Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has denied that the country has permitted the United States to deploy troops in the event of a Venezuelan conflict. He criticized a newspaper article for inaccurately suggesting such an arrangement exists, stating that Trinidad and Tobago maintains a non-interference policy and that recent agreements with the US are focused on security cooperation, not military intervention.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has categorically denied media reports suggesting that it has granted the United States permission to deploy military forces in the country amid a potential conflict in Venezuela. Prime Minister Keith Rowley condemned the newspaper article as unfounded and misleading, emphasizing that such claims could have serious diplomatic repercussions. He asserted that Trinidad and Tobago prides itself on its principles of non-interference and peace in the region. The Prime Minister clarified that recent agreements with the US do not enable any military incursions. The discussion centered on cooperative measures regarding security, human rights, and energy issues as defined in longstanding agreements, which were misrepresented in the media coverage.
The recent statements from Prime Minister Rowley come in response to concerns raised about Trinidad and Tobago’s role in potential US military actions in Venezuela. On December 10, the US Embassy announced agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, including a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) facilitating military cooperation, yet the Prime Minister emphasized that these agreements do not imply any authorization for US troops to enter the country. The context of these agreements was developed amid a backdrop of increasing regional security discourse, particularly relevant given Trinidad and Tobago’s geographic proximity to Venezuela, which sits just a few miles away.
In summary, Prime Minister Rowley firmly rebuked the notion that Trinidad and Tobago would align its military stance with US interests against Venezuela. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to autonomy and peace while clarifying the nature of recent security agreements with the US. This situation underscores the importance of accurate media reporting in matters of national security and foreign relations, highlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing negotiations aimed at advancing cooperative security measures without compromising its sovereignty.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
