St. Vincent’s PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is in Venezuela to meet with President Maduro regarding escalating tensions with Guyana over a border dispute. The incident involves a Venezuelan naval vessel questioning oil ships in Guyana’s waters, prompting diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict. Both nations previously endorsed the Argyle Declaration to maintain peace, yet Venezuela’s actions raise concerns about adherence to international judgments and regional stability.
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has traveled to Venezuela to engage in discussions with President Nicolas Maduro concerning the rising tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over border disputes. Dr. Gonsalves, who is also the Interlocutor for the Argyle Declaration, is scheduled to meet with Maduro to address recent conflicts arising from a Venezuelan naval vessel incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters.
Following a conversation with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, Dr. Gonsalves emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and urged both nations to resolve their issues through diplomatic means. He warned that escalating tensions could lead to significant economic and social consequences for both countries, potentially destabilizing the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
Tensions have significantly increased following a Venezuelan naval vessel’s incursion, where it contacted oil ship captains, challenging their presence and falsely claiming they were operating in Venezuelan waters. In response, Guyana has strengthened its maritime and aerial surveillance and alerted the international community of the incident, which President Ali described as a serious escalation by Venezuela.
International bodies, including the US, UK, CARICOM, The Commonwealth, and the OAS, promptly condemned Venezuela’s actions. Prime Minister Gonsalves reaffirmed Guyana’s sovereignty over the waters in question while suggesting potential ongoing tensions despite an upcoming ruling from the International Court of Justice regarding the border dispute.
In December 2023, both President Ali and President Maduro signed the Argyle Declaration, pledging to avoid threats or force amidst their existing tensions. The International Court of Justice also issued provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from altering the existing control over the Essequibo region, which Guyana currently administers. However, Guyana has accused Venezuela of disregarding both the Court’s order and the Argyle Declaration by continuing its claims and executing plans in Essequibo, further aggravating the situation. President Ali has stated he will not meet with Maduro under these circumstances.
In conclusion, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ visit to Venezuela aims to mediate tensions stemming from border disputes with Guyana. The Prime Minister advocates for diplomatic resolution to prevent conflict and economic repercussions, as tensions have escalated following a Venezuelan naval incursion. Despite the Argyle Declaration and International Court mandates, worries persist regarding Venezuela’s adherence to agreements, with potential implications for regional stability continuing to evolve.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
