Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves forecasts ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela post-ICJ decision on the Essequibo region. Recent Venezuelan naval activities have drawn international concern. Gonsalves emphasizes the importance of the Argyle Declaration in preventing escalation, even as the ICJ deliberates the case and Guyana requests provisional orders.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, predicts that tensions surrounding the Essequibo region will persist between Guyana and Venezuela, regardless of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) upcoming ruling. During his weekly radio program, he expressed skepticism about a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that tensions will remain despite the court’s decision. “Even after the ICJ delivers its judgement whichever way it goes, you still going to have tensions,” Gonsalves stated.
Recent events have heightened tensions, with Guyana alerting CARICOM and the international community about a Venezuelan naval presence near its oil assets. In response, several countries, including the United States and members of CARICOM, have urged Venezuela to refrain from provocative actions that threaten Guyana’s oil operations, specifically ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel. Gonsalves affirmed the legitimacy of these operations, noting they are clearly within Guyana’s jurisdiction.
Following these incursions, Gonsalves called for a meeting among stakeholders to prevent further violations of the affected areas. Despite criticisms regarding the Argyle Declaration, which was designed to facilitate peace, he argued that it plays a crucial role in de-escalating tensions between the two nations. “Argyle declaration and the mechanisms therein have assisted in keeping the peace and lessening tensions,” he remarked, highlighting the declaration’s importance.
Currently, the ICJ is adjudicating the dispute regarding the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, with specific warnings to Venezuela regarding any actions that may be viewed as annexation efforts. In light of recent tensions, Guyana has also sought provisional measures from the ICJ to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with the election of a governor for Essequibo.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves anticipates that tensions between Guyana and Venezuela will continue after the ICJ ruling on the Essequibo dispute. Recent Venezuelan naval activities near Guyana’s oil sites have heightened the situation, prompting international calls for restraint. Gonsalves underscores the value of the Argyle Declaration in maintaining peace despite criticisms, all while the ICJ case progresses and Guyana seeks protective measures against Venezuelan actions.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
