Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in Venezuela for discussions with President Maduro amidst tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region. Gonsalves emphasizes diplomacy and warns against conflict escalation, while Venezuela faces international criticism regarding naval activities near Guyana’s oil assets. The dispute is under consideration by the International Court of Justice.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently in Venezuela to engage in discussions with President Nicolas Maduro. This visit occurs amidst escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the disputed Essequibo region. Prime Minister Gonsalves previously met with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, where he emphasized the need for diplomacy and restraint from both nations.
In a government statement, it was highlighted that Dr. Gonsalves is acting as an interlocutor based on the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023 between the two countries. He cautioned both leaders about the potential economic and social devastation that an escalation into conflict could cause, which could destabilize the entire Latin America and Caribbean region.
The recent friction arose when Guyana notified CARICOM and the international community regarding the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel near Guyana’s oil assets. Various international bodies, including the United States and OAS, urged Venezuela to avoid further provocations, particularly concerning the ExxonMobil Floating Production and Storage vessel.
In response to President Ali’s remarks, Venezuela has rejected the allegations, accusing him of making baseless claims about violations of its maritime territory. The ongoing dispute is currently being evaluated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), concerning the legitimacy of an Arbitral Award from 1899 that defined the border between the two nations.
Guyana has recently urged the ICJ to prevent Venezuela from conducting electoral activities in the Essequibo region, arguing such actions would infringe on its sovereignty. Venezuela, on its part, has included Essequibo in its official map as part of a referendum and intends to proceed with local elections in the region.
In summary, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ mission to Venezuela signifies an effort to mediate rising tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the disputed Essequibo region. As both countries navigate this sensitive issue, the role of international bodies like the ICJ will be instrumental in maintaining peace and addressing sovereignty concerns. The call for diplomatic resolutions highlights the potential risks involved if conflicts escalate in this politically charged context.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
