EU urges respect for rule of law

TIMES INT'L

After the shooting of protesters aligned to A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), the European Delegation to Guyana has called on Guyanese to join together and work towards the higher principle of stable, effective, and transparent democratic governance.

In a statement, endorsing the recently held general and regional elections, the EU insisted that adherence to democratic principles involves respect for the rule of law and the maintenance of peace, order, and security.

“It is our fervent hope that all Guyanese respect the democratic outcome as expressed by the people of Guyana through their votes in the recent elections,” the EU said.

According to the EU, the election outcome offers an historic opportunity for the people of Guyana to come together and work across party lines to advance the interests of all Guyanese. The EU delegation looks forward to working closely with the newly-elected government and with all parties in Parliament to support unified national efforts to build a prosperous, secure, and democratic Guyana.”

Several persons were injured Thursday morning when riot police chased protesters off the streets by firing rubber bullets and teargas. Among the injured were retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Edward Collins; Attorney and APNU member James Bond and several other party members.

In reaction to the incident, the Guyana Trades Union Congress said that Tuesday was another dark day in the history of this country and came less than a week after President Donald Ramotar promised this nation “peace and unity”. The umbrella trade union movement said that peace and unity are premised on justice, and injustice anywhere poses a threat to peace and unity everywhere.

“The police shooting of persons engaged in peaceful social action is not where the people of this country desire to go or should be going. This action is a reminiscent of the May 1999 shooting of unarmed striking public servants infront of John Fernandes wharf,” GTUC said, adding that it is inhumane, naked intolerance for dissent and the rights of citizens of this country.

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