The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana released a statement this Thursday, strongly condemning Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s move to ratify the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guyana Esequiba.” The aforementioned law validates the results of a December referendum in which Venezuelan citizens voted in favor of a claim of sovereignty over the disputed Essequibo region.
As per the statement, the Republic of Guyana reaffirmed its condemnation of the attempt by the Venezuelan government to include over two-thirds of Guyana’s independent territory within Venezuela. This act directly opposes the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between both states. A final decision has been reached regarding the border burdened with disputes between both nations, decided upon by the International Court of Justice.
Venezuela also responded, referring to Guyana’s statement as an “intrusion.” It defended its act of passing the law as sovereign and in line with the mandate expressed in the referendum. Venezuela rejected the involvement of ICJ, who Guyana plans on consulting to resolve the controversy.
This ongoing conflict between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region stretches back more than 180 years. The dispute exacerbated in 2015 when oil deposits were discovered in the same region, and their rights were claimed by the Republic of Guyana.