CARICOM leaders have condemned Venezuelan plans to conduct elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana, expressing concern over the legitimacy of the proposed “Guayana Esequiba State” elections. These discussions took place at a recent summit focused on regional disputes, particularly the long-standing border issues between Guyana and Venezuela.
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have expressed profound concern regarding statements made by Venezuelan authorities advocating for elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana. These elections, slated for April, aim to establish a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” for the claimed “Guayana Esequiba State.” This issue was a significant point of discussion at the recent CARICOM summit, which concluded last Friday.
While CARICOM has yet to issue an official communique from the summit, informed sources indicated that the leaders received updates on longstanding border disputes, including those between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala. This evaluation aligns with the customary practice at such summits to address regional territorial tensions.
The CARICOM leaders specifically mentioned their concerns over declarations made in January by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and National Electoral Council Chairman Elvis Amoroso. These comments outlined Venezuela’s intention to conduct elections in the Essequibo region, an area Venezuela had previously attempted to “annex” last year, which is deemed illegal under international law.
In a contentious referendum conducted in 2023, Caracas claimed that over half of eligible Venezuelan voters participated, with a reported 10.4 million out of 20.7 million casting their ballots in favor of asserting claim to the Essequibo region. This referendum occurred following warnings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the ramifications of such annexation efforts. This oil-rich territory constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of the country’s total 800,000 citizens.
In summary, CARICOM leaders are alarmed by Venezuela’s planned elections in the disputed Essequibo region of Guyana, viewing them as a serious breach of international norms. The situation underscores the historical tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, particularly with Venezuela’s recent claim to the territory following a controversial referendum. As diplomatic dialogues continue, the implications of these actions remain significant for regional stability.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
