St. Vincent PM Ralph Gonsalves indicated that tensions will continue after the ICJ ruling on the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute. He expressed concerns about the situation, particularly in light of recent Venezuelan naval activities near Guyana’s oil assets. The ICJ’s jurisdiction over the case regarding the 1899 Arbitral Award has been confirmed, and a ruling is expected by early next year.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines remarked that tensions are likely to persist following the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) impending ruling on the long-standing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He stated, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions.” Gonsalves is serving as an interlocutor under the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023, anticipating that the ICJ’s judgment could be issued later this year or early next year.
During a recent weekly radio broadcast, Gonsalves acknowledged uncertainty regarding the current state of the litigation process but indicated that the ICJ would require time to draft its judgment after having held hearings. The situation between the two nations escalated when Guyana reported the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near its oil assets, prompting a warning from regional and international organizations, including CARICOM and the United States, against further provocations towards ExxonMobil’s operations.
In response, the Venezuelan government refuted accusations made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, claiming his assertions to be entirely misleading. Venezuela contends that the maritime territory in question remains in a state of delimitation according to international law, with the waters not recognized as part of Guyanese territory.
The dispute involves the ICJ’s engagement regarding the Arbitral Award from October 3, 1899, which defined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The court has previously confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter, dispelling efforts by Caracas to claim Essequibo—a resource-rich area constituting about two-thirds of Guyana in terms of territory and population. Guyana initiated the case in March 2018 seeking a ruling on the award’s validity to resolve the ongoing territorial dispute.
In conclusion, tensions between Guyana and Venezuela are anticipated to persist regardless of the ICJ’s forthcoming decision regarding their border dispute. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves underscored the complexity of the situation and indicated that international bodies are closely monitoring provocations related to the contested maritime zone. As the legal proceedings progress, the regional implications of this dispute will continue to unfold, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue.
Original Source: suntci.com
