The Opposition People’s National Party has welcomed the government’s decision to continue dialogue with Venezuela to arrive at an agreed settlement on the purchase of PDVSA’s 49 % stake in Petrojam.

Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Lisa Hanna, says the PNP hopes the continued negotiations will lead to an agreement, despite the present restrictions on Venezuela and the practical difficulties they pose.

Ms. Hanna says although the government has now indicated that it is proceeding on two tracks, the tabling of the compulsory acquisition legislation in the House of Representatives today is still perplexing.

The Opposition is hoping that it will not be necessary to pass the legislation.

Hanna says the party remains convinced that the premature announcement of the expropriation was not coincidental, but was tied to the recent vote at the Organisation of American states (OAS).

She notes that this action took place in time for the OAS meeting but before exhausting all negotiating alternatives, including arbitration which is provided for in the shareholders’ agreement.

In the meantime, the PNP spokesperson says the Opposition is warning the government against recognizing the Guaido administration in Venezuela and Mr. Guaido as interim president, as this would be unconstitutional and unprecedented in Jamaica’s foreign relations history.