Georgetown, April 3, 2024 – In a bold statement released today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has vehemently denounced the recent actions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following the latter’s enactment of the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba”.
Guyana asserts that Venezuela’s unilateral move to annex over two-thirds of its territory is a blatant violation of international law and the foundational principles of the Organization of American States, as well as a breach of the spirit of the Joint Declaration of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The statement further criticizes the conduct of Venezuelan President Maduro, labeling his remarks against the President of Guyana as “offensive and undignified,” which undermines the long-standing commitment to neighborliness and unity in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
This confrontation stems from the enduring controversy over the Essequibo region, which has been a point of contention between the two nations for more than a century. The Government of Guyana has reinforced its stance to adhere to legal processes and international diplomacy by reaffirming its commitment to the 1966 Geneva Agreement and the ongoing judicial process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Guyana’s appeal to international bodies, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States, highlights the country’s dedication to resolving disputes peacefully and upholding the rule of law. With the ICJ’s impending decision, which Guyana insists will be conclusive and binding, the international community’s eyes are now firmly on the region, awaiting the next developments in this high-stakes territorial dispute.
The Ministry’s release concludes with a solemn reminder of Guyana’s adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and a call for the peaceful settlement of disputes. As tensions rise, the resolution of this controversy remains a crucial issue for the stability and unity of the region.
