Guyana protested against Venezuela’s bridge construction on Ankoko island, asserting the move violates sovereignty and escalates a long-standing border dispute over the Essequibo region. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd condemned the actions and expressed concerns about military activities in the disputed area, calling for adherence to international agreements regarding peaceful resolution.
Guyana has officially lodged a protest against Venezuela following the completion of a bridge linking the Venezuelan mainland to a military base on Ankoko island, which both nations share. Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd summoned Venezuelan Ambassador Amador Perez Silva to voice his condemnation of the construction, asserting that it exacerbates the longstanding border dispute over the Essequibo region. This area, claimed by Venezuela, encompasses two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, highlighting the persistent tensions between the two countries regarding their border delineations.
Guyana asserts that the bridge supports military activities and violates the sovereignty of Guyana, contravening international agreements such as the recently established St Vincent accord, which promotes peaceful resolution of disputes and avoids actions that might escalate tensions. Guyana has prepared its case for the International Court of Justice and urges Venezuela to cease its military endeavors in the disputed territory. This issue is part of a broader historical context of territorial conflict rooted in a 19th-century boundaries commission, creating a complex legal and political environment that both nations continue to navigate.
The dispute over the Essequibo region is a historical conflict between Guyana and Venezuela that has persisted since the 19th century. The territory, rich in resources and covering two-thirds of Guyana, was administered by Britain for over a century until Guyana’s independence in 1966. In recent years, Venezuela has threatened forceful annexation of the region, prompting diplomatic interventions, including a summit of Caribbean leaders and an agreement to pursue resolution via peaceful means. The construction of the bridge by Venezuela has reignited these tensions, leading to Guyana’s formal protest and a commitment to seek redress through international law.
In summary, the completion of a bridge by Venezuela to a military base on Ankoko island has prompted Guyana to issue a formal protest, rekindling historical territorial disputes concerning the Essequibo region. The event underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations, as Guyana seeks to protect its sovereignty against perceived violations of international agreements. The matter is expected to be further addressed in the International Court of Justice, with both nations urged to adhere to diplomatic protocols to resolve their differences peacefully.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
