The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is in Venezuela for talks with President Maduro regarding rising tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region. Gonsalves emphasized diplomatic solutions to prevent economic and social fallout, amidst international concern over possible conflict. The dispute is currently under review by the International Court of Justice.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has traveled to Venezuela for discussions with President Nicolas Maduro amidst escalating tensions with Guyana concerning the disputed Essequibo region. Gonsalves arrived from Georgetown, where he engaged with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. A government statement indicated that Gonsalves will participate in talks with Maduro following a reminder of the Argyle Agreement signed by both countries in December 2023.
During his conversation with President Ali, Prime Minister Gonsalves emphasized the importance of calm and diplomacy, cautioning that a conflict could lead to severe economic and social repercussions for both nations, destabilizing the entire Latin American and Caribbean area potentially resulting in a humanitarian crisis. He reiterated their commitment to keeping the region a Zone of Peace.
The current tensions arose when Guyana alerted CARICOM and the international community regarding a Venezuelan naval vessel’s proximity to its oil assets. In response, international entities, including the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), urged Venezuela to alleviate provocations against ExxonMobil’s operations. Venezuela dismissed President Ali’s assertions, declaring them to be unfounded claims.
Both nations are presenting their case regarding the Essequibo region before the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has warned Venezuela against any attempts to annex the area. Guyana’s case, filed in March 2018, seeks validation of an 1899 Arbitral Award designating the territorial boundary. The ICJ has affirmed its jurisdiction regarding this matter and will evaluate it on the merits of the case.
Furthermore, in light of Venezuela’s announced elections scheduled for May 25, Guyana has appealed to the ICJ to prevent Venezuela from initiating electoral activities in the Essequibo region. Guyana’s foreign ministry expressed concerns that such actions could infringe on its sovereignty and affect its population. Provisions made by Venezuela to incorporate the Essequibo region into its official maps could complicate the ongoing border dispute.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’s diplomatic efforts in Venezuela underscore the urgency of addressing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo territory. The discussions aim to reinforce the commitment to peace and prevent escalation into conflict. Both nations continue to navigate a complex legal dispute in the ICJ while international stakeholders advocate for stability and diplomatic resolution.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
