Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves cautions of ongoing tensions post-ICJ ruling in the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, emphasizing that the situation is complex and may lead to further provocations. Recent military encounters emphasize the sensitivity surrounding the case, relevant to an 1899 territorial agreement.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing tensions surrounding the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) renders its ruling. He stated that irrespective of the judgment’s outcome, tensions are likely to persist.
In his weekly radio address, Gonsalves, who acts as a mediator per the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023, mentioned uncertainty regarding the timeline of the court’s decision, which is expected sometime later this year or early next year. He acknowledged that the ICJ’s deliberative process may require additional time following the hearings that have already taken place.
Recently, Guyana raised alarms with CARICOM and the international community regarding a Venezuelan naval vessel’s prolonged presence near its oil assets. In response, several organizations including the United States, France, and the Organization of American States have urged Venezuela to avoid further provocations, particularly concerning ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Venezuela, however, has rejected Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali’s statements, asserting that such comments are “baseless” and that the maritime territory in question is not part of Guyanese jurisdiction. Caracas contends that these waters are under an unresolved delimitation status according to international law.
The ongoing case at the ICJ revolves around the Arbitral Award of 1899. Venezuela has been cautioned by the court against any attempts to annex the Essequibo region, which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana’s territory and is vital for its economic resources. Guyana initiated this court action in March 2018 to affirm the validity of the historical boundary established by the Arbitral Award, and the ICJ has confirmed its authority to adjudicate this matter.
In summary, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has asserted that tensions between Guyana and Venezuela will continue regardless of the ICJ’s ruling on their border dispute. Both nations are involved in a legal process concerning an 1899 award that defines their territorial boundaries, with heightened international scrutiny on Venezuela’s military actions near Guyanese waters. The resolution of this dispute remains crucial for regional stability.
Original Source: suntci.com
