Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo described Venezuela as being in a weak position and criticized its recent actions regarding the Essequibo region. Guyana is pursuing urgent intervention from the ICJ to prevent Venezuela’s planned elections in the region, asserting they violate international law and a prior court ruling. The government emphasizes the importance of maintaining territorial integrity and the potential harm to its sovereignty.
In a recent press conference, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo asserted that Venezuela is currently in a vulnerable position, making what he termed “infantile” statements. He emphasized that Guyana is committed to engaging with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and collaborating with international partners to address increasing tensions with Venezuela.
Jagdeo highlighted that Venezuela has violated the ICJ’s December 2023 ruling and the Argyle Declaration through unilateral actions, especially related to its plans for conducting elections in the Essequibo region, which it claims. These actions are perceived by Guyana as direct breaches of both the Court’s orders and international law, necessitating urgent intervention from the ICJ.
The Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for May 25, 2025, poses significant risks to the territorial integrity of Guyana, as articulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. They argue that such electoral preparatory acts would adversely impact the residents of Essequibo and undermine Guiana’s territorial claims. Thus, authorities are requesting the ICJ to mandate Venezuela to halt any actions that may threaten the status quo in the disputed region.
Dr. Jagdeo remarked, “Venezuela is in a weak position,” affirming the strong backing Guyana receives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Caribbean Community in its plight. Furthermore, he criticized Venezuela’s derogatory comparison of Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “infantile.”
Previously, in late 2023, Guyana requested provisional measures from the ICJ, which resulted in a favorable ruling that prohibited Venezuela from changing the current situation in the disputed territory. The government now fears that any postponement in legal action could lead to irreparable damage to its sovereignty and negatively affect the rights of citizens in Essequibo.
In summary, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has underscored the precarious position of Venezuela due to its recent provocative actions against Guyana. The nation’s appeal to the ICJ for urgent intervention reflects its commitment to maintaining territorial integrity in Essequibo. This ongoing situation underscores the need for international cooperation and legal support to address the territorial dispute effectively.
Original Source: newsroom.gy
