Guyana Appeals to ICJ to Stop Venezuela’s Esequibo Election Plans
Guyana has requested the ICJ to block Venezuela from holding elections in the disputed Esequibo area, citing violations of a previous court order. With tensions rising, including maritime disputes, Guyana seeks expedited hearings to protect its rights amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
On Thursday, Guyana requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent Venezuela from holding elections in the contested Esequibo region. According to the Guyanese foreign ministry, proceeding with the vote would infringe upon a previous ruling issued by the court.
Venezuela is set to conduct provincial elections on May 25, including leadership for state governors. The Maduro administration enacted a law last year to establish a new state within the disputed territory, despite ongoing legal proceedings regarding its sovereignty and a 2023 ICJ order intended to maintain the current status.
Guyana asserted in its statement that the UN’s highest court should restrict Venezuela from holding elections in the Esequibo area, as it would significantly violate the 2023 directive. Furthermore, Guyana has called for expedited hearings to avert severe and irreparable harm to its rights.
Recent tensions escalated concerning the Esequibo dispute, which represents over two-thirds of Guyana. This was prompted when Guyana reported that a Venezuelan coast guard patrol allegedly entered its waters and came close to an output vessel in an ExxonMobil-managed offshore oil block. The Venezuelan government contended that the waters in question are part of a maritime zone awaiting delimitation under international law.
A conclusive decision from the ICJ regarding this territorial dispute may require several years to reach.
In summary, Guyana has urged the International Court of Justice to intervene and halt Venezuela’s planned elections in the disputed Esequibo region. With assertions that such actions violate prior court rulings and could harm Guyanese rights, tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, particularly following maritime incursions by Venezuela.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
