Guyana is aware of Venezuelan “sleepers” in its territory and warns of treason charges for anyone supporting Venezuela’s elections in the disputed Essequibo region. The government has appealed to the ICJ to block such activities that may infringe on its sovereignty, while Venezuela plans elections claiming the Essequibo as its own. In a related effort, Guyana recently deported 75 Venezuelans who illegally entered its territory.
Guyana’s government has raised concerns regarding the presence of Venezuelan “sleepers” within its borders, with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn warning of impending treason charges against anyone supporting Venezuela’s elections in the disputed Essequibo region. This includes Guyanese nationals appointed as officials, who will be prosecuted under treason laws. Benn stated, “We know that there are some sleepers here; we’ve put out a few already,” stressing the government’s vigilance against these elements.
To safeguard its territorial integrity, Guyana has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent Venezuela from conducting elections in the Essequibo region, asserting that such activities infringe on its sovereignty. The Foreign Ministry underscored the need to block any electoral actions that could affect the Guyanese population before the elections set for May 25 in Venezuela.
Venezuela has controversially included the Essequibo region in its official maps and intends to hold elections for a governor and legislative council, despite the ongoing border dispute with Guyana, which stems from a 1899 arbitration ruling. The elections aim to establish governance over the area Venezuela claims as the “Guayana Esequiba State,” despite international law recognizing the territory as part of Guyana.
The ICJ is currently reviewing the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award, with Guyana having filed the case in March 2018. The Court has affirmed its jurisdiction and is set to issue a decision based on the merits of the case. Additionally, Guyana has recently deported 75 Venezuelans, including minors, who illegally entered its territory via boat, ensuring they were treated humanely during the process.
Guyana is proactive in addressing the threats posed by Venezuelan “sleepers” and foreign electoral interference in the disputed Essequibo region. With potential treason charges looming for those involved in Venezuela’s electoral plans, the country is firmly asserting its territorial claims while seeking judicial intervention through the ICJ. This ongoing geopolitical strife underscores the complex history and legal disputes surrounding national boundaries between Venezuela and Guyana.
Original Source: trinidadexpress.com
