Guyana Seeks UN Court Intervention Against Venezuelan Elections in Disputed Essequibo Region

Guyana has petitioned the UN’s International Court of Justice to intervene after Venezuela announced plans to hold elections in the disputed Essequibo region, rich in oil, claiming the territory as its own. This follows a controversial referendum and earlier legislative actions by Venezuela. Guyana seeks to protect its sovereignty and prevent any actions contradicting the ICJ’s prior orders.

Guyana has approached the United Nations’ highest court for relief concerning Venezuela’s announcement of elections in the contentious Essequibo region, an area rich in oil resources. Venezuela plans to conduct these elections on May 25, including Essequibo, which has been governed by Guyana for over a century. This decision follows a non-binding referendum in December 2023, where 95 percent of voters purportedly approved Venezuela’s claim to the territory.

In March 2022, Venezuela’s parliament passed a law declaring Essequibo as its 24th state, a move rejected by Guyana and several other nations. Despite international opposition, President Nicolás Maduro signed this bill into law. In response, Guyana filed a request with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, seeking provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from conducting elections in Essequibo, which constitutes two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

Guyana asserts that the borders of Essequibo were established by an arbitration panel in 1899. Conversely, Venezuela contends that the Essequibo River has served as a natural border since as early as 1777. This territorial dispute intensified after the discovery of significant oil reserves by ExxonMobil in 2015, leading to heightened tensions as Guyana began auctioning oil blocks in the area.

The ICJ had earlier provided provisional measures in December 2023, directing Venezuela to abstain from any actions regarding the disputed territory. Guyana’s foreign ministry indicated that Venezuela’s plans to hold elections contravene this order, urging the court to expedite a hearing. Additionally, recent reports highlighted the United States’ condemnation of Venezuelan naval vessels perceived as threatening activities against an ExxonMobil unit in the region.

The ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has escalated, particularly following Venezuela’s announcement of elections in the disputed Essequibo region, which Guyana has governed for over a century. Guyana’s appeal to the International Court of Justice reflects its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity. The situation remains fragile, particularly following the discovery of oil reserves that have intensified interests in the region and led to international diplomatic tensions.

Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv