It is ‘a duty’ of the international community to condemn Venezuela’s actions

Apr 09, 2024
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By Clestine Juan

- March 27, 2024

–Attorney-General Nandlall says; reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to peaceful, legal process in resolving border controversy–US SOUTHCOM reiterates US’ support for Guyana; points to humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, possibility of other distractions ahead of elections there

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Anil Nandlall, S.C., has voiced concern over Venezuela’s persistent disregard for World Court orders and the Argyle Declaration regarding Guyana’s Essequibo territory.

The backdrop to Nandlall’s remarks stems from recent developments in Venezuela, whereby lawmakers allied to President Nicolás Maduro approved the creation of a new state in Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region.

Despite ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela has attempted to assert itself to lay claim to Guyana’s territory, citing a December referendum as “justification.”

During his address at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, the Attorney-General highlighted the gravity of the situation.

“Nearly eight million refugees have fled Venezuela. There is another dimension to Venezuela. Venezuela continues to unlawfully claim two-thirds of the sovereign territory of its western neighbour Guyana,” he said.

The creation of the new state, named “Guayana Esequiba” by Venezuela, adds another layer of complexity to the long-standing territorial controversy. The law establishing the new state delineates its borders, encompassing Guyana’s territory.

Venezuela last year had increased claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo region.

Nandlall expounded on the historical context of the controversy, tracing it back to the Arbitral Award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary between Venezuela and Guyana.

He noted Venezuela’s acceptance of and adherence to the award for six decades until the early 1960s when Guyana was on the brink of independence.

“Venezuela made the outrageous claims that the Arbitral Award was unlawful,” Nandlall lamented, pointing out Venezuela’s persistent refusal to produce evidence supporting its claims.

He cited international agreements, including one signed in Geneva in 1966, wherein Venezuela agreed to resolve the controversy through diplomatic channels, ultimately leading to the matter being referred to the ICJ in 2018.

Nandlall pointed out that despite international condemnation and interim measures issued by the ICJ, Venezuela has continued to escalate tensions, including threats of physical invasion and the enactment of laws in its Parliament to annex two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory.

General Laura Richardson, Commander of the US Southern Command

DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE

The Attorney-General underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law in resolving the controversy, referencing the Accord signed by the Presidents of Venezuela and Guyana in December, 2023, brokered by CARICOM and CELAC, which aimed to de-escalate the conflict.

“During all of this, Guyana has emphatically maintained that the matter must be resolved by the ICJ. Further, Guyana has always maintained that diplomacy and dialogue must prevail over threats and confrontation,” he said.

Nandlall urged stakeholders to utilise their platforms to condemn Venezuela’s actions, demand compliance with international law and advocate for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

“This is not a favour to Guyana, but it is discharging a duty we owe to ourselves and indeed the world, if we are to be true to the founding principles of this organisation,” he said.

Meanwhile, United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander, General Laura Richardson, has reaffirmed unwavering support for Guyana, while closely monitoring the escalating situation.

During a recent interview with the Atlantic Council’s Front Page, General Richardson underscored the importance of supporting Guyana, a strong democracy facing challenges posed by the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

She drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, with millions fleeing the country in search of necessities such as food and health care.

“Millions of people are poured out [sic] of that country to try and find a better life, trying to find food and health care. We see that incredible precedent and human migration numbers in our region, and a large part due to what’s happening in Venezuela,” General Richardson said.

Addressing concerns about Venezuela’s military movements towards Guyana’s border, she dismissed the notion of an imminent threat, stating, “No, not that we think [it] is credible.”

However, she pointed to the continuous support and cooperation between the United States and Guyana in bolstering the latter’s defences against any potential aggression.

General Richardson also expressed apprehension about the upcoming elections in Venezuela, scheduled for July 28, as she highlighted President Maduro’s attempts to create a state of emergency, thus possibly extending his grip on power amidst widespread humanitarian crises and democratic challenges.

“What we see President Maduro doing, with elections that are now scheduled for July 28, [he is] trying to create a state of emergency and possibly being able to stay in power and continuing on with that humanitarian crisis [which] has been happening in Venezuela,” General Richardson said.

DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES

While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, General Richardson highlighted the importance of upholding democratic principles and supporting nations such as Guyana in the face of external threats.

“We continue all of our activities or operations activities, and investments with Guyana, that’s very important… We haven’t stopped anything with Guyana. Guyana has a lot of international support. And we have a lot of our allies that also work with Guyana. And so, I think that that’s very important and to show strong support for Guyana in this situation,” Richardson said.

In response to Venezuela’s actions, Guyana has been bolstering its defence and diplomatic efforts with the help of international partners, including the United States, aiming to counter security threats while promoting regional stability.

Despite these preparations, Guyanese officials have reiterated their focus on defence rather than offence.

Against this backdrop, Richardson emphasised the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among allies to ensure stability and security in the region.

“We continue to watch the situation very, very closely. And certainly, I think that in terms of what Venezuela will do, and Maduro will do to try and stay in power. He’ll continue to do those things to be able to remain the president there,” she added.

The substantive case which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

It is ‘a duty’ of the international community to condemn Venezuela’s actions - Guyana Chronicle