GUYANA | UN Security Council hears arguments from Guyana, Venezuela

NEW YORK, NY, April 10, 2024 - In a critical meeting that could foreshadow the future of peace in South America, the United Nations Security Council convened behind closed doors, spurred by an urgent plea from Guyana's President Irfaan Ali.

In his April 5 letter to the Security Council, Ali cited the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba”, which Maduro signed on 3 April. He warned that this action “cements Venezuela’s intent to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and make it part of Venezuela”.

Maduro described the law as the implementation of the results of the 3 December 2023 referendum. He added that the law “establishes the creation of state number 24, the state of Guayana Esequiba within the political and territorial organization of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”.

The law also reiterated Venezuela’s rejection of the validity of the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award and the ICJ’s jurisdiction on the matter.

In his letter, Ali said that the law violates the International Criminal Court’s (ICJ) December 1, 2023 provisional measures and expressed concern that given Caracas’ disregard of this order, “Venezuela’s next move would be to implement its plan for the seizure of our sovereign territory”

Ali added that such an act would be a breach of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter and would contradict the letter and spirit of the Argyle Declaration.

The letter also rejects recent claims made by Maduro that the US has installed bases of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Essequibo, calling it a “dangerous narrative”.

The heart of the matter: the long-standing and increasingly volatile territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region, a dispute that now threatens to breach the thin line between diplomatic tension and outright conflict.

At the center of this geopolitical tinderbox is the Essequibo region, a vast expanse of dense forest that constitutes two-thirds of Guyana but is claimed in entirety by Venezuela.

Home to over 125,000 Guyanese people, this territory is more than a piece of land; it's a historical flashpoint that dates back to the 19th century colonial divisions, now perilously close to igniting 21st-century hostilities.

Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, did not mince words in her address to the Council. She presented a detailed historical overview of the dispute, accusing Venezuela of flouting international law, including the Argyle Declaration and the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Emphasizing Guyana's unwavering commitment to peace and legal resolution, Rodrigues-Birkett underscored the need for the Council to enforce respect for the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Venezuela, on the other hand, represented by Ambassador Samuel Moncada Acosta, staunchly denied any aggressive intentions. He has ruled out any occupation plan by the South American country.

Yet, the tension was palpable, not least because of Venezuela's recent legislative move to incorporate the Essequibo region as its 24th state, was a blatant disregard for the 1966 Geneva Agreement and a direct challenge to the ICJ's authority.

The international community, led by voices like the United Kingdom, has been quick to condemn Venezuela's unilateral actions, asserting the sanctity of the 1899 border agreement. But as the rhetoric heats up, the fear of escalation grows, with the specter of military engagement looming large.

The UN Security Council now finds itself at a crossroads, charged with the monumental task of navigating a path to peace in a situation fraught with historical grievances and national pride. 

The urgency for diplomatic intervention has never been more acute, as the potential for a conflict that could destabilize the entire region hangs in the balance. As this meeting concluded without a clear resolution, the world watches and waits, hoping that wisdom and the spirit of compromise will prevail before it's too late.

The situation is more than a territorial dispute; it's a testament to the fragility of international peace and security in the face of historical grievances and national ambitions. Guyana, a nation steadfast in its pursuit of a peaceful, legal resolution, finds its sovereignty under threat by Venezuela's aggressive posturing and legislative maneuvers. 

The creation of the "Organic Law for the Defence of Guayana Esequiba" by President Nicolas Maduro is a bold move, signaling Venezuela's intent to formalize its claim over the Essequibo, directly challenging the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and undermining the principles of international law.

This provocative action by Venezuela not only escalates tensions between the two countries but also sets a dangerous precedent for the resolution of territorial disputes worldwide. It calls into question the efficacy of international institutions like the ICJ and the United Nations in mediating and resolving conflicts that have the potential to erupt into open warfare. 

The international community's response, therefore, is critical. The United Kingdom's statement on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, underscores the collective responsibility to uphold international agreements and to deter unilateral actions that threaten regional peace.

The role of the UN Security Council in this scenario cannot be overstated. As the body tasked with maintaining international peace and security, its ability to navigate this complex issue and to foster a dialogue between Guyana and Venezuela will be a litmus test for the effectiveness of international diplomacy in the modern age. 

The council's challenge is to impress upon Venezuela the importance of adhering to international law and the rulings of the ICJ, ensuring that the dispute is resolved in a manner that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations.

Back in December, when the Security Council discussed Venezuela’s actions then against Guyana, the Council denounced Venezuela’s actions as provocative, and emphasised the need to respect Guyana’s sovereignty, and said that the ICJ remains the forum where the territorial issue over the Essequibo region should be resolved.

Earlier this week, the Commonwealth, the OAS and CARICOM all criticized the Venezuelan Government’s decision to sign new law into place declaring Guyana’s Essequibo as a new Venezuelan state.

The Guyana Government in the past few days has been busy reaching out to the international community and informing them of Venezuela’s ongoing acts of aggression in violation of the Argyle Declaration which was agreed to by the Presidents of the two countries, and the Provisional Measures handed down by the International Court in December.

In a recent interview with the BBC, President Irfaan Ali said Guyana will call on its international partners for support, if Venezuela makes any attempt to breach the border and annex Guyana’s territory.

In conclusion, the Guyana-Venezuela territorial dispute serves as a critical juncture for international diplomacy. It is a call to action for the global community to reaffirm its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and the rule of law. 

While the Security Council is still to release a statement on the meeting, the international community holds its breath. The dispute over the Essequibo region is a stark reminder of the lingering colonial legacies that continue to impact global politics. 

It highlights the need for a renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means and respect for the rule of law.

As tensions simmer in the shadow of potential conflict, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Yet, it is a path that must be pursued with vigor and determination, for the alternative is a confrontation that neither Guyana nor Venezuela can afford. The time for rapprochement is now, before the echoes of diplomacy give way to the sounds of war.

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