-emphasises country’s commitment to peaceful, lawful resolution of border controversy

IN the aftermath of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) granting Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of the Essequibo region, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Venezuela to respect the international rule of law and the binding order of the court.

In an address to the nation, on Friday, shortly after the ruling was delivered, the Head of State said that Guyana remains a staunch advocate for adherence to international law, while pointed to the need for collective efforts to ensure a peaceful and stable region.

President Ali expressed Guyana’s satisfaction with the outcome of the its request for provisional measures, “We welcome this unanimous ruling by the ICJ.”

The court’s orders specifically direct Venezuela to refrain from altering the current situation in the disputed territory, acknowledging Guyana’s administration and control over that area.

President Ali pointed out the binding nature of the ICJ decision and urged the Bolivarian Republic to comply with the UN Charter and the Statute of the Court.

“Today’s ruling is legally binding on Venezuela. Both the UN Charter and the Statute of the Court, to which Venezuela is a party, require its strict compliance,” President Ali affirmed.

The court’s order not only prohibits Venezuela from annexing or trespassing upon Guyana’s territory but also mandates that the Spanish-speaking government refrains from actions that could escalate or complicate the dispute further.

As Guyana celebrates this legal victory, President Ali stressed the significance of adhering to international law and the principles of peaceful coexistence.

“This is an opportunity for Venezuela to join Guyana in demonstrating respect for international law and the principles that govern peaceful coexistence. Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process and the rule of law,” the Head of State said. He expressed confidence that the ICJ’s final judgment on the merits of the substantive case will uphold Guyana’s rightful claim to the disputed territory.

“Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process and the rule of law. It is fully confident that when the ICJ issues its final judgment on the merits of the case, it will conclude that the Essequibo is legally and rightfully Guyanese territory.”

“To this end, we affirm our dedication to pursuing a peaceful, legal resolution to this dispute in the right and proper place – the ICJ – as authorised by the UN Secretary-General in the exercise of his powers under the Geneva Agreement of 1966,” he said.

President Ali underscored the commitment to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy, emphasising the role of justice over force in international relations.

“We believe that justice, not force, should be the arbiter of international disputes,” stated President Ali.

Acknowledging the invaluable solidarity of the international community, President Ali appealed to CARICOM and the broader global community to continue supporting justice and international law in the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

“Our collective voice can serve as a beacon for the respect of the United Nations Charter, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.

As Guyana prepares to join the UN Security Council, President Ali said that Guyana is conscious of the responsibility that comes with this role, that is to “encourage and support international peace and stability and the rule of law and encourage all peace-loving nations to insist on Venezuelan respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the UN’s highest court.”

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has remained steadfast in its support for Guyana amidst the border controversy with Venezuela and has made it clear that the region must remain “a zone of peace”.
Recently, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley, and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that CARICOM has always been in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

Gonsalves said the ongoing controversy between Venezuela and Guyana is an old one, and that Guyana bases its position on the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Gonsalves said: “CARICOM has always defended the territorial inviolability of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that CARICOM has issued a very strong statement in support of Guyana.

She said that while she stated some weeks back that in spite of the controversy, Venezuela is a friend of the region as well, she would wish to see the region remain one of peace.

Mottley related that this statement has incited condemnation; however, she added: “I have come to public life to promote peace; not division.”

She went on to add that Guyana’s position has been strong and unwavering, and this position has been one that is backed by the region.