§ Lord Northfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have kept informed the US Government and the member states of the European Community of developments in the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela; and whether they have alerted these friendly nations to the dangers to peace which remain while Venezuela continues to impede development in and to make incursions into the territory west of the Essequibo, despite Venezuelan statements about a peaceful settlement to the border dispute.
§ Lord BelsteadWe remain in touch with the United States, the European Community and with Commonwealth countries, all of whom are also following developments in the dispute with close attention. Meanwhile, we welcome Venezuelan statements that they continue to work for a peaceful settlement through the Geneva Agreement.
§ Lord Northfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
What diplomatic assistance they are giving to Guyana to achieve a speedy settlement, under the terms of the Geneva Agreement, of the border dispute with Venezuela; and what progress has been made in recent weeks.
§ Lord BelsteadWe are not a party to the dispute itself but as a party to the Geneva Agreement we have made clear to Venezuela and Guyana the importance we attach to the achievement of a peaceful settlement through the agreement's procedures. We understand that contacts continue to take place directly between Venezuela and Guyana.