The Prime Minister of St. Vincent has traveled to Venezuela to discuss escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over a border dispute. He stresses the need for diplomacy to prevent conflict. Recent Venezuelan naval incursions have aggravated the situation, drawing criticism from the international community. Previous agreements and rulings from the International Court of Justice have been alleged to be violated, and diplomatic efforts continue to seek resolution.
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has traveled to Venezuela to engage in discussions with President Nicolas Maduro regarding escalating tensions with Guyana over a border dispute. The meeting is scheduled for midday, following Dr. Gonsalves’ arrival in Venezuela the previous evening. He has urged calm and diplomacy to both parties involved, stressing the dire consequences of conflict, which could lead to severe economic and social implications for both nations as well as instability across the Latin America and Caribbean region.
These tensions have intensified following a recent Venezuelan naval incursion into Guyana’s waters, wherein a military vessel confronted oil ships operating in the region. The Venezuelan crew questioned the Captains regarding their activities and falsely asserted that the oil ships were illegally present in Venezuelan territory. In response, Guyana dispatched additional maritime and aerial resources and informed the international community of this threatening situation.
In a national address, President Irfaan Ali condemned the actions of the Maduro Government, labeling the incident as a serious escalation. The international community, including the United States, United Kingdom, CARICOM, The Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States, promptly criticized the Venezuelan Government’s maneuvers.
Dr. Gonsalves has acknowledged the legitimacy of Guyana’s operations in their waters, although he expresses concern that tensions may persist despite future rulings by the International Court of Justice. This court is currently deliberating on the validity of the 1899 settlement concerning the border dispute.
Previously, in December 2023, the two presidents met in St. Vincent, resulting in the Argyle Declaration, which stipulated that both countries would avoid any form of aggression, particularly related to ongoing disputes. The International Court of Justice further issued provisional measures, prohibiting Venezuela from actions that could alter the current situation in the contested Essequibo region, which is under Guyanese administration.
However, Guyana has reported that Venezuela has breached the Court’s orders and the stipulations of the Argyle Declaration by continuing its claims over Essequibo and by illegally sending military vessels into Guyanese waters. President Ali has subsequently declared that he will not engage with President Maduro following these actions from Caracas.
In summary, the diplomatic efforts between St. Vincent and the Grenadines, represented by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and Venezuela, under President Nicolas Maduro, aim to alleviate rising tensions with Guyana over a contentious border dispute. Recent provocations from Venezuela have raised significant concerns, impacting regional stability and prompting international condemnation. An emphasis on diplomatic resolution is vital to avert potential conflict and humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
