President Ali briefs Opposition Leader on Venezuela’s ‘use of force’ threat.

MONTEGO BAY, September, 2023 – In the wake of recent saber rattling from Venezuela in relation to Guyana’s recent auctioning of oil blocks, President Irfaan Ali on Saturday briefed Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on the latest issues related to the country’s territorial controversy.

This latest spat was triggered by Venezuela’s claim that Guyana was auctioning oil blocks located in that nation’s territory.

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Guyana maintains that blocks are within its legally defined and internationally recognised boundaries.

Since then, the Organisation of American States, Commonwealth, the United States and CARICOM have rejected Venezuela’s threat and called on Caracas to respect international law as well as await the decision of the International Court of Justice.

CARICOM said it “views the stated intention of Venezuela to “apply all the necessary measures” to prevent the operations licensed by Guyana in its waters, as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law.”

In the meantime, Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved the holding of a referendum on the border controversy with Guyana.

Following the briefing by President Ali, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton crafted the statement which is here reproduced in full.

Statement by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, M.P

Today, Saturday 23rd September 2023, the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey C. Norton, The MP was briefed by H.E. President Irfaan Ali on the current developments surrounding the Guyana/Venezuela border.

Mr. Norton reaffirmed the Opposition’s support for Guyana’s long held position that the Arbitral Award of 1899 settled the border between Guyana and Venezuela and that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

He informed the President that we are united on this issue and reassured him of the Opposition’s support of all measures aimed at protecting our territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Mr. Norton also indicated to the President that we support the view that Guyana has the right to undertake economic activity within our territory and in our appurtenant maritime
territories.

The Opposition opposes and condemns all forms of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana. We also welcome the support of the international community in protecting our territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Statement by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the Guyana-Venezuela Border Issue

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) notes with grave concern the contents of a Communique emanating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding the announcement made by our sister Member State, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, about its intention to open bids for certain oil blocks in the waters adjacent to Guyana’s coast.

CARICOM views the stated intention of Venezuela to “apply all the necessary measures” to prevent the operations licensed by Guyana in its waters, as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law.

It is also not in keeping with the long-standing position of the Latin American and Caribbean countries that our Region must remain a Zone of Peace.

CARICOM has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim.

CARICOM expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has the jurisdiction in the case brought before it.

The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law.

The Caribbean Community reiterates its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully develop the resources of its territory.

(WiredJA)