St. Vincent PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is in Venezuela to meet President Maduro addressing Guyana-Venezuela border tensions. He stresses diplomacy to avoid humanitarian crises. Tensions escalated following a Venezuelan naval intrusion in Guyanese waters. The International Court of Justice’s involvement is pivotal to the dispute’s resolution.
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has traveled to Venezuela for discussions with President Nicolas Maduro regarding escalating tensions with Guyana over a border dispute. The meeting is anticipated to occur shortly after Dr. Gonsalves’ arrival, with the Prime Minister advocating for diplomatic dialogue and cautioning against potential conflict.
In a prior conversation with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Dr. Gonsalves emphasized that a confrontation would have dire economic and social repercussions not only for the involved nations but for the entire Latin American and Caribbean region, potentially leading to humanitarian crises.
Tensions flared two weeks ago when a Venezuelan naval vessel intruded into Guyana’s waters, questioning oil ship crews operating there and erroneously asserting they were in Venezuelan territory. In light of this move, Guyana activated sea and aerial surveillance and informed the international community about the aggressive conduct.
President Ali characterized the incident as a significant provocation from the Maduro administration, prompting immediate condemnation from international bodies including the United States, the United Kingdom, CARICOM, and others. Dr. Gonsalves reaffirmed that the oil vessels were indeed in Guyana’s jurisdiction but anticipates that discord will persist even after the International Court of Justice rules on the ongoing border dispute.
The Court is currently reviewing a case filed by Guyana, which seeks to affirm the 1899 agreement that delineates the border. A meeting between Presidents Ali and Maduro in December resulted in the issuance of the Argyle Declaration, which stipulates non-aggression between both countries.
The International Court has also imposed measures to prevent Venezuela from altering the situation in the Essequibo region, where Guyana claims administrative control. Nevertheless, Guyana asserts that Venezuela has disregarded this Court ruling and the Argyle Declaration by maintaining its claims over Essequibo and conducting military maneuvers in the disputed waters, prompting President Ali to refuse further meetings with President Maduro under these circumstances.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ visit to Venezuela underscores the urgent need for diplomacy amidst rising tensions between Guyana and Venezuela concerning a border dispute. The international community’s prompt condemnation of Venezuela’s actions reflects global concern over stability in the region. The ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice are critical in determining the resolution of this issue, while past agreements and declarations reiterate the importance of peaceful relations.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
