The Fourth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) was held in Georgetown, Guyana on 21-22 May, 2001. The Ministers attending were: the Hon. Hilroy Humphreys, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Antigua and Barbuda; the Hon. Billie Miller, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados; the Hon. John Briceño, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, the Environment and Industry, Belize; the Hon. Osborne Riviere, Minister of Trade, Industry and Marketing, Dominica; the Hon. Elvin Nimrod, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Affairs, Grenada; Hon. S. Rudolph Insanally, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Co-operative Republic of Guyana; Dr. the Hon. Paul D. Robertson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jamaica; the Hon. Sam Condor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and CARICOM Affairs, Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs, St. Kitts and Nevis; the Hon. Conrad Sayers, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and the Hon. Mervyn Assam, Minister of Enterprise Development, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Trinidad and Tobago.
Also representing their respective countries were: Ms. A. Missouri Sherman-Peter, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Bahamas; Mr. Earl Huntley, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Saint Lucia; and H.E. Mr. Henry Illes, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Suriname.
Haiti was represented by Mr. Nixon Jacques Myrthil, Director of Economic Affairs and Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony was chaired by the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Edwin Carrington. In his remarks, the Secretary-General emphasised the theme “A review and revision of the Community's foreign policy strategy,” which he said should be central to the deliberations of the Meeting. In that context, he raised a number of questions which he said would need to be addressed in the revision of that strategy, including the perception of the Community by the Region; the history of the Region's relations with Third Countries; the manner in which the Community conducts its business and the utilisation of new technologies in support of the foreign policy strategy of the Region. He also emphasised the need for Ministers to engage in frank and candid discussions about the foreign policy implications of the integration of CARICOM countries as small states, into the global economy.
The Secretary-General also emphasised that in the process of revising the Region's strategy, those principles such as: good governance, respect for human rights and adherence to democratic values, should continue to guide the Region's strategy. These remain essential norms for participation in the integration movement and a sine qua non for good relations among Member States.
The Ceremony was addressed by the outgoing chairman, Honourable Mervyn Assam, Minister of Enterprise Development, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Trinidad and Tobago. In his remarks, the Minister presented an overview of the critical issues which confronted the Region during his tenure as Chairman of the COFCOR. These included the conclusion of negotiations between the EU and Non-ACP banana exporting countries and the USA on the marketing of bananas in Europe; the ratification of the CARICOM/Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement by the Senate of the Dominican Republic and the conclusion of a similar Agreement, the CARICOM/Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, with the Republic of Cuba. He also alluded to the Informal Meeting between a representative group of CARICOM Foreign Ministers and the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, March 2001; the Second UK/Caribbean Forum held in London in May 2000 and the First CARICOM-Japan Ministerial Level Conference in Tokyo in November 2000.
In his maiden address, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, in his capacity as Chairman of the COFCOR, noted the opportunity of the Meeting to define a clear vision and strategy by which the Region could secure peace, stability and sustainable development for its people. He emphasised the important role of the foreign services of the Region, and in that context called for their adaptation in the pursuit of economic diplomacy in an effort to achieve the necessary development objectives of CARICOM. He reminded the Meeting that CARICOM's ability to influence the outcome of negotiations in trade and economic areas would depend ultimately on its ability to develop and pursue a new and more vibrant diplomacy that would better enable it to achieve its goals.
The Foreign Minister stressed that the Community should seek to strengthen existing relations with traditional developed partners and emphasised the need for the Community to seek to develop new relations with countries in the wider international community. He noted that through association with other developing and like-minded states, the Community's interests could be advanced by maximum representation in international fora such as the Forum on Small States and the Association of Small Island States, and in the larger organisations such as the Commonwealth, the Group of 77, the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.
CARICOM'S FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY
In their deliberations, the Ministers gave priority attention to the development of a revised foreign policy strategy for the Region, for the 21st Century. They did so within the context of the changing global and hemispheric political and economic processes and initiatives shaping the bilateral and multilateral relations between countries and groupings of countries.
Ministers acknowledged that the regional foreign policy strategy would continue to be informed by the national policies of Member States. They further acknowledged the need for wider collaboration at the national level in the revision of that strategy.
RELATIONS WITH THE USA
Ministers expressed satisfaction at the high level of positive interaction that had taken place between CARICOM Governments and the US Administration during its first three months in office. They emphasised in particular the two meetings held with the Secretary of State and with the National Security Advisor, the positive dialogue held with the Secretary of the Treasury in Toronto and with the US Trade Representative in Buenos Aires, and the productive first encounter between Heads of Government and the President of the United States in Quebec City.
They believed that these preliminary exchanges had laid the groundwork for the development of a strengthened strategic partnership with the United States, based on a clear understanding of and sensitive response to the priority interests and concerns of both sides of the partnership, and guided by the shared goal of building a secure, stable and successful Caribbean neighbourhood.
