Gonsalves Warns of Ongoing Tensions Post-ICJ Ruling in…

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, warned of persisting tensions after the ICJ’s ruling on the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He noted the inevitability of tensions regardless of the court’s decision and highlighted recent provocative naval activities by Venezuela. The ICJ is reviewing the legitimacy of an 1899 border Arbitral Award that has significant implications for both nations.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, expressed concerns about ongoing tensions even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its ruling on the prolonged border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He remarked that, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions,” highlighting the inevitability of discord regardless of the ICJ’s decision.

As an interlocutor based on the Argyle Agreement established in December 2023, Gonsalves noted that the ICJ is expected to announce its judgment later this year or early next year. He acknowledged, however, that his knowledge on the matter is limited, stating, “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not too up-to-speed on the progress of the litigation.”

The recent tensions intensified when Guyana reported the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near its oil assets. In response, international bodies, including the United States, France, CARICOM, and the Organization of American States (OAS), urged Venezuela to refrain from further provocations involving ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Venezuela’s government rejected the accusations from Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, describing them as baseless. Caracas asserted that Ali is misleading the public regarding the maritime territory, claiming, “those waters do not form part of Guyanese territory since it is a maritime zone pending delimitation in accordance with international law.”

The ICJ is currently examining the legitimacy of the Arbitral Award dated October 3, 1899, concerning the disputed Essequibo region, which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana’s territory and is rich in resources. Guyana filed the case in March 2018, seeking a definitive ruling on the border delineation. The ICJ has confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and will address the case based on its merits.

In summary, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has indicated that tensions will remain after the upcoming ICJ ruling regarding the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. The ongoing situation, exacerbated by recent maritime confrontations, has drawn significant international attention and scrutiny. Despite Gonsalves’ role as an interlocutor, the complexities of historical claims and modern geopolitics ensure that relations between the two nations remain strained, irrespective of the court’s judgment.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com