Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines is visiting Venezuela for talks with President Maduro amidst heightened tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region. Gonsalves advocates for calm and a return to diplomatic measures, recalling commitments to peace made under the Argyle Agreement. The situation is intensified by an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice regarding territorial claims.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, has traveled to Venezuela to engage in discussions with President Nicolas Maduro amidst rising tensions between Venezuela and Guyana regarding the disputed Essequibo region. Gonsalves previously held talks in Georgetown with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and is acting as an intermediary based on the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023.
In a government statement, Gonsalves urged both leaders to practice calm and restraint, advocating for a return to diplomatic dialogue. He reminded them of the Argyle Declaration, emphasizing the community’s commitment to peace in Latin America and the Caribbean. Gonsalves cautioned that any escalation could severely impact both nations and destabilize the broader region, potentially resulting in humanitarian crises.
The recent tensions escalated when Guyana reported a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil assets, prompting international attention from entities such as the United States, France, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS). Venezuela has vehemently rejected President Ali’s remarks, labeling them as unfounded.
Moreover, Guyana and Venezuela are currently involved in a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which delineates their territorial boundaries. The ICJ has asserted jurisdiction in the matter and will rule on the case’s merits.
Last week, Guyana filed a request with the ICJ to prohibit Venezuela from conducting electoral activities within the contentious Essequibo region. The Venezuelan government plans to integrate the region into its electoral process, which Guyana argues undermines its sovereignty.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines is mediating discussions between Venezuela and Guyana amid escalating tensions over the Essequibo region. Both nations, which are embroiled in an International Court of Justice case, need to prioritize diplomacy to avoid potential conflict. The situation remains critical as international entities monitor developments closely.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
