The claim made by Venezuela regarding the Essequibo territory of Guyana has been vehemently denounced by the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), as reports circulate on social media about the escalating presence of Venezuelan troops and ongoing military exercises near the borders of Guyana.
Halim Khan, the Head of R3PSInc, emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant amidst these developments. He highlighted that the country’s authorities are actively monitoring Venezuela’s heightened military activities along its border and have conveyed this information to international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region 3) official said all Guyanese especially the Region Three population are taking all reports seriously as although Venezuela had initially claimed that their actions were aimed at curbing illegal mining operations in the border area, it has since been clear what it is really about with the announcement by Venezuela on a Dec. 3 vote in a refer” over Essequibo.
“This unsettling situation unfolds against the backdrop of a long-standing territorial dispute between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has yet to issue a verdict on the matter, Venezuela has persisted in asserting its claim over Guyana’s territory,” Khan explained.
In April of this year, Khan underscored that the ICJ made a crucial ruling by declaring Guyana’s case, which sought to affirm the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award settling the boundaries between Guyana and Venezuela, as admissible.
This allowed the court to proceed with hearing the substantive case, which aims to determine the validity and binding nature of the 1899 arbitral award regarding the boundaries between the two nations.
Guyana is resolutely seeking a final and binding judgment from the ICJ, asserting that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region rightfully belongs to Guyana.
In response to the recent actions taken by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Khan highlighted that President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton expressed their shared commitment to upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“They along with all Guyanese denounce Venezuela’s attempts to undermine these principles and emphasized the need for a comprehensive public relations campaign and vigorous diplomatic efforts to counter Venezuelan propaganda,” Khan added.
All Guyanese, Khan noted locally and internationally have reiterated their dedication to the current judicial process led by the ICJ, believing that it will provide a final resolution to the dispute over the 1899 Arbitral Award’s validity.
“Under international law, no government or people have the right to seize, annex, or conquer another country’s territory. They called for the international community’s continued support to protect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Region Three official noted.
Additionally, President Ali and Opposition Leader Mr. Norton criticized the questions posed in Venezuela’s upcoming December 3, 2023, referendum, labeling them as violating the sanctity of treaties and disregarding international law. They condemned the deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and the violation of international law regarding the creation of a new Venezuelan State.
The ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela remains a pressing concern, especially as both countries continue to assert their claims over the Essequibo region, particularly in light of the recent discovery of oil and gas resources in the disputed area.
“As tensions escalate and military activities increase near Guyana’s borders, the situation demands the world’s attention. Guyana remains committed to a peaceful resolution through the ICJ and calls for the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Khan added.
