Guyana Labels Venezuela’s Recent Action as Blatant Disregard for International Order and Law
President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana has strongly condemned Venezuela’s recent actions to assert claims over Guyana’s Essequibo territory, citing it as a blatant disregard for international law. In a recent interview with Al Jeerza, President Ali maintained Guyana’s stance for peace while emphasizing the country’s commitment to protect its people and sovereignty.
President Ali highlighted that Guyana’s primary concern is to maintain peace and stability in the region. He expressed his disappointment in Venezuela’s referendum held last Sunday, which sought public ratification to claim the Essequibo Region. The territory in question accounts for two-thirds of Guyana’s land mass and is rich in valuable resources such as oil and gold.
Guyana had initiated legal proceedings with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt the referendum, despite the court’s prior ruling that Venezuela should refrain from any activities that could impact Guyana’s control over the Essequibo region. However, the referendum proceeded as planned.
President Ali explained that the questions posed in the referendum proposed granting Venezuela the authority to annex the Essequibo region, establish administrative mechanisms, and issue identification cards. He stressed that the ICJ had unanimously ruled against Venezuela’s actions, making it clear that they should not act upon the outcome of the referendum.
This is a blatant disregard for international order, the order of the ICJ, and international law, President Ali firmly asserted.
In response to Venezuela’s actions, Guyana has begun engaging with international and regional partners to address the issue. While many of these partners have expressed support for Guyana, President Ali is particularly hopeful that the United Nations Security Council will issue a strong statement condemning Venezuela’s breach of the ICJ’s order.
We would like the United Nations Security Council to issue a very strong statement to Venezuela for breaching the order of the ICJ, an order that can be enforceable, and we would like to see the full commitment of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that they will do everything to have this region remain of peace and stability and for them to support international law, President Ali shared.
Guyana is taking precautionary measures to safeguard its citizens and is working closely with its allies in this endeavor. The country’s commitment to upholding the Treaty of Washington, which was agreed upon between Great Britain and Venezuela in 1897, remains unwavering. The Arbitral Award delivered by the Tribunal in 1899 settled the boundary issue between the parties, and Guyana continues to abide by that decision.
The situation between Guyana and Venezuela is of significant international concern due to the potential implications for regional stability and adherence to international law. As the events continue to unfold, the global community will be closely monitoring developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the principles of sovereignty and the rule of law.
