JAMAICA DID NOT VOTE TO SUPPORT SUSPENDING VENEZUELA FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (0AS) - PEARNEL CHARLES JR.
Minister of the State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Pearnel Charles Jr. has sought to clarify a story published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday June 6 titled:“Jamaica supports suspending Venezuela from the Organization of American States (OAS).”
Minister Charles explained that the Observer Story is inaccurate and needs clarification. He affirmed that, “At no point was any resolution tabled to expel any member from the OAS. Jamaica openly called for dialogue and not the immediate suspension of Venezuela.” Jamaica has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Venezuela and has always seen the OAS as one of the key mechanisms through which to facilitate diplomatic dialogue to resolve the situation.
The State Minister asserted that Jamaica voted responsibly for a resolution, whereby a series of diplomatic initiatives are to be undertaken as stipulated in Article 20 of the OAS Democratic Charter, before any consideration of invocation of Article 21. These include the utilization of good offices and continued discussions in the Permanent Council as well as the convocation of a Special General Assembly to determine the status of democratic order in that country.
The State Minister indicated that Jamaica shares concerns about the adherence to democratic principles and notes that international reports have brought attention to the critical humanitarian needs of the people in Venezuela. He advised the Assembly that, “it is our hope that in the spirit of brotherhood, an opportunity will be provided for OAS member states to make a contribution to meet these needs.”
Minister Charles also confirmed Jamaica’s readiness to facilitate renewed dialogue, “to alleviate the serious challenges facing Venezuela at this juncture, we continue to hold the view that any move to suspend Venezuela would at this stage be premature.”