US throws support behind ICJ jurisdiction on Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

… slams Maduro disrespect for international laws

Acting Assistant Secretary for U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak has announced the United States’ support for the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

“The U.S. supports the ICJ’s 12/18 ruling that it has jurisdiction in the Guyana-Venezuela territorial border issue, which is the legal and peaceful way forward. Maduro’s aggressive claims don’t change this, they only show the world his disregard for his neighbors and international law,” he posted to Twitter on Sunday night.

The statement comes as Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro had made a decree on January 7, 2021 claiming exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River.

President Irfaan Ali has rejected this, along with Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon. They both referred the neighbouring leader to the 1899 Arbitral Award and reminded the country that the ICJ will soon rule on the matter of which they are confident will see Guyana’s territory remaining as-is. The area in question is part of the Stabroek Block being drilled by US oil giant, ExxonMobil.

About three weeks ago, the ICJ, by majority, had ruled that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, in a case brought by Guyana against Venezuela. Bringing the case was in keeping with a recommendation by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres.

Though it opted not to participate in the case, the Spanish-speaking country had submitted that the ICJ had no jurisdiction to hear the case, but the Court, in agreeing with the arguments put by Guyana, ruled that the 1966 Geneva Agreement laid the foundation for judicial settlement.