Moses on Rio Treaty call: Attempts to undermine TT foreign policy

Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses. -
Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses. -

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Dennis Moses has said there have been attempts to undermine this country's foreign policy.

He was responding to an urgent question in the Senate on Tuesday from Opposition Senator Saddam Hosein.

He asked whether Government intended to withdraw from the Rio Treaty following a (reported) statement from the US State Department that if TT does not wish to abide by it, then the country should consider withdrawing. The question was based on a media report published on Tuesday.

Moses pointed out last week the question of TT withdrawing from the Rio Treaty had been put to the Prime Minister during a media conference.

"The Prime Minister responded pointedly and in clear and articulate terms."

Dr Rowley said the country was taking no such action.

Moses said the Government continued to persevere "notwithstanding local efforts to counteract the foreign policy of TT."

He continued: "The Government is insistent and resolute in safeguarding the welfare of our population. Attempts to foist any other policy upon us are tantamount to undermining the foreign policy of TT and imperilling the welfare of citizens and the protection of the national interest of TT."

He said contrary to logic, the stated Caricom position and the UN charter, some in TT have decided to recognise the leader of the Venezuelan national assembly (Juan Guaido) as the country's president.

"Attempts to thwart the attainment of the foreign policy objectives and goals of TT to the detriment of citizens and residents must be resisted. The Government continues to act as a bulwark against success in any such attempts. In this the population can find some measure of comfort."

Hosein said Moses did not answer the question, and then asked if Government intended to abide by the articles of the treaty and decisions taken by the Organisation of American States.

Moses replied: "It was somewhat muffled but totally in harmony with the first part of the question that I resisted to respond to. I would not be a party to ignorance."

Hosein then described the response as "nonsensical."

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"Moses on Rio Treaty call: Attempts to undermine TT foreign policy"

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