Guyana has expressed deep concern about Venezuela’s recent actions, asserting violations of the Argyle Agreement and ICJ orders concerning their border dispute. President Maduro’s election announcement for a governor in the disputed Essequibo region is viewed as a unilateral action that escalates tensions. Guyana emphasizes the need to uphold international law and the necessity of dialogue to resolve the controversy peacefully.
The government of Guyana has raised significant concerns regarding perceived violations by Venezuela of the Argyle Agreement and the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), both established in December 2023. In an official statement, the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that any unilateral actions by Venezuela, particularly the announcement by President Nicolás Maduro regarding elections in the disputed Essequibo region, contravene both the spirit and the terms of the aforementioned agreements.
Guyana asserts that the Argyle Agreement stipulates both nations must avoid escalating tensions over their long-standing border dispute. The Ministry emphasized that Maduro’s declaration on January 7, suggesting an election for a governor of the Guayana Esequiba region, undermines the established dialogue framework while aggravating the existing dispute. They denounce such actions as a blatant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty, urging Venezuela to comply with international law.
Furthermore, Guyana cited the ICJ’s directive from December 1, 2023, that mandates Venezuela to refrain from any alterations in the current administrative status of the Essequibo region, administered by Guyana, until the matter is resolved. The Ministry warned that Venezuela’s intentions to conduct elections within Guyanese territory constitute not only a violation of international law but also threaten the integrity of the ongoing judicial process at the ICJ.
Guyana firmly rejects Venezuela’s claims over the Essequibo region, proclaiming its unwavering commitment to the ICJ process as facilitated by the United Nations under the Geneva Agreement of 1966. The Ministry has called for assurances from Venezuela’s government to respect its international commitments and desist from actions against the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s ruling. Guyana remains open to constructive dialogue but insists on the necessity of upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has historical roots stemming from the 19th century, specifically regarding the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which delineated the boundary between the two nations. Recently, the dispute has escalated with Venezuela’s claims over the oil-rich Essequibo region, which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana. In December 2023, both countries formalized agreements intended to deescalate tensions and adhere to international legal frameworks through the Argyle Agreement and directives from the ICJ. The ongoing situation necessitates diplomatic engagement to resolve the territorial controversy under international law guidelines.
In summary, the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela highlight sensitive issues related to territorial integrity and adherence to international agreements. Guyana has expressed significant concern over Venezuela’s actions, particularly regarding the recent election announcements concerning the Essequibo region, suggesting they violate both the Argyle Agreement and ICJ orders. Guyana asserts its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute while firmly rejecting any claims over its territory by Venezuela and calling for compliance with international legal standards.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
