–US Governor Walz reassures Guyana amid Venezuela tensions
–says US foreign policy key to regional stability

IN wake of escalating tensions in Venezuela over Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has reaffirmed the US’ support for Guyana by remaining globally engaged and working with allies to address international issues.

During an interview with Arick Wierson for Newsweek Magