St. Vincent PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves visits Venezuela to discuss escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over a border dispute. He urges calm and diplomacy following a naval incursion by Venezuela into Guyanese waters. Despite international condemnations and previous agreements, tensions persist, posing risks of conflict.
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is visiting Venezuela to discuss rising tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over a significant border dispute. Gonsalves is the Interlocutor of the Argyle Declaration, which aimed to foster peaceful relations between the two nations. His meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is scheduled for midday following his arrival in Venezuela late last evening.
In a statement, Gonsalves emphasized the need for calm and diplomacy, having previously communicated with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali. He warned that any escalation into conflict could lead to severe economic and social repercussions for both countries and destabilize the wider Latin American and Caribbean region, potentially sparking a humanitarian crisis.
Tensions flared between Guyana and Venezuela two weeks ago when a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters, questioning the presence of oil ships operating there. Venezuelan officials inaccurately claimed these ships were in their territory, prompting Guyana to enhance its naval and aerial surveillance and alert the international community about the incident.
In a national address, President Ali labeled the naval incursion a serious escalation by Venezuela. Condemnations of Venezuela’s actions came swiftly from multiple international bodies, including the US, UK, CARICOM, and the Organization of American States (OAS). Prime Minister Gonsalves reaffirmed that the oil ships are indeed operating within Guyanese waters but anticipates ongoing tensions despite pending decisions from the International Court of Justice regarding the border dispute.
Previously, in December 2023, Ali and Maduro had met and signed the Argyle Declaration, committing to avoid threatening actions or use of force over border issues. Following that, the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures prohibiting Venezuela from any actions that could alter the status of the Essequibo region, which Guyana administers. Nonetheless, reports indicate Venezuela has violated these measures and continued its claims over Essequibo, prompting Ali to refuse further meetings with Maduro.
The situation between Guyana and Venezuela remains tense due to ongoing territorial disputes. St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Gonsalves is pushing for diplomatic resolution amid warnings of possible conflict consequences. Recent naval encounters have heightened concerns, and despite international interventions, tensions could persist as both nations navigate their claims. The involvement of the International Court of Justice and the Argyle Declaration signifies a framework for peace, yet adherence to these agreements is in question.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
