Voltage
Venezuela has called a referendum to discuss annexing most of Guyana; The region has oil exploration areas
Itamaraty strives for cooperation to be as peaceful as possible Conflict between Venezuela and Guyana through the Essequiba area. The Venezuelan government will hold a referendum in December to debate it Annexation of most of the territory of the neighboring countryincreasing tensions between nations.
According to Metrópoles, sources within the Brazilian government indicated that the country was defending a “peaceful solution to this controversy.”
In addition, Brazilian representatives would like to “recall the commitment to consolidate a zone of peace and cooperation between American states.”
Despite the threat of conflict, Itamaraty negotiates the matter privately with those involved and tries to prevent public debate from further escalating tensions.
Understand the dispute between Venezuela and Guyana
The area of Essequibo, sought after by Nicolas Maduro, equivalent to 160,000 km², representing more than 50% of Guyana’s territory, and borders Brazil. There are huge oil reserves in the region, which are being explored by Russia, China and American companies.
Maduro has scheduled a referendum for December 3 to decide whether or not there will be an invasion of the territory. If the result is positive, the Venezuelan leader’s idea is to grant Venezuelan citizenship to the region’s 125,000 residents and create a state called “Guyana Essequiba”.
“We firmly believe in dialogue and agreement based on respect for the inalienable and historic right that we have as a people. Essequiba Guyana is ours through its heritage and centuries of struggle and sacrifice. Let us create true peace and prosperity for our boys and girls,” Maduro wrote on social media.
Meeting in The Hague
Last week, a meeting was held at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, to hear both nations’ comments on the situation.
At the hearing, Guyanese agent Carl B. Greenidge refused to allow the national vote called by the Venezuelan government to take place.
“The referendum that Venezuela scheduled for December 3, 2023 was aimed at gaining overwhelming popular support, rejecting jurisdiction and moving forward to a future trial. “In doing so, they want to undermine the authority and effectiveness of the main judicial authority,” he said the representative of Guyana, according to a report by O Globo.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused Guyana of “judicial colonialism” for appealing the annexation to the International Court of Justice.
“We have come to defeat the claim of judicial colonialism in Guyana that uses this court to stop what cannot be stopped. “On December 3rd, Venezuelans will vote,” the Venezuelan promised.