Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent is meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to discuss rising tensions with Guyana related to a border dispute. Recent Venezuelan military actions have prompted concerns over potential conflict, with calls for diplomacy to prevent serious consequences for both countries and the region.
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has confirmed that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is currently in Venezuela to confer with President Nicolas Maduro regarding escalating tensions with Guyana over a border dispute. This meeting is a crucial step in addressing the controversy following heightened military activities by Venezuela in Guyana’s waters.
Prime Minister Gonsalves emphasized the importance of calm and diplomacy during his conversation with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. He warned that any escalation into conflict could lead to significant economic and social repercussions for both nations and destabilize the broader Latin America and Caribbean region, potentially resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela surged two weeks prior when a Venezuelan naval vessel invaded Guyanese waters, questioning the presence of oil ships operating there. This action prompted Guyana to enhance its sea and aerial surveillance, while also alerting the international community about the risks posed by this incident.
Following the naval incursion, President Ali condemned the act as a serious escalation by Maduro’s government, receiving swift denunciations from the U.S., the U.K., CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the OAS regarding Venezuela’s aggressive maneuvers.
Prime Minister Gonsalves asserted that the oil ships were indisputably operating within Guyanese jurisdiction. Despite this, he expressed skepticism about a lasting resolution even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers a verdict on the ongoing case concerning the 1899 border settlement.
In December 2023, a meeting between President Ali and President Maduro in St. Vincent resulted in the issuance of the Argyle Declaration, pledging that both nations would refrain from threats or the use of force. Additionally, the ICJ has issued provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from undertaking any actions that might exacerbate the status of the Essequibo region.
Since the ICJ’s decision, Guyana has accused Venezuela of disregarding both the Court’s order and the Argyle Declaration, citing continued claims over Essequibo, plans for regional elections, and illegal military interventions. Consequently, President Ali has stated that he will not engage in further discussions with President Maduro in light of these provocations.
The current diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Gonsalves highlight the urgent need for dialogue to address the escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. The actions taken by Venezuela, including military incursions, have drawn international criticism and necessitate an adherence to prior agreements like the Argyle Declaration and the ICJ’s provisional measures. A peaceful resolution is essential to prevent further destabilization in the region and avoid humanitarian consequences.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
