Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves cautions that tensions will persist after the ICJ’s ruling on the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. He indicated that Guyana alerted the international community about a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence, while Venezuela refutes claims of violating Guyanese territory. The ongoing dispute relates to the Arbitral Award of 1899, with Guyana seeking the ICJ’s validation of its territorial claims.
In a recent statement, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines expressed concerns regarding unresolved tensions following the forthcoming decision from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the longstanding border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. He emphasized, “Whichever way they go, you’re still going to have tensions.” Gonsalves noted that as an interlocutor under the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023, he anticipates the ICJ’s judgment to be announced later this year or early next year.
Gonsalves admitted uncertainty regarding the ICJ’s progress, saying, “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not too up-to-speed on the progress of the litigation,” while reminding that the court is deliberating following previous hearings. Recently, the situation escalated as Guyana alerted regional and international organizations about a Venezuelan naval vessel’s prolonged presence near its oil assets, prompting calls for Venezuela to cease provocations against Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Venezuela, however, has dismissed accusations from Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, claiming the latter “categorically repudiates the baseless remarks” and described Ali’s statements as fabrications. Caracas maintains that the waters in question do not belong to Guyana as these areas are still under delimitation according to international regulations.
The dispute centers on the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which established the land boundary between the two nations. Guyana submitted the case to the ICJ in March 2018, and while the court has already asserted its jurisdiction, it continues to deliberate on the merit of the claims presented.
In summary, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the inevitability of ongoing tensions regardless of the ICJ’s ruling regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute. As the case unfolds, both nations maintain their respective stances, with Guyana stressing its territorial claims while Venezuela contests them. The outcome of the ICJ’s decision could significantly impact regional relations and ongoing maritime disputes.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
