Guyana has appealed to the International Court of Justice to prevent Venezuela from holding elections in the disputed Esequibo region, citing a violation of a court order. The request follows rising tensions due to a recent maritime incident. Guyana seeks expedited hearings to protect its rights as the final decision from the court may take years.
On Thursday, Guyana formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prohibit Venezuela from proceeding with elections in the disputed Esequibo region. The Guyanese foreign ministry emphasized that conducting a vote would contravene a prior court ruling. Venezuela plans to hold provincial elections on May 25, which includes state governors, despite an ongoing ICJ case regarding territorial ownership and a previous court directive to maintain the status quo in Esequibo.
In its statement, Guyana asserted that the ICJ must intervene to stop Venezuela from holding elections in the 160,000-square-kilometer Esequibo territory, noting that such actions openly disrespect the 2023 court order. Furthermore, Guyana called for expedited hearings due to potential “serious and irremediable prejudice” to its rights.
Tensions intensified recently, particularly when Guyana accused a Venezuelan coast guard patrol of entering its waters and approaching an oil extraction vessel managed by ExxonMobil. The Venezuelan government contended that these waters are part of a maritime zone whose boundaries are yet to be determined under international law.
As the ICJ’s final decision on this territorial dispute may take several years, the situation remains precarious, highlighting the ongoing strain in relations between Guyana and Venezuela over the Esequibo region.
In summary, Guyana’s appeal to the ICJ aims to block Venezuela’s planned elections in the disputed Esequibo territory, citing violations of a court order. Increasing tensions, including recent maritime incidents, further complicate this territorial dispute. The situation remains critical as both countries await the court’s lengthy deliberation.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
