-all options on the table for the defence of the nation – VP says

WITH Venezuela openly defying the unanimous ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and going full speed ahead with its planned referendum, that is scheduled for today, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, says that Guyana’s borders will remain intact and all options are on the table to protect the nation’s territorial sovereignty.
During an interview with the News Room on Saturday, Dr Jagdeo highlighted Venezuela’s “aggressive” intent on Guyana’s Essequibo region and said if the Spanish-speaking country decides to act in contravention to the ruling, no efforts will be spared to protect what is ours.

“… All options are on the table for the defense of our country… So far, we have robustly explored the legal route and we’ve had success there, we’ve explored the diplomatic route and we’ve had overwhelming success there…And we’re now exploring defense co-operation with several countries,” the Vice President said.
Noting that Guyana is not a belligerent country, the Vice President emphasised that the government will “defend our country by any means whatsoever,” if Venezuela, or any other country think they can alter the boundaries established by the 1899 arbitral award.

Shifting his focus to the subject of Venezuela’s referendum and why the Nicolas Maduro administration is still forcing it despite the ICJ’s ruling, the Vice President highlighted the manner in which a national issue is being manipulated by them as a campaign tool.
“For them, it’s an internal matter. It’s a matter of pride for the Venezuelan leadership now. For them to back down at this stage will mean that they’ve suffered a defeat and it may harm them politically because they’re contesting elections next year…” the Vice President noted, adding that the Spanish-speaking country may just forge ahead with the referendum despite the explicit and unanimous ruling by the ICJ.

Dr Jagdeo further stated that one should not fall prey and listen to Venezuela’s leadership because within the past few months, the country has shown that “they’re very prone to rhetoric and aggression.”
Speaking more on the ruling from the ICJ, the Vice President said, “This is a great ruling for Guyana; we’re extremely pleased with it. The court made it clear that their decision is binding on the parties and on Venezuela.

“Venezuela can choose not to listen to the court, but fortified with that ruling and ultimately a ruling on the substantive case.
“Whether they accept it or not, the international community is what matters and no country in the world would recognize any border other than the border that we currently have or after the ruling of the ICJ…”

ICJ’S RULING
The ICJ on Friday granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.
The decision was handed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.
As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.”

RESPECT THE ICJ’s RULING
In the aftermath of the 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 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 its request for provisional measures, “We welcome this unanimous ruling by the ICJ.”
“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.
“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 and stated that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process and the rule of law.
President Ali underscored the commitment to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy, emphasising the role of justice over force in international relations.

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.”

UNWAVERING SUPPORT
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called on Venezuela to respect the ICJ’s order, which bars it from taking control of Guyana’s Essequibo region by any means, including the planned December 3 referendum.
“Venezuela cannot, by a referendum or otherwise, violate international law and disregard the Order of the world’s highest Court.”
“CARICOM expects Venezuela to uphold the ICJ’s Order of 1 December, 2023. It also insists that Venezuela complies with international law in all respects, and the Charter of the United Nations, and, in this connection, calls on it to take no actions in violation of them,” CARICOM said in a statement.

CARICOM also demanded that Venezuela pursue its claims within the law and the legal process.
Moreover, the Commonwealth has offered its “full support” to Guyana in wake of the ICJ ruling granting Guyana provisional measures regarding the Bolivarian Republic’s planned December 3 referendum.

Commenting on the court ruling, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC., said that the body “offers its full support” Guyana which is a “valued Commonwealth member” and is encouraged by the support also shown by its brothers and sisters in CARICOM, and by many other states.
She said that the Commonwealth reiterates its “collective faith in due process, respect for national territorial sovereignty, international law, global order, peace and security and cordial international relations in the Caribbean and the Latin American region.”