Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves warns of continuing tensions following the ICJ ruling on the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He emphasized that regardless of the court’s decision, tensions will persist. The matter is compounded by recent Venezuelan naval activity near Guyanese oil assets, four years after Guyana filed its case with the ICJ over an 1899 territorial award.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines has warned of ongoing tensions post-International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling regarding the longstanding border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He conveyed that tensions will persist regardless of the judgment’s outcome, as he discussed the matter during his weekly radio program.
Gonsalves, serving as an interlocutor due to the December 2023 Argyle Agreement, noted the ICJ is expected to deliver its ruling later this year or early next year. “I’m not too up-to-speed on the progress of the litigation,” he mentioned while addressing the public.
Recently, Guyana reported the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near its oil assets, prompting reactions from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the international community. Organizations including CARICOM, the United States, and the Commonwealth have urged Venezuela to avoid further provocation regarding ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Venezuela has flatly rejected accusations made by Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, asserting that their naval presence does not violate Guyanese maritime territory. Caracas claims that the disputed waters lack clear territorial designation under international law.
The ongoing case is centered on the 1899 Arbitral Award, with the ICJ previously asserting jurisdiction over the dispute. Guyana’s filing in March 2018 seeks to validate this award, crucial as it delineates vital assets, including the oil-rich Essequibo region which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana’s territory.
In summary, tensions between Guyana and Venezuela are expected to persist following the upcoming ICJ ruling. Prime Minister Gonsalves highlights the complexities of the situation exacerbated by recent military provocations. The international community remains involved, advocating for diplomatic resolutions as the legal proceedings concerning territorial claims progress.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
