Guyana Requests ICJ to Prevent Venezuela’s Elections in Disputed Esequibo Region
Guyana has requested the International Court of Justice to stop Venezuela from holding elections in Esequibo, citing violations of a prior court ruling. The elections are scheduled for May 25, and Guyana seeks expedited hearings to prevent serious harm to its rights. The territorial dispute intensified with recent reported maritime incidents.
Guyana has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prohibit Venezuela from proceeding with elections scheduled in the disputed Esequibo region. This action is based on the assertion that such elections would contravene a prior ruling by the court, as stated by the Guyanese foreign ministry. The elections in question are set for May 25, encompassing provincial votes including that for state governors.
The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, enacted legislation last year that established a new state within the contested territory, disregarding ongoing legal deliberations at the ICJ regarding the sovereignty of Esequibo. Guyana contends that this move contradicts a 2023 court order mandating Venezuela to refrain from actions altering the region’s status quo, prompting their call for the UN’s top court to intervene.
In their statement, Guyana emphasized the need for expedited hearings by the ICJ to avert potential serious and irreversible harm to its rights concerning the territory, which spans over 160,000 square kilometers (62,000 square miles). The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
Recent escalations in tensions were noted when the Guyanese government reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel intruded into its maritime waters, coming close to an output vessel operated by ExxonMobil in an offshore block. The Venezuelan government defended its actions by claiming that the waters are part of a maritime zone subject to delimitation under international law. It is important to note that a definitive ruling from the ICJ on the territorial dispute may take several years.
In conclusion, Guyana’s appeal to the International Court of Justice seeks to block Venezuela’s electoral plans in Esequibo, citing violations of international orders. The tension surrounding the territory continues to escalate, particularly in the wake of reported maritime disputes. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain, with the ICJ’s final ruling expected to require considerable time before resolution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
