Venezuela and Guyana Pledge No Use of Force in Territorial Dispute
Leaders of Venezuela and Guyana have committed to resolving their longstanding territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region through diplomatic means.
The leaders, President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and President Irfaan Ali of Guyana, convened on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they announced a mutual agreement not to resort to force.
A joint declaration was issued at the end of the day-long summit, emphasising Guyana’s stance that the dispute should be resolved by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
However, Venezuela maintained its reluctance to recognise the ICJ’s jurisdiction in the matter. Tensions escalated recently after a Venezuelan referendum supported the creation of a Venezuelan state within the disputed region, leading Guyana to perceive it as a potential annexation.
Both nations pledged in the joint declaration to refrain from threatening or using force against each other and to avoid escalating conflicts.
A joint commission, featuring foreign ministers and technical staff from both countries, was established to address the territorial disagreement.
The commission is expected to provide an update within three months, while both nations agreed to reconvene in Brazil in the coming months to discuss any issues impacting the disputed territory.
President Ali emphasised Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through the ICJ, asserting that Guyana seeks neither aggression nor war but reserves the right to collaborate with allies for its defence.
Venezuela has long contested the 1899 international tribunal ruling that established the boundaries of the Essequibo region.
The dialogue, witnessed by prime ministers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, along with envoys from the UN and Brazil, signals a significant diplomatic effort. The leaders of these Caribbean nations also hold crucial roles in regional blocs, adding weight to the commitment to resolving this longstanding dispute.
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