Guyana and Venezuela promise they won’t use force, but don’t resolve border dispute
The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela have committed to refraining from threats or force against each other during a tense meeting held in St. Vincent. However, they failed to find a resolution for their long-standing border dispute over a resource-rich region. To address the issue, a joint commission consisting of the foreign ministers of both countries will be formed, with a report expected within three months. The dispute centers around the Essequibo border region, which holds significant oil and mineral deposits. While tensions over the area have raised concerns about potential military conflict, the likelihood remains low. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali agreed to meet again in Brazil within three months or at an agreed-upon time. The leaders also pledged to avoid escalating conflicts through their words or actions. Despite the lack of concrete progress, the meeting indicated a commitment to peaceful resolution. The ongoing dispute has gained renewed attention due to recent oil discoveries in Guyana, leading to heightened tensions. Venezuela claims that Essequibo was historically part of its territory and argues that a 1966 Geneva agreement nullified a border dictated by international arbitrators in 1899. The dispute further intensified when Venezuela reported that its citizens had voted in a referendum to claim two-thirds of Guyana.
Both leaders maintained their positions during the meeting, with Guyana expressing the belief that the border controversy should be resolved by the International Court of Justice. In contrast, Venezuela does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction in the matter and has not given consent for its involvement. Despite the impasse, President Ali emphasized Guyana’s commitment to defending its territory while simultaneously rejecting any intention to seek war.
International interest in the border dispute has also been sparked, with the White House expressing close monitoring and emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. The rising tensions prompted concern at the Biden administration, which aims to avoid conflicts and has engaged its diplomats to address the situation.
The meeting between Ali and Maduro took place at the main international airport in St. Vincent, with several Caribbean prime ministers in attendance. While no questions were allowed during the press briefing, both leaders expressed their desire to maintain peace in the region, pledging to work towards a peaceful resolution. Despite the lack of immediate progress, the fact that the leaders engaged in discussions was seen as a positive step.
The dispute over the Essequibo region dates back a century, and Venezuela’s recent efforts to explore and exploit the oil, gas, and mineral resources have further exacerbated tensions. Military mobilization has been observed on both sides, and concerns of potential conflict loom. Nevertheless, the commitment to dialogue and the establishment of a joint commission offer hope for a peaceful resolution. The region’s neighboring countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have played a role in facilitating the meeting and have expressed their optimism for progress. The leaders’ commitment to future meetings indicates a willingness to discuss and find solutions to the dispute. While the path to resolution remains uncertain, continued diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the situation from escalating further.
