venezuela proposes gas pipeline through Guyana and Suriname
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| Published on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 |
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By Kevin Lindon
Caribbean Net News Guyana Correspondent
Email: kevin@caribbeannetnews.com
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dario Morandy, has announced that Venezuela is proposing the construction of a gas pipeline to run though Guyana to Suriname as a contribution towards ending existing differences and to guarantee the supply of gas to the two countries.
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| Guyana's Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds. GINA Photo |
Morandy made the announcement on Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was performing the duties of president, along with several leading local politicians and Venezuelan diplomats, during the 197th anniversary celebrations of his country’s independence.
According to Morandy, the installation of the pipeline is part of the discussions on issues of bilateral cooperation, and it is expected that in the medium term the project would become a reality and, with it, stronger ties of integration and economic sovereignty between Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname.
He also recommitted to the long awaited $400 million centre for the homeless, which has been in train for some time now.
Morandy added that his country was still working towards the integration of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean and to renew bilateral relations with Guyana.
This has made possible the identification of areas of common interest to both countries, such as energy, social, and cultural programmes and communications.
He alluded to the gesture in May of this year, when President Chavez cancelled Guyana’s debt of US$12.5 million to Venezuela, accruing since 1974.
“We hope that this decision will grant the Guyana government greater freedom in its financial relations with the multilateral organizations,” he said.
Hinds told reporters, following the announcement of the gas pipeline, that the proposal was a welcome one, but a feasibility study would have to be conducted.
He noted that the pipeline, when constructed, would mean that Guyana will have a cheaper source of gas.
Hinds added that Guyana in recent times has been fostering its ties with other South American nations, alluding to the just formed union of South American nations (UNASUR).
“The Association of Caribbean States and now the Union of South American Nations provide both Guyana and Venezuela with the opportunity to work collectively with other Caribbean and Latin American countries in pursuit of this objective,” Hinds said.
According to the prime minister, Guyana is now benefiting from the PetroCaribe Agreement and attaches great importance to the initiatives both within the Caribbean and the wider hemisphere, to achieve energy security. | | | | Reads : 275 |
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