Guyana’s Interior Minister warned that supporting Venezuela’s elections in the Essequibo could lead to treason charges. The conflict is fueled by military tensions and Venezuela’s insistence on local elections after a recent referendum to annex the region. Guyana’s long-standing claims over Essequibo are a matter of ongoing international legal proceedings.
Guyana’s Interior Minister Robeson Benn declared that support for Venezuela’s upcoming elections in the disputed Essequibo region could result in treason charges. Any individual, whether Guyanese or not, involved in Venezuela’s election plan will face legal action, particularly if appointed governor of Essequibo. Benn emphasized the government’s stance against these elections, warning that offenders would be prosecuted and imprisoned.
Benn mentioned that despite maintaining some leniency towards Venezuelan migrants with family ties, emerging support for Venezuela’s electoral intentions would incur serious repercussions. He underscored recent migrant denials as evidence of increased scrutiny and control.
The conflict escalated due to a Venezuelan naval vessel’s intrusion into Guyanese waters and the shooting of Guyanese soldiers, inflaming tensions further. Recently, Guyana requested the International Court of Justice to prevent Venezuela from carrying out its electoral plans in the Essequibo.
Venezuela’s Minister of Interior and Justice, Diosdado Cabello, indicated that elections would include a governor and eight legislative representatives from the Essequibo region. This decision follows a referendum held by Venezuela in December 2023, which aims to annex the region that Guyana has administered since 1966, a dispute currently pending in international arbitration.
Venezuela recently emphasized the significance of the Essequibo and insisted on local elections, disregarding the Argyle Agreement that prohibits escalation of the border conflict. The long-standing territorial dispute dates back to the 1899 Paris Arbitration Award which designated sovereignty to British Guiana, now Guyana. Despite Venezuela’s claim of the award being void and the subsequent Geneva Agreement of 1966, resolutions remain unresolved and Guyana continues to pursue international mediation, which Venezuela does not recognize.
In summary, Guyana’s government is firmly opposed to Venezuela’s planned elections in the Essequibo region, warning of treason charges against supporters. This situation is exacerbated by heightened military tensions and recent Venezuelan actions to assert control over the region. The ongoing territorial dispute, dating back over a century, remains unresolved as Guyana seeks international legal recourse, while Venezuela continues to challenge those efforts.
Original Source: efe.com
