Guyana Issues Treason Warning Over Support for Venezuelan Elections in Essequibo
Guyana’s Minister warns of treason for support of Venezuelan elections in Essequibo. Individuals named in electoral roles could face charges. Guyana has escalated security measures amidst ongoing tensions and has petitioned the ICJ against Venezuelan electoral plans. The historic territorial dispute remains in contention.
Guyana’s Interior Minister, Robeson Benn, issued a stern warning on March 12 that any individual supporting Venezuela’s upcoming elections in the disputed Essequibo region will face treason charges. He emphasized that any Guyanese chosen as governor of Essequibo will be prosecuted and imprisoned.
Benn acknowledged the presence of individuals aligned with Venezuelan interests in Guyana but stated that despite maintaining some leniency for cross-border family ties, endorsement of Venezuela’s electoral agenda would not be tolerated. He used recent events, including the denial of entry to 75 Venezuelan migrants and naval incursions, to underline increasing security measures.
Furthermore, he referenced a recent incident involving the shooting of six Guyanese soldiers as contributing to rising tensions. Last week, Guyana petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent Venezuela from conducting elections in Essequibo, where Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, announced plans to elect a governor and eight legislators in May.
The territorial dispute intensified after Venezuela’s unilateral referendum in December 2023 aimed at annexing Essequibo, which has been under Guyana’s control since 1966 and is currently being addressed by the ICJ. Historically, this conflict traces back to the Paris Arbitration Award in 1899, which recognized British Guiana’s sovereignty over the area. While Guyana seeks resolution through legal avenues, Venezuela refuses to acknowledge ICJ authority in this dispute.
In summary, Guyana’s government has taken a firm stance against any support for Venezuelan electoral activities in the contested Essequibo region, threatening treason charges against such individuals. Recent events have exacerbated tensions between the two countries, and the territorial dispute remains a critical issue as Guyana pursues legal resolution through the International Court of Justice while Venezuela continues to assert its claims.
Original Source: efe.com
