Guyana has appealed to the UN’s International Court of Justice in response to Venezuela’s plan to hold elections in the contested Essequibo region, asserting its territorial claims. This comes after a non-binding referendum supported Venezuela’s claim and Venezuela’s parliament recognized the region as its 24th state. Guyana seeks provisional measures to prevent actions affecting its sovereignty. The situation is further complicated by recent American condemnation of Venezuelan naval threats.
Guyana has formally sought intervention from the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) following Venezuela’s announcement to conduct elections for governors in the disputed Essequibo region. This territory has been under Guyana’s administration for over a century, yet Venezuela continues to claim it as its own. The elections, scheduled for May 25, 2024, have led Guyana to file a request for provisional measures to protect its territorial integrity.
The situation arose after a non-binding referendum in December 2023, where 95 percent of Venezuelan voters reportedly endorsed their country’s claim to Essequibo. In March 2022, the Venezuelan parliament legislated to recognize the region as its 24th state; however, this was declared invalid by Guyana and other nations, including the United States.
Guyana’s recent submission to the ICJ seeks to prevent Venezuela from performing any actions that would affect the sovereignty over Essequibo, which comprises approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s total territory. Approximately 125,000 individuals out of Guyana’s 800,000 citizens reside in this area.
According to Guyana’s government, the boundaries of Essequibo were established by an arbitration panel in 1899. In contrast, Venezuela asserts that the Essequibo River acts as a natural border recognized since 1777. The conflict gained renewed intensity in 2015 following the discovery of significant oil reserves in the region by ExxonMobil, hence raising the stakes for both nations.
Previously, the ICJ ordered provisional measures in December 2023, requiring Venezuela to cease any actions concerning the Essequibo territory. Guyana’s foreign ministry stated that plans for elections in the area are in direct violation of this order and urged for a prompt hearing at the court.
Furthermore, tensions escalated recently when the United States condemned Venezuelan naval threats towards an ExxonMobil unit operating in maritime areas claimed by Guyana.
In conclusion, Guyana’s appeal to the ICJ represents a significant diplomatic effort to safeguard its territorial integrity against Venezuelan claims over the Essequibo region. The ongoing dispute is exacerbated by Venezuela’s planned elections and prior assertions of territorial sovereignty, despite international disapproval. As the matter develops, the ICJ’s role will be crucial in adjudicating this protracted territorial conflict.
Original Source: www.gonzagabulletin.com