Ministers stressed their keen desire to sustain and strengthen the process of regular dialogue with their US counterpart. They acknowledged the scheduling difficulties that had led to the postponement of the proposed first encounter and welcomed the firm commitment of the US Secretary of State to have the encounter rescheduled at a mutually convenient time in the near future. They determined that the dialogue with the United States Administration should be based on a carefully defined and sharply focussed strategic framework embracing themes of mutual interest which lend themselves to consensus action with positive and beneficial outcomes for all parties.
Ministers took note, with appreciation, of recent positive developments in the relationship exemplified by the US Administration's position on bananas and international tax issues, two matters of vital economic significance to the Caribbean. They noted in addition, the Administration's recent announcement of a Third Border Initiative, and looked forward to an early opportunity to make an input which might inform the final content of the Initiative.
Ministers mandated the Chairman of the COFCOR to communicate to Secretary of State Powell the assurance that CARICOM Foreign Ministers stood ready to renew their engagement with him at the earliest possible opportunity.
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
Ministers noted the successful hosting by Canada of the Third Summit of the Americas. They expressed satisfaction at the cohesive manner in which the Region had prepared for, and participated in the Summit process.
They observed that the Summit had established parameters for future hemispheric cooperation on good governance and the promotion and strengthening of democracy, and that it had adopted a Plan of Action aimed at improving economic prosperity and realizing human potential in the hemisphere. Ministers took note of plans to develop a Connectivity Agenda for the hemisphere within the Summit process.
They welcomed the renewed commitment enshrined in the Declaration of Quebec City and the Plan of Action to ensure that the differences in size and levels of development of the economies of the hemisphere will be taken into account in the Summit process, particularly in the development of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Agreement.
Ministers recognised the need for Member States and the Region, to establish or strengthen national and regional mechanisms to not only identify priorities among the mandates, but also to coordinate their implementation strategies. They noted that Member States had primary responsibility for the implementation of the Summit mandates. Ministers also welcomed the increased role to be played by the International Financial Institutions – the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, as well as other partner agencies, the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in providing the resources for the implementation of the mandates.
ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN STATES
Ministers discussed issues relating to the Third Association of Caribbean of Caribbean States (ACS) Summit, which will be hosted by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on 11-12 December 2001, on Margarita Island, Venezuela. They saw the Summit as an opportunity for ACS Member States to consider the future strategic role of the ACS as a geo-political and geo-economic entity, speaking and acting on behalf of the states of the Greater Caribbean in matters related to its focal areas of trade, transport, sustainable tourism and natural disasters.
Ministers reviewed the role of CARICOM within the ACS, particularly the need for CARICOM Member States to develop a strategy to make full and effective use of that organisation, and to coordinate their participation in the forthcoming Summit.
Ministers reiterated their support for the objectives for greater cooperation among the ACS States.
EU-LAC SUMMIT
Ministers underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership between the Caribbean and the European Union, which had evolved largely within the framework of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group. At the same time, they drew attention to the increasing significance of the new relationship with their Latin American neighbours in the context of the wider hemispheric integration movement. For these reasons there was a compelling need to ensure full and effective participation by the Caribbean in the European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit process as a means of protecting and further developing their economic interests, as well as expanding the scope and range of their cooperation links with both partners.
Ministers agreed that CARICOM would participate actively in the preparatory meetings leading to the Second EU/LAC Summit to be held in Madrid in May 2002, particularly through their Ambassadors in Brussels.
OAS ISSUES
Ministers had a frank discussion on CARICOM's priorities in the OAS, and the need to enhance the ability of the OAS to effectively respond to the changing hemispheric agenda.
They agreed on a strategy to deepen and widen CARICOM participation in the OAS. Central to this decision was a commitment to participate actively in efforts to restructure, strengthen and modernize the OAS Secretariat to enable it to effectively discharge the mandates assigned to the OAS in the Summit of the Americas process. Ministers were however concerned that existing priorities for the Region should not be compromised in the fulfilment of new mandates.
In discussing matters related to the XXXI Session of the General Assembly of the OAS, Ministers emphasised that democracy has always been a fundamental pillar for the development of Caribbean societies, as evidenced by the CARICOM Charter for Civil Society. They therefore welcomed the spirit in which efforts were being undertaken to develop an Inter-American Democratic Charter. They recognised however, that a document of this fundamental importance, which could have constitutional and legislative implications, should benefit from full study in capitals and extensive consultation among all parties. Accordingly, Ministers were firmly of the view that the up-coming OAS General Assembly should first establish a Working Group to complete the negotiations on the Charter, based on the discussions emanating from the Ministerial dialogue.
BORDER ISSUES
Belize-Guatemala
Ministers recalled the Statement on the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala issued by the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at its Twelfth Inter-Sessional Meeting on 16th February 2001 at Bridgetown, Barbados.
They noted that since that Meeting the parties had submitted their respective positions to the Panel of two facilitators appointed by Belize and Guatemala respectively, to make recommendations on ways to solve the dispute in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) who serves as Witness of Honour to the current round of talks.
