President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, speaking to the UN General Assembly today, said that Guyanese territory is still being illegally claimed by Venezuela, despite the fact that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently deliberating a case to determine the validity of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which established the border between the two states.
The most recent assault against Guyana’s sovereignty came in the shape of a statement last evening that was released by the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The communique said: “Venezuela strongly rejects the illegal bidding round for oil blocks currently being carried out by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in maritime areas pending delimitation between both countries.”
“The Government of Guyana does not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas and consequently any action within their limits is a violation of International Law, as long as they are not carried out through an agreement with Venezuela.”
Ali said Guyana considers the communique as “a threat to regional and international peace and security, as well as to Guyana’s investment partners”.
He continued: “We demand that Venezuela honours its obligation under the Charter to pursue only peaceful means to settle any disputes it may have with Guyana, including adjudication before the International Court of Justice. Allowing the Court to decide would ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law. Guyana will spare no effort in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Ali thanked Guyana’s international partners for the support given on their pursuit to end the conflict with Venezuela in a peaceful manner.
