Guyana Strongly Condemns Venezuela’s Actions in Essequibo Dispute

The Government of Guyana has strongly condemned recent actions and statements by Venezuela, calling them a violation of international agreements and a threat to regional stability.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Guyana expressed grave concern over Venezuela’s decision to proceed with the election of a so-called “Governor of the Guayana Esequiba” within the disputed Essequibo region.

The Ministry described this move as a clear violation of the Argyle Agreement, signed in December 2023, which mandates both nations to avoid escalating tensions and to adhere to peaceful dispute resolution processes President Nicolás Maduro’s announcement of the election on January 7, 2025, has been labeled provocative and contrary to the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

Violation of International Court OrdersGuyana highlighted that the election violates a binding December 1, 2023, order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ directed Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the situation in the disputed territory, which is currently under Guyanese administration.

According to the statement, Venezuela’s actions disregard not only the court’s directives but also its role as the UN’s principal judicial body.

The Ministry reiterated that the Essequibo region is a sovereign Guyanese territory, home to its citizens, and any attempt to involve them in such elections would contravene fundamental principles of international law.

Call for Dialogue and ComplianceWhile Guyana remains committed to resolving the dispute peacefully through dialogue, it has made clear that it will not tolerate unilateral actions that undermine its territorial integrity.

The government is urging Venezuela to cease these activities and recommit to the agreed frameworks under the Argyle Agreement and the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

In its statement, the Ministry called on Venezuela to honor its international obligations and warned that further escalation could prompt Guyana to seek additional measures from the ICJ.A Plea for Stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its hope for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long dispute and reaffirmed its commitment to international law. However, it stressed that Guyana would not condone actions that threaten its sovereignty or the rights of its people.

The dispute over the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area making up about two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, has been a contentious issue between the two South American neighbors for decades. As tensions rise, the international community will likely watch closely to see how the situation unfolds.