Guyana plans to seek assistance from the U.N. International Court of Justice to counter Venezuela’s intention to govern the disputed Essequibo region, a territory long claimed by both nations. Guyana’s foreign ministry noted this action would violate a prior agreement and international law. The fallout from this dispute continues to escalate, particularly following significant offshore oil discoveries that have drawn attention to the region’s rich resources.
Guyana has announced its intention to approach the United Nations’ International Court of Justice regarding Venezuela’s plans to appoint a governor for the Essequibo region, an area featuring significant natural resources that Venezuela claims as its own. The Guyanese foreign ministry articulated that this initiative by Venezuela contravenes a December 2022 agreement aimed at minimizing tensions over the contested territory. Furthermore, it asserted that the residents of the Essequibo area are citizens of Guyana, and Venezuela’s actions would breach international law as defined by the U.N. Charter.
If Venezuela proceeds with the election of a governor, Guyana intends to request provisional measures from the Hague-based court. The foreign ministry emphasized that Venezuela’s the proposed administrative measures jeopardize the ongoing judicial proceedings and undermine the court’s role within the United Nations framework. Venezuela has historically acknowledged the Essequibo region as part of its territory dating back to the Spanish colonial era, despite international arbitration established in 1899 affirming it as part of Guyana.
In 2018, Guyana initiated legal proceedings at the world court, seeking affirmation for the 1899 border ruling, while Venezuela contends that a 1966 agreement supersedes the original arbitration. The anticipated ruling from the court is unlikely to occur this year since Venezuela has until late August to respond to Guyana’s submissions. Venezuela’s interest in Essequibo has intensified since significant oil and gas reserves were discovered offshore in 2015, leading to current production levels of approximately 650,000 barrels daily.
This latest confrontation follows a recent incident involving Guyana’s objections to a Venezuelan military project—a bridge constructed on Guyanese territory on Ankoko Island. Tensions had somewhat diminished in the previous year, particularly after the U.S. military conducted flights over the Guyanese capital, Georgetown, as a show of solidarity during a tense period.
The ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region has its roots in historical colonial boundaries, with Venezuela maintaining claims to the land based on its colonial past. International arbitration in 1899 established the border as currently recognized, yet Venezuela disputes this resolution, citing a later agreement from 1966. The dispute has intensified with the discovery of oil reserves near Guyana, heightening geopolitical interests in the region. Guyana’s request for intervention from the International Court of Justice reflects broader concerns about respecting international law and preserving regional stability amidst rising tensions.
In summary, Guyana’s pursuit of intervention from the U.N. International Court of Justice stems from Venezuela’s contentious claims over the Essequibo region, which are viewed as a violation of international principles and a breach of existing agreements. As the situation develops, it underscores the complexities inherent in historical territorial disputes, especially in light of recent resource discoveries. The outcome of this legal engagement could significantly impact relations and the future governance of contested territories between the two nations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
