CARICOM Heads raised alarm over Venezuela’s election plans in Guyana’s Essequibo region during their February summit. They condemned military aggression against Guyana, reaffirmed support for its sovereignty, and urged Venezuela to respect international law. Legal proceedings are ongoing to address the territorial dispute peacefully.
During their summit held from February 19 to 21, CARICOM Heads expressed serious concerns regarding Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana. In a communique released after the summit, they urged Venezuela to refrain from conducting any elections or making territorial incursions into Guyana’s sovereign land.
The leaders condemned a recent attack on February 17 by armed Venezuelans targeting members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while they performed their lawful duties along the border. This incident added urgency to the regional leaders’ discussion on the ongoing territorial dispute.
The CARICOM Heads received an update on the Guyana/Venezuela situation and highlighted remarks made by Venezuelan officials about holding elections in Essequibo, slated for April 27, 2025. They deemed these plans a violation of international law and prior agreements, specifically referencing the United Nations Charter and relevant court orders.
The Heads reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guyana’s territorial integrity and encouraged Venezuela to comply with court proceedings. The Venezuelan government had previously submitted its counter-memorial regarding a historical border dispute, and CARICOM leaders urged timely follow-up actions to resolve the matter peacefully through established legal channels.
In summary, CARICOM Heads have articulated their severe concerns regarding Venezuela’s election plans in Essequibo, emphasizing adherence to international law. They condemned military aggression against Guyana and reinforced support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid ongoing territorial disputes. Through legal means, the intention is to resolve this conflict without escalating tensions between the two nations.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
