CARICOM Heads expressed deep concern over Venezuela’s plans for elections in Essequibo, condemning these as violations of international law and Guyana’s sovereignty. They also denounced a recent attack on Guyana Defence Force personnel by armed Venezuelans. The leaders reiterated their support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and urged for the peaceful resolution of the dispute through judicial means.
During the CARICOM Heads of Government summit held from February 19 to 21, concerns were raised regarding Venezuela’s announcements about holding elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region. In their official communiqué, the leaders implored Venezuela to refrain from conducting any electoral processes or exerting influence within Guyana’s sovereign territory. They similarly condemned a violent incident that occurred on February 17, whereby armed individuals from Venezuela attacked members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
The Heads of Government provided an update on the evolving situation concerning the Guyana-Venezuela dispute. They expressed particular alarm over statements made by Venezuela’s President and the National Electoral Council’s Chairman on January 27, 2025, which declared intentions to hold elections in Essequibo for a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” on April 27, 2025, for the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State”—a region Venezuela unlawfully claimed last year.
The leaders emphasized that any elections conducted in this territory would violate fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, the International Court of Justice’s Order from December 1, 2023, and prior agreements outlined in the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace. They reaffirmed their call for Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity without interference.
The report also outlined an attack on February 17, 2025, by armed Venezuelan individuals against GDF members, which was condemned by the Heads of Government. These officials welcomed Venezuela’s submission of its counter-memorial on April 8, 2024, regarding the merits of the case related to the 1899 Arbitral Award that defined the border between British Guiana and Venezuela. They encouraged Venezuela to submit its Rejoinder on August 8, 2025, as scheduled by the Court.
The CARICOM Heads reiterated their steadfast support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, advocating for a judicial resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, which has been recognized as the appropriate framework for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The CARICOM Heads of Government firmly condemned Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region, asserting that such actions would breach international law and Guyanese sovereignty. They also denounced acts of aggression towards the Guyana Defence Force while reaffirming their commitment to support Guyana in its territorial integrity, signaling a unified stance on the ongoing dispute and the importance of a legal resolution.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
