–White House officials call for respect of ICJ orders

WHITE House National Security Communications Adviser, John Kirby, has said that the United States has “no plans” for a secret military base in Guyana— a rumour which is being peddled by Venezuela amid the ongoing border controversy.
During a press briefing last Thursday, Kirby addressed concerns in Venezuela, where lawmakers allied to President Nicolás Maduro approved the creation of a new state in Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region.

Despite ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela has attempted to assert itself to lay claim to Guyana’s territory, citing a December referendum as so-called “justification.”
President Maduro has also accused the US of having placed “secret military bases” and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Guyana to attack the population of southern and eastern Venezuela.

“There’s no plans for a secret military base,” Kirby said as he dismissed the rumours.
The United States has long denied that it has plans to set up a military base in Guyana. Guyana’s government has also made no request for the establishment of such a base here.

Venezuela, with no evidence, has been weaponising commentaries made on social media by persons to propagate a distorted narrative on the border controversy.
The creation of the new state, named “Guayana Esequiba” by Venezuela, adds another layer of complexity to the longstanding territorial controversy. Venezuela, last year, had increased claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo region.
This area is known for its wealth in oil, timber, and other natural resources, drawing attention and contention from both sides.

In response to Venezuela’s actions, Guyana has been bolstering its defence and diplomatic efforts with the help of international partners, aiming to counter security threats while promoting regional stability.
Despite these preparations, Guyanese officials have reiterated their focus on defence rather than offence.

Following Venezuela’s reaction to the docking of the British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, in Guyana’s waters, President Dr. Irfaan Ali clarified the nation’s defensive posture, indicating no intent to initiate conflict with Venezuela.
Despite the tensions, a recent declaration agreed upon by Guyana and Venezuela in St Vincent and the Grenadines, facilitated by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has calmed the situation, with both countries committing to peaceful dialogue.

Following a historic meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in St Vincent and the Grenadines on December 14, 2023, both leaders agreed “not to threaten or use force against one another,” reinforcing their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The two nations also agreed to cooperate to avoid incidents on the ground conducive to tension between them. In the event of such an incident, the two states will immediately communicate with one another, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC), and the President of Brazil to contain, reverse and prevent its recurrence.

The genesis of the controversy dates back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.
Despite historical arbitration, tensions persisted, leading Guyana to approach the ICJ in 2018, seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

With the support of CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and international partners, Guyana stands firmly in its legal battle, which remains under the ICJ’s consideration.

Kirby reiterated the importance of both parties respecting the recent ICJ’s provisional measures which are binding on the parties involved. Under the UN Charter, all states are solemnly bound to comply with the court’s orders, which can be enforced by the UN Security Council.

“We’ve said many times that there’s an 1899 arbitral ruling about the border between Guyana and Venezuela, and we want both sides to respect that ruling and to do it peacefully,” Kirby said.
Last week, in response to escalating aggression from neighbouring Venezuela, the Government of Guyana issued a stern warning that the latest attempt by the nation to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory will not be allowed.

This action by President Maduro has triggered fierce condemnation not only from Guyana’s, but international and regional bodies.
Describing the action as “a flagrant violation of the most fundamental principles of international law,” Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of American States, and customary international law.

The government highlighted that this move by Venezuela contradicts the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace, signed in December 2023.
“It is unfortunate that the commitment made at Argyle to the pursuance of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean is now again seriously threatened by President Maduro’s words and action today [Thursday],” the statement read.