Guyana is asking the ICJ to stop Venezuela from holding elections in the disputed Esequibo region, claiming it violates a court order. Venezuela plans to hold elections on May 25 despite ongoing legal disputes. Guyana is also calling for expedited hearings due to possible prejudice against its rights. Tensions have escalated following incidents involving Venezuelan coast guard vessels.
Guyana has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent Venezuela from conducting elections in the disputed Esequibo region. According to the Guyanese foreign ministry, these elections would breach a previous ruling by the ICJ. Venezuela is set to hold provincial elections on May 25, which include state governor positions, despite the ongoing legal dispute regarding the territory’s sovereignty.
President Nicolas Maduro’s government enacted legislation last year to create a new state within the contested Esequibo territory. This action contradicts a recent ICJ ruling requiring Venezuela to refrain from altering the current status of the area. Guyana emphasized the need for the ICJ to issue an order to block these elections, arguing that they represent a blatant violation of the 2023 court order.
In its statement, Guyana also asked for expedited hearings due to concerns of potential “serious and irremediable prejudice” to its rights amid the ongoing tensions. Last weekend, tensions escalated when Guyana reported a Venezuelan coast guard vessel intruding into its waters near an ExxonMobil-operated offshore oil block. Venezuela contends that they were within a maritime zone awaiting delimitation according to international law.
A conclusive decision from the ICJ regarding the Esequibo sovereignty dispute could take several years to resolve. Both nations have historical claims to the territory, which covers over 160,000 square kilometers (62,000 square miles) of land.
Guyana’s plea to the ICJ highlights the ongoing tensions between it and Venezuela regarding the Esequibo region. With Venezuela planning elections in the disputed area, Guyana argues that this violates a court order prohibiting actions that alter the status quo. The request for swift hearings demonstrates the urgency Guyana feels over the potential impact on its rights. A final decision from the ICJ on this matter may take years, keeping the dispute in limbo.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
