Guyana’s Interior Minister warned that any support for Venezuelan elections in the Essequibo region will lead to treason charges. This follows increasing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, including military incidents and Venezuela’s electoral plans that violate previous agreements. Guyana has sought intervention from the International Court of Justice to halt these initiatives.
Guyana’s Interior Minister, Robeson Benn, issued a stern warning on Wednesday regarding the support of Venezuelan elections planned in the disputed Essequibo region. He stated that any individual, whether a Guyanese citizen or resident, expressing support for these elections will face treason charges. Benn highlighted that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro plans to hold elections on May 23, which could involve appointing officials in Essaquibo.
Benn articulated his position firmly, emphasizing, “Any person Guyanese or otherwise who is appointed to be governor of Essequibo will face treason charges and imprisonment.” Despite acknowledging a relaxed policy for those with familial connections across the border, he insisted that backing Venezuela’s electoral plans would lead to repercussions.
To underscore these measures, Benn noted that Guyana recently denied entry to 75 Venezuelan migrants due to increased scrutiny of background checks. He also referenced recent tensions, including the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyanese waters and a shooting incident involving Guyanese soldiers, as contributing factors to the escalating situation.
In a related move, Guyana has approached the International Court of Justice to seek an order preventing Venezuela from proceeding with these elections in Essequibo. Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, announced dual electoral plans, which include appointing a governor alongside eight legislators from Essequibo during the election.
The ongoing dispute intensified following Venezuela’s unilateral referendum in December 2023, aimed at annexing the Essequibo region, which Guyana administers. For Guyana, these elections breach the Argyle Agreement signed in late 2023, which requires both nations to avoid exacerbating territorial tensions.
The border issue over Essequibo, which constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, originated from the Paris Arbitration Award of 1899. This award granted the area to British Guiana, but Venezuela later declared it invalid, leading to the Geneva Agreement of 1966, intended to resolve the issue but lacking effective resolution. Guyana continues to advocate for the dispute’s resolution via the International Court of Justice, referencing the 1899 agreement, yet Venezuela denies the court’s jurisdiction in this matter.
In summary, Guyana has firmly warned against any support for Venezuelan elections in the Essequibo region, threatening treason charges against those who comply. Recent tensions and moves to address the border dispute at the International Court of Justice underline the seriousness of this situation. The historical context of the territorial claim, coupled with recent Venezuelan plans for local elections, indicates a complex and escalating geopolitical conflict between the two nations.
Original Source: efe.com
