Guyana has invoked the International Court of Justice to prevent Venezuela from holding elections in the disputed Esequibo region, claiming that such actions violate a prior ruling. Venezuela plans to conduct elections on May 25, which Guyana argues contravenes the ICJ’s 2023 order. Tensions have recently increased between the two nations over maritime incursions. A final ruling from the ICJ may take years.
On Thursday, Guyana formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene against Venezuela’s intentions to conduct elections in the disputed Esequibo region. The Guyanese foreign ministry argued that such a vote would contravene a previous court ruling issued in 2023, emphasizing that these elections are not compatible with ongoing legal proceedings over territorial claims that date back decades.
Venezuela is scheduled to hold provincial elections on May 25, including the election of state governors. Last year, President Nicolas Maduro’s administration enacted legislation establishing a new state within Esequibo, despite an ICJ order directing Venezuela to avoid actions that could alter the territorial status.
In its statement, Guyana urged the ICJ to prevent Venezuela from executing electoral plans within the 160,000-square-kilometer region, arguing that these plans “flagrantly violate” the court’s previous ruling. Guyana has also sought expedited hearings to avert potential “serious and irremediable prejudice” to its territorial claims and rights.
The Venezuelan communications ministry has yet to issue a response regarding Guyana’s request. Recently, tensions escalated as Guyana accused a Venezuelan coast guard patrol of entering its waters and approaching an offshore vessel operated by ExxonMobil, which the Venezuelan government framed as a matter of maritime zones subject to international delimitation.
It is important to note that a definitive ruling from the ICJ regarding this longstanding territorial dispute could take several years, prolonging the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
In conclusion, Guyana’s appeal to the International Court of Justice seeks to block Venezuela’s electoral activities in the disputed Esequibo region based on prior court rulings. Guyana argues that these plans violate international directives and could undermine its territorial rights. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated due to recent maritime incidents, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the dispute.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
