Guyana Condemns Venezuela's Disregard for Border Agreement Amid State Creation Move
Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hDgC7T6uJ6Q9Qk4NH-EXw/join Guyana Condemns Venezuela's Disregard for Border Agreement Amid State Creation Move Guyana's Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, voiced deep concern on Friday over Venezuela's disregard for the Argyle Declaration, an 11-point agreement aimed at preventing the escalation of the longstanding border controversy between the two nations. This concern arises following Venezuela's Parliament's approval on Thursday of creating a new state in Guyana's Essequibo region, despite the ongoing border dispute being before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Speaking at a high-level Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers meeting in Georgetown, Minister Benn expressed dismay at Venezuela's unilateral decision. He stated, "We deplore, we are unhappy that the Government of Venezuela and its National Assembly just yesterday agreed that they will make Essequibo formerly – no longer a zone in Reclamación (Zone in Reclamation) – but Venezuelan territory. " Despite assurances from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a meeting facilitated by CARICOM and observed by the United Nations that force would not be used against Guyana, Minister Benn expressed concerns about potential actions by "independent actors" in response to the developments in the Venezuelan legislature. Although Maduro has recently reiterated commitments to peace, the Venezuelan parliament proceeded to ratify the outcome of last December's referendum, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations. Minister Benn emphasized Guyana's dissatisfaction with Venezuela's latest attempt to claim territory that Guyana has owned and exercised sovereignty over since an arbitral award in 1899. Reiterating Guyana's commitment to resolving the issue through legal means, Minister Benn stated, "We repeat that in relation to the Guyana/Venezuelan issue that it is a matter which will be resolved in the court, we of course expect that Guyana will be vindicated through that process. " Reports suggest minimal voter turnout during the Venezuelan referendum, with Venezuelan authorities claiming 10 million votes cast. Minister Benn underscored Guyana's support for over 30,000 registered Venezuelan migrants, emphasizing Guyana's view of Venezuelans as cousins and its commitment to their protection. In addition to calling for rational dialogue to ensure a peaceful resolution of the dispute, Minister Benn highlighted the importance of maintaining the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a zone of peace. He also acknowledged and appreciated the support of regional and international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Brazil, in addressing the ongoing issue.
Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hDgC7T6uJ6Q9Qk4NH-EXw/join Guyana Condemns Venezuela's Disregard for Border Agreement Amid State Creation Move Guyana's Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, voiced deep concern on Friday over Venezuela's disregard for the Argyle Declaration, an 11-point agreement aimed at preventing the escalation of the longstanding border controversy between the two nations. This concern arises following Venezuela's Parliament's approval on Thursday of creating a new state in Guyana's Essequibo region, despite the ongoing border dispute being before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Speaking at a high-level Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers meeting in Georgetown, Minister Benn expressed dismay at Venezuela's unilateral decision. He stated, "We deplore, we are unhappy that the Government of Venezuela and its National Assembly just yesterday agreed that they will make Essequibo formerly – no longer a zone in Reclamación (Zone in Reclamation) – but Venezuelan territory. " Despite assurances from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a meeting facilitated by CARICOM and observed by the United Nations that force would not be used against Guyana, Minister Benn expressed concerns about potential actions by "independent actors" in response to the developments in the Venezuelan legislature. Although Maduro has recently reiterated commitments to peace, the Venezuelan parliament proceeded to ratify the outcome of last December's referendum, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations. Minister Benn emphasized Guyana's dissatisfaction with Venezuela's latest attempt to claim territory that Guyana has owned and exercised sovereignty over since an arbitral award in 1899. Reiterating Guyana's commitment to resolving the issue through legal means, Minister Benn stated, "We repeat that in relation to the Guyana/Venezuelan issue that it is a matter which will be resolved in the court, we of course expect that Guyana will be vindicated through that process. " Reports suggest minimal voter turnout during the Venezuelan referendum, with Venezuelan authorities claiming 10 million votes cast. Minister Benn underscored Guyana's support for over 30,000 registered Venezuelan migrants, emphasizing Guyana's view of Venezuelans as cousins and its commitment to their protection. In addition to calling for rational dialogue to ensure a peaceful resolution of the dispute, Minister Benn highlighted the importance of maintaining the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a zone of peace. He also acknowledged and appreciated the support of regional and international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Brazil, in addressing the ongoing issue.