Ministers noted that the next step in the current negotiation procedure was for the facilitators to propose solutions to the dispute. In this regard, they recalled United Nations General Assembly Resolution 35/20 adopted on 11 November 1980 which called for ensuring the “security and territorial integrity of Belize”, and that this call was endorsed by OAS Resolution AG/RES 501 adopted on 27 November 1980.
Ministers expressed full confidence that the facilitators would take these Resolutions into account in their deliberations.
They reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize.
Guyana-Venezuela
Ministers noted with satisfaction the continuing commitment of the Governments of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela both to the deepening and strengthening of their bilateral relations, including in areas of functional cooperation, and to the continuation of the Good Officer Process under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as the means for the peaceful settlement of the controversy between the two countries.
Ministers however noted with concern Venezuela's continuing attempts to deter foreign investment in the Essequibo.
Ministers were also concerned by reports of Venezuela's intention to execute an exploratory programme for hydrocarbons in an offshore area that comprises part of Guyana's maritime zone and noted that any such action would constitute a violation of Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity and would be in breach of accepted norms of international law.
Ministers welcomed the support of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
Ministers reiterated their unswerving support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
OECS-Venezuela
Ministers received information on maritime boundary delimitation issues in the Eastern Caribbean relating to Venezuela. They stressed that the situation was of great concern and importance to all Member States. They agreed to keep developments related to these issues under review.
RELATIONS WITH INDIA
Ministers observed that India had exhibited proven expertise in a number of areas of interest to CARICOM. They welcomed the invitation extended to the Secretary-General by the Government of India to visit India in October 2001 with a view to exploring the scope for cooperation.
RELATIONS WITH JAPAN
Ministers reviewed the Region's relations with Japan. They welcomed the new “Framework for CARICOM-Japan Cooperation for the Twenty-First Century” which was concluded during their inaugural meeting with the Foreign Minister of Japan in November 2000. They stressed the importance of early implementation of the commitments emanating from the Framework Agreement.
UN ISSUES
Ministers were apprised of preparations being made for several high-level events which will be convened under UN auspices during the coming eighteen months. These included the Special Session to Review Implementation of the HABITAT Agenda, (6-8 June 2001); the HIV/AIDS (25-27 June 2001); the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms in all its Aspects (9-20 July 2001); the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (31 August – 7 September 2001) the UN Special Session on Children (19-21 September 2001); the High-level Conference on Financing for Development, (18-22 March 2002) the Conference on Aging (April 2002), and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2-11 September 2002).
Ministers considered the importance of these deliberations to the development and well-being of the people of the Region. They therefore agreed on the importance for the Region to be represented at the highest possible level.
TRANS-BOUNDARY SHIPMENT OF NUCLEAR AND
RADIOACTIVE WASTE THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN SEA
Ministers stressed that the shipment of nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea continues to be of major concern to the Region. They also stressed that the potential for serious damage to the Caribbean's marine resources and human health, as a consequence of an accident, constituted a major threat to the security of the Region and the livelihood of its people. Ministers reiterated the Region's condemnation of the proposed use of the Caribbean Sea as a route for the transhipment of nuclear waste and called on States concerned to review their position on this matter.
Ministers welcomed the inclusion of the issue of trans-boundary shipment of nuclear and radioactive waste in the Summit of the Americas Plan of Action.
CANDIDATURES
Ministers endorsed a number of candidatures from the Region for election to positions and organs of primary importance in the United Nations and Inter-American systems in keeping with their coordinated approach towards the goal of securing leadership positions in these bodies. Among those endorsed were Dr. Chelston Brathwaite of Barbados for election to the position of Director-General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) at elections to be held in November 2001. They also endorsed the candidature of Mr. Frederick Zenny of Jamaica for the position of Independent Chair of the FAO for the period 2001-2003, at elections to be held during the 31st Session of the FAO Conference in Rome, Italy in November 2001.
HAITI
Ministers reviewed recent developments in the Community's initiatives towards Haiti. They noted that, in keeping with the mandate of the CARICOM Heads of Government, a CARICOM Office in Haiti would be established in June 2001, to provide assistance to Haiti in the areas of Customs Administration and Trade Policy, Implementation of the Single Market and Economy, and Information and Communications.
Ministers received a report from the Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, Caribbean Community on the Joint CARICOM-OAS Exploratory Mission to Haiti from 10-13 May 2001, which he led along with the Assistant Secretary-General of the OAS. They noted that the Joint CARICOM-OAS Mission to Haiti would be deployed from 30-31 May 2001, under the leadership of Dame Eugenia Charles, former Prime Minister of Dominica and H.E. Mr. César Gaviria, Secretary General of the OAS, and that results of the Mission would be brought to the attention of the XXXI OAS General Assembly in June 2001 and the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2001.
APPRECIATION
The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the Government and people of Guyana for the excellent and warm hospitality offered them during their stay.
DATE AND VENUE
The Ministers accepted the offer of Saint Lucia to host the Fifth Meeting of the COFCOR in that country on 6-7 May 2002.
