Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reiterated on Sunday (December 17, 2023) that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) are “prepared” for “any scenario” amid the dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo. After that, both countries will meet on Thursday and agree not to threaten each other or use force.
“It was possible to return to the path of dialogue to resolve the conflict over the Essequibo Territory. This (…) in no way means a minimal renunciation of our claim, of our non-recognition of the International Court of Justice in.” “This matter and much less means that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces are not prepared for any scenario,” said Padrino.
In an event in honor of the liberator Simón Bolívar, broadcast on the state broadcaster VTV, he pointed out that “currently the turbulent world geopolitics, characterized by the “race for hydrocarbons”, is once again calling into question the rich territories.” and its seas “in the crosshairs of imperial powers” who “are prepared to take the most heinous measures to prevent its demise.”
“We will simply be prepared here for any situation of this type,” said the vice president of the Political Sovereignty, Security and Peace Sector, adding that he will remain “vigilant” in the face of this situation in which “transnational companies that…” If they act like a state within another state, they have their hands in it.
“Historic Battle”
Padrino attended a meeting on Saturday with President Nicolás Maduro, who expressed that his country is “waging a historic battle” to recapture Guayana Esequiba (we call it the Venezuelan government), pointing to the meeting on Thursday in San Vicente and the Grenadines with his Guyanese counterpart Irfaan Ali was a “special milestone on the path to asserting” Venezuela's “historic rights.”
At Thursday's meeting, both countries also committed to continuing “dialogue on all other outstanding issues of mutual importance” and refraining “from escalating, whether through words or deeds, any conflict or disagreement arising from controversy.” .
The controversy escalated after Venezuela agreed to the annexation of the disputed territory, an area of nearly 160,000 square kilometers, in a unilateral referendum on December 3 – intended to be binding – and ordered the placement of a military division near the disputed area without exception Moment. EFE
mg (efe, El Universal)
The territorial dispute threatens to escalate
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