Gonsalves Warns of Continued Tensions Amid ICJ Ruling on…

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines warns of ongoing tensions following an expected ICJ ruling in the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He remarks that tensions will persist regardless of the judgment, which is anticipated later this year or early next year. The conflict involves the Arbitral Award of 1899 and has seen recent escalations involving Venezuelan naval activities.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, cautioned about the potential for ongoing tensions following the anticipated ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the long-standing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He affirmed, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions,” during a recent radio address.

Gonsalves, who acts as an interlocutor based on the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023, indicated that the ICJ is expected to release its judgment later this year or early next year. He expressed uncertainty about the progression of the case, stating, “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not too up-to-speed on the progress of the litigation.”

The ongoing dispute escalated recently when Guyana alerted CARICOM and the international community about a Venezuelan naval vessel that remained near its oil assets for an extended period. In response, multiple entities, including the United States and CARICOM, urged Venezuela to refrain from provocations concerning the ExxonMobil vessel.

Venezuela has refuted claims made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, accusing him of making unfounded allegations. Caracas asserted that the waters in question are not part of Guyanese territory, referencing the need for delimitation as dictated by international law.

The border dispute centers around the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, with the ICJ previously affirming its jurisdiction. The court will ultimately determine the validity of this award, which defines the land boundary between the two nations. The case, initiated by Guyana in March 2018, aims for a judicial resolution on the matter, which affects a significant oil-rich region known as Essequibo.

In summary, Prime Minister Gonsalves warns of persistent tensions following the ICJ ruling in the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, regardless of the verdict. The anticipation builds as the ICJ prepares its judgment on a conflict that has lasted for decades, with both nations positioned firmly in their respective stances. The involvement of international bodies underscores the significance of this issue in regional stability.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com