Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

Hylton (left) and Samuda (right)

MINISTER OF Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Anthony Hylton has issued a strong warning to the Opposition not to play "political football" with Jamaica/Venezuela relations.

Senator Hylton issued the caution on Friday in the Senate as he responded to concerns raised by Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Karl Samuda, on the country's relations with Venezuela, during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Speaking outside of Parliament, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding also expressed concerns regarding Jamaica's relations with Venezuela and his perception of the negative impact this could have on the country's relations with the United States.

NO EVIDENCE

"The simple truth is that there is no evidence that anyone can adduce to back up the assertion that Jamaica has adopted a line or taken a position that is not in keeping with its principled foreign policy," said Senator Hylton.

He added further: "Neither can Jamaica's policy be accurately described as pro-Venezuela or anti-US."

Mr. Samuda had also warned the Government to be cautious in its support of the Venezuelans as it has implications for the upcoming vacancy on the United Nations Security Council.

"The Latin America and Caribbean region is entitled to two seats on the Security Council, one of which is up for renewal in December. Venezuela and Guatemala are vying for that position," explained Hylton "Therefore, in committing our support to any candidate, our concern must be two-fold," he said.

Mr. Samuda further questioned whether that given the foreign policy positions taken by Venezuela, that country would likely use its position on the Security Council to further its own undeniable anti-American agenda or to pursue the region's interests.

"If it is to further its anti-American agenda, is that something that Jamaica wishes to endorse or facilitate? And if it is to pursue the interests of the region, what does Venezuela deem those interests to be?" he asked.

BASED ON PRINCIPLE

Responding to this, Senator Hylton said that Jamaica's decision as to who it will support will be based on principle within the context of Jamaica's 'good neighbour policy' and only after careful assessment has been made of the implications for Jamaica's national interests.

"As the Government has already stated, we look forward to the opportunity of consulting on this matter with our CARICOM partners when we gather next month for the 27th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis," the Foreign Affairs Minister noted.