Guyana (Hansard, 20 January 2003)

§ Mr. Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on levels of criminal and political instability in Guyana; and what recent discussions he has had with the government of that country. [91312]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, is concerned at the political impasse in Guyana, and the rising levels of crime resulting from the deadlock. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regularly engages with Guyanese politicians to discuss the political situation there, and register concerns on the escalation in crime.
My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, last met President Jagdeo and the leader of the opposition, the late Desmond Hoyte, in April 2002 to discuss the political situation. My noble Friend, Baroness Amos met President Jagdeo four times in the last year in April, May and September and most recently during her visit to Guyana in November 2002. We keep in close contact with Guyanese politicians through our High Commissioner in Georgetown. The FCO is following closely the Commonwealth Secretary General's efforts to mediate between the two parties. The FCO and Department for International Development (DFID) have provided help to assist the Commonwealth Secretary General's efforts to facilitate a resumption of talks between the two parties.

§ Mr. Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government has had with the government of Guyana on holding their local government elections. [91319]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, has had no direct discussions with the Government of Guyana on holding their local government elections. The local elections in Guyana have been deferred for one year due to the political impasse. The deadlock is a continuing cause for concern. An escalation in crime and violence has further heightened the need for constructive political dialogue to take place.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regularly engages with Guyanese politicians about the political situation in Guyana. We keep in close contact with Guyanese politicians through our High Commissioner in Georgetown.