Guyana Raises Protests Against Venezuela’s Bridge Inauguration on Ankoko Island
Guyana is protesting Venezuela’s inauguration of a bridge on Ankoko Island, claiming it as an illegitimate assertion of rights to Guyanese territory. President Irfaan Ali condemned the construction, while Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd expressed Guyana’s intent to pursue legal avenues in addressing the dispute. President Ali reaffirmed the nation’s refusal to accept Venezuelan provocations during a recent event.
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Guyana have reached a new low following the recent inauguration of a bridge on Ankoko Island by Caracas. This move has spurred outrage in Guyana, particularly as the island, which is divided between the two nations, has been under Venezuelan control since it was seized in 1966. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali has denounced the bridge construction as a “illegitimate claim” over land that belongs to Guyana, signaling the government’s refusal to accept Venezuela’s unilateral actions in the intricately contested region.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd has formally protested this act, asserting Guyana’s intent to address these grievances through international legal avenues. During a Christmas Luncheon at the Guyana Defence Force’s Base Camp Ayanganna, President Ali emphasized resilience, stating that Guyana will not tolerate provocations from its neighbor. The official stance reflects a commitment to maintaining territorial integrity while navigating diplomatic channels.
The conflict over Ankoko Island is rooted in historical disputes between Venezuela and Guyana regarding territorial claims dating back to the colonial era. The island is located at the confluence of the two countries and is claimed by Guyana but has been under Venezuelan administration since the mid-20th century. The region’s geopolitical significance is magnified by its natural resources and strategic location, making the newsworthy developments around the disputed territory critical in understanding the broader tensions between the two nations.
In summary, the recent inauguration of a bridge by Venezuela on Ankoko Island has heightened diplomatic tensions with Guyana, prompting assertive denunciations from President Ali and formal protests from the Guyanese government. This situation underscores ongoing territorial disputes and reflects Guyana’s commitment to addressing the matter through international legal mechanisms, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy in resolving such conflicts. The developments serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in regional relations in South America.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com