The Trinidad and Tobago Government denies allegations of an agreement with the United States to deploy military forces due to a potential conflict in Venezuela. Prime Minister Rowley condemned the claims and emphasized the country’s policy of non-interference in regional affairs, reiterating the need for accurate media reporting and clarifying the nature of U.S.-T&T relations regarding defense cooperation.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, led by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, has firmly denied a newspaper report claiming that an agreement had been signed with the United States that would facilitate the deployment of U.S. military forces to Trinidad and Tobago in response to a potential conflict in Venezuela. During a press conference, Prime Minister Rowley expressed his concerns regarding the implications of such a claim, labeling it as a serious misrepresentation of the facts and not grounded in thorough research. He emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
The initial report indicated that Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds had approved several agreements with the U.S. on December 10, which allegedly included terms for military deployments should instability arise in Venezuela. However, Prime Minister Rowley refuted this assertion, highlighting that the country remains committed to maintaining a peaceful stance within the Caribbean region.
Prime Minister Rowley noted the importance of responding to the misinformation presented in the media, questioning the motives behind the report. He further reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation with the United States pertains to standard security practices rather than military incursions. Emphasizing the country’s role in regional security, he firmly stated, “This is going too far,” in response to the misleading interpretations circulated by the news article.
The agreements discussed during meetings involving government officials and U.S. representatives cover various aspects such as security and human rights cooperation, but they do not permit U.S. forces to engage in military actions from Trinidad and Tobago against Venezuela. The Prime Minister confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago holds a strong military relationship with the U.S. that includes training and shared resources, aimed at enhancing national defense rather than facilitating military interventions.
The article concerns the recent controversy surrounding Trinidad and Tobago’s alleged agreement with the United States regarding military deployments in response to potential unrest in Venezuela. This situation raised significant concerns within Trinidad and Tobago, prompting Prime Minister Keith Rowley to address the media to clarify the government’s position. Given the geopolitical tensions in the region, especially regarding Venezuela’s internal challenges, the potential implications of such an agreement would have sparked fear and distrust among the Trinidadian population and its relations with neighboring countries.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Rowley clearly articulated the Trinidad and Tobago government’s commitment to a policy of neutrality and non-interference in the affairs of neighboring countries. The government has denied any agreement that would allow the deployment of U.S. forces on its territory, reaffirming that any cooperation with the United States revolves around standard operational practices to enhance national security without compromising its sovereignty. This response underscores the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation in the international arena.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
