Guyana condemned Venezuela’s plans to elect a governor for Essequibo, viewing them as a violation of the Argyle Agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this action undermines diplomatic dialogue and escalates tensions between the countries.
Guyana has officially condemned Venezuela’s intentions to conduct elections for the governorship of Essequibo, labeling it a blatant violation of the Argyle Agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that President Nicolás Maduro’s announcement on January 7, 2025, which proposes the election of a ‘Governor of the Guayana Esequiba’ by ‘the people of Guayana Esequiba,’ constitutes a clear breach of commitments established in the Argyle Agreement dated December 14, 2023. This unilateral initiative disregards the foundational principles of the agreement and escalates existing tensions between the two nations.
The tensions surrounding the Essequibo region have historical roots, with Venezuela long claiming the territory, which is internationally recognized as part of Guyana. The Argyle Agreement was established to promote dialogue and peaceful negotiations regarding territorial disputes. Venezuela’s recent actions are perceived as a direct challenge to this framework and threaten the established efforts toward peaceful coexistence.
In summary, Guyana’s condemnation of Venezuela’s electoral plans for the Essequibo region underscores the fragility of mutual relations between the two nations. This development highlights the significance of adhering to international agreements such as the Argyle Agreement, which aims to resolve territorial disputes through dialogue rather than unilateral actions. The situation calls for careful observation as tensions potentially escalate in the region.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
