Tensions Between Guyana and Venezuela over Border Dispute Continue

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela recently held a meeting to address the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. While both sides pledged not to resort to threats or force, they were unable to reach an agreement on how to resolve the contentious issue regarding a border region that holds significant reserves of oil and minerals.

To tackle this problem, a joint commission consisting of foreign ministers from both countries and other officials has been established. They are expected to deliver a report within three months outlining potential solutions.

As part of the meeting, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro agreed to reconvene in Brazil within three months or at a mutually agreed-upon time. The leaders also made a commitment to avoid any actions or rhetoric that could further escalate the conflict.

The disputed region, Essequibo, has raised concerns about the possibility of military conflict, although many consider it unlikely. For decades, Venezuela has asserted that Essequibo was within its territory during the Spanish colonial period and argues that a 1966 Geneva agreement between Venezuela, Britain, and British Guiana (now Guyana) nullified a border established by international arbitrators in 1899.

The recent discovery of oil in Guyana has reignited this century-old dispute. Venezuela intensified its claim after reporting that its citizens voted in a December 3 referendum in favor of claiming two-thirds of their neighboring country.

This lengthy and high-stakes meeting between Ali and Maduro took place at the main international airport in St. Vincent, a Caribbean island. Several prime ministers from other Caribbean nations were also in attendance.

The joint declaration acknowledged the stalemate between Ali and Maduro. It stated that Guyana believes the border controversy should be resolved by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands. However, Venezuela has not consented to this approach and refuses to recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

Neither Ali nor Maduro addressed the press following the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Guyana’s government released a statement reiterating that Essequibo is non-negotiable. President Ali echoed this sentiment during a press conference held during a break in his discussions with President Maduro.

Guyana Asserts Ownership of Disputed Territory in Meeting with Venezuela

Ali, the President of Guyana, made a strong statement during a meeting with Venezuela’s President Maduro regarding the disputed territory between the two countries. Pointing to a leather bracelet on his wrist featuring the outline of Guyana, Ali emphasized that the land in question unquestionably belongs to Guyana. He firmly stated that no narrative propaganda or decree can change this fact.

While both parties expressed commitment to maintaining peace in the region, Ali made it clear that Guyana is not the aggressor. He affirmed that Guyana does not seek war but reserves the right to work with its partners to ensure the defense of its country.

Prior to the meeting, Maduro expressed his desire for Latin America and the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue.

As the meeting began, the two presidents clasped hands, receiving applause from the leaders in attendance.

The rising tensions have caught the attention of officials from the White House National Security Council. They are closely monitoring the situation and emphasize the importance of avoiding any escalation. Diplomats are actively engaged in resolving the issue.

Before meeting face-to-face, Ali and Maduro individually met with prime ministers and officials from the region who played a key role in facilitating the meeting. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines described the meeting as crucial and highlighted the significance of holding discussions on friendly and neutral grounds.

The dispute involves Venezuela’s decision to order state-owned companies to explore and exploit oil, gas, and mines in Essequibo, which is a point of contention. Both countries have placed their militaries on high alert.

Ali was quick to reject Maduro’s characterization of the United States Southern Command interfering in the disputed territory. In a letter to Prime Minister Gonsalves, Ali denounced this claim as false, misleading, and provocative. Furthermore, he clarified that any military operation aimed at Venezuela within Guyanese territory is baseless.

The meeting between Ali and Maduro serves as an important step towards addressing the territorial dispute, and it reflects a commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.