The Guyanese government has issued a formal protest against Venezuela for building a bridge on a disputed territory, intensifying a long-standing border dispute over the Essequibo region. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd condemned the move, asserting it violates Guyana’s sovereignty and international law, while the matter is now before the International Court of Justice for resolution.
The government of Guyana has formally protested against Venezuela’s construction of a bridge on a contested river island, a move that has reignited tensions over the long-standing border dispute between the two nations. Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd, summoned Venezuelan Ambassador Amador Perez Silva in response to this action, asserting that the bridge connects to a military base situated on territory that Guyana administers and controls. This recent development has aggravated a historical conflict over the oil-rich Essequibo region, which comprises most of Guyana’s land area and is claimed by Venezuela due to an alleged injustice in an 1890s boundaries commission.
Guyana has taken the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Netherlands, where it seeks a definitive ruling on the territorial dispute. Todd condemned Venezuela’s actions as violations of both Guyana’s sovereignty and international law, emphasizing that all military activities and constructions made by Venezuela in the contentious area should cease. Despite a previous agreement facilitated by Caribbean leaders and Brazil to resolve the issues peacefully, Venezuela’s recent activities have raised concerns within Guyana, prompting calls for urgent dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
The reconciliation of border disputes in the Caribbean region, particularly between Guyana and Venezuela, remains a contentious issue since the late 19th century. The dispute primarily centers around the Essequibo territory, which has been under Guyana’s control since its independence from Britain in 1966. Venezuela claims that a boundaries commission in the 1890s wrongly awarded the territory to Guyana. The situation was exacerbated when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro threatened to annex the Essequibo region, following a referendum indicating local support for this action, thus leading to international concerns and involvement.
In conclusion, the recent construction of the bridge by Venezuela on the disputed Ankoko island has escalated the ongoing conflict regarding the Essequibo region. Guyana’s government is taking proactive measures by addressing the issue through diplomatic channels and seeking a judicial resolution. The situation highlights the complexities of international territorial disputes and the need for peaceful negotiation to avoid further conflict.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
