-Calls on Venezuela to refrain from any ‘unilateral actions’

WITH Venezuela announcing measures to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region and ordering investors to exit the economic zone within three months, France has called for Guyana’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” to be respected.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna, during a diplomatic exchange with President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday, addressed the recent developments in the ongoing territorial controversy.

Minister Colonna underscored the paramount importance of upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with the foundational principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

France, in a resolute statement, called upon Venezuela to exercise restraint and refrain from any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in the region.

Highlighting France’s unwavering commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, the minister pointed out the significance of resorting to international bodies, notably the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to address disputes.

The minister reinforced France’s stance that both parties should fully adhere to the ICJ’s decisions, specifically referencing the order issued on December 1, 2023.

France pledged continued support for regional and international initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue.

The minister specifically acknowledged the extraordinary session scheduled by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Thursday, December 14.

This session will bring together the presidents of Venezuela and Guyana, providing a platform for diplomatic discussions.

The conversation between the minister and President Ali also encompassed broader aspects of the Franco-Guyanese relationship. France expressed satisfaction with Guyana’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The countries anticipate collaborative efforts within the Security Council, strengthening ties within the Guiana Shield.

France, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and other partners from around the world have thrown their support behind Guyana and continue to play a supportive role in advocating for peaceful resolutions to territorial controversies and promoting stability in the South American region.

Earlier this month, the ICJ issued “binding” orders on Venezuela to “refrain” from taking any actions that would threaten Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo territory.

In the ruling, 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 over the territory, which Guyana administers and exercises control over.

As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute [controversy] before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”

Guyana had approached the World Court seeking the preservation and protection of its right to the territory awarded to it by way of the 1899 Award, pending the court’s determination of the validity of that Award.

Despite mounting calls for the Venezuelan administration to abide by international law, the Spanish-speaking country continued full speed ahead with its referendum on December 3.