CARICOM leaders have condemned Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in Essequibo, a disputed region of Guyana. These elections, set for April 27, aim to establish a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” under Venezuelan authority, which exacerbates ongoing territorial tensions. CARICOM’s concerns reflect the serious implications of Venezuela’s actions, especially following warnings from the ICJ.
The leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have expressed deep concerns regarding recent statements made by Venezuelan officials about conducting elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana. These remarks pertain to Venezuela’s intention to hold elections on April 27 for a “Governor” and a “Legislative Council” in what they refer to as the “Guayana Esequiba State.”
This issue was discussed during the CARICOM summit that concluded last Friday, although no formal communique has yet been released. Informed sources indicated that the leaders received updates on the longstanding border dispute involving Guyana and Venezuela as well as Belize and Guatemala, which is a customary practice during their meetings.
The CARICOM leaders noted with considerable apprehension the declarations from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and National Electoral Council Chairman Elvis Amoroso. They publicly announced plans to hold these elections despite international objections and previous warnings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the legality of Venezuela’s claims to Essequibo, a resource-rich region that constitutes roughly two-thirds of Guyana.
In connection with these events, the Venezuelan government asserted that over 10.4 million voters participated in a referendum, which they claim demonstrated overwhelming support for the annexation of Essequibo. This referendum took place after the ICJ cautioned against such actions, highlighting the significance and sensitivity of the ongoing territorial dispute.
In summary, CARICOM leaders have voiced significant concerns over Venezuela’s planned elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana. Despite the historical context of territorial disputes, Venezuela remains steadfast in its claims. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the complexities of international law regarding territorial sovereignty in the Caribbean region.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
