Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves predicts ongoing tensions after the ICJ ruling in the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. Despite the court’s judgment, recent developments and accusations between the countries indicate that the situation remains volatile, particularly concerning territorial claims and oil resources.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has indicated that tensions will persist despite the forthcoming ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the longstanding border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He stated, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions.” Gonsalves, acting as an intermediary based on the Argyle Agreement, noted that the judgment is anticipated later this year or early next year.
In addressing the ongoing conflict, Gonsalves expressed uncertainty regarding the litigation’s progress, acknowledging that the ICJ requires time to prepare its judgment following previous hearings. Recent developments include Guyana notifying CARICOM and the international community of a Venezuelan naval vessel’s proximity to its oil assets for four hours, raising alarms about potential aggression in the region.
The United States, France, CARICOM, and other organizations have urged Venezuela to refrain from further provocation, especially regarding ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Venezuela, however, has rejected these remarks from Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, claiming they are “baseless” and accusing him of lying about territorial violations.
The dispute centers on the Arbitral Award issued on October 3, 1899, which established the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The ICJ has asserted its jurisdiction over the case, which Guyana initiated in March 2018 to validate the Arbitral Award, as tensions surrounding the disputed Essequibo region continue to simmer. This area is rich in oil resources and constitutes about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, currently home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.
In summary, Prime Minister Gonsalves warns that lingering tensions are expected regardless of the ICJ’s ruling on the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. Both nations remain on high alert, especially following the recent presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near Guyana’s oil assets. The case before the ICJ is crucial for resolving the historical boundary issues, with significant implications for both domestic and international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
