Guyana’s Diplomatic Efforts Amid Venezuelan Election Controversy

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo declared Venezuela to be in a weak position in light of its escalated tensions and alleged violations of international law regarding the Essequibo region. Guyana is actively pursuing all diplomatic avenues with the ICJ and international partners to prevent Venezuela’s electoral maneuvers, which could endanger its territorial integrity.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana characterized Venezuela’s position as weak, noting the nation has made what he termed “infantile” remarks. He emphasized Guyana’s commitment to engaging with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its international partners in response to Venezuela’s escalated tensions that threaten regional peace.

Jagdeo highlighted Venezuela’s recent actions as violations of a December 2023 ICJ ruling and the Argyle Declaration, mainly due to its plans to hold elections in the disputed Essequibo region. He stated that Guyana seeks the Court’s urgent intervention to halt Venezuela’s electoral endeavors, which are anticipated to infringe upon international law and the ICJ’s orders.

Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation released a statement asserting that Venezuela’s electoral maneuvers are preparatory acts likely to affect the people of Essequibo and undermine the territorial integrity of Guyana. Consequently, the government is appealing for the ICJ to mandate Venezuela to cease all claims and activities regarding Essequibo.

Furthermore, Jagdeo denounced Venezuelan officials’ remarks about President Dr. Irfaan Ali as immature. Notably, these officials have compared President Ali to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to him as the “Caribbean Zelenskyy.”

This engagement with the ICJ marks Guyana’s second request for provisional measures, following a ruling from late 2023 that favored Guyana by ordering Venezuela to avoid actions altering the current territorial situation. Concerns have been raised by the Guyanese government regarding potential irreversible harm to sovereignty and resident rights in Essequibo should there be any delays in the Court’s intervention.

In summary, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated Guyana’s unwavering stance against Venezuelan election plans for the disputed Essequibo region, urging the ICJ for immediate intervention. He noted that Venezuela’s recent actions breach prior legal mandates and compromise Guyana’s sovereignty. The government’s proactive diplomacy underscores the necessity of maintaining regional stability and protecting its territorial integrity.

Original Source: newsroom.gy