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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is cautioning both Guyana and Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute.” Guyana sees the issue as a controversy not a dispute given the 1899 Arbitral Award is a “full, perfect and final settlement” of the border dispute being Venezuela and British Guiana (Guyana).
In his response to questions on Wednesday about the situation between Venezuela and Guyana the Secretary-General’s spokesperson said he strongly supports the use of solely peaceful means to settle international disputes.
He further recalls that, pursuant to the Charter and to the Statute of the International Court of Justice, decisions of the Court are binding and he trusts that both States will duly comply with the Order from the Court.
The Secretary-General recalls the Order of the International Court of Justice, issued on 1 December 2023, indicating provisional measures in the case of Guyana against Venezuela concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899.
The Secretary-General notes the Court’s unanimous decision to order Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute”.
The Secretary-General also notes the Court’s order to both Parties to refrain from any action, which might aggravate or extend the dispute or make it more difficult to resolve.
In accordance with the Statute of the Court, the Secretary-General transmitted the notice of the provisional measures ordered by the Court to the Security Council.
But both sides (Guyana and Venezuela) have been ratcheting up the rhetoric post referendum on Sunday, December 2023. President Irfaan Ali, doing the international media circuit, has announced Guyana is reaching out to allies for military support.
The United States-CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) reports when Ali was asked if he has requested military assistance, he said his government is reaching out to allies and regional partners, some of which Guyana has defense agreements with, to protect the Essequibo region.
And over in Venezuela post referendum President Nicolás Maduro is threatening to invade Guyana. Sources claims to think Maduro’s manoeuvre is tactical to win favours from the United States.
Neither side, as of now, apparently cares what the UN, the world most powerful body, has to say and the importance of allowing the ICJ to do its work, free from threats and counter threats and other forms of intimidation tactics.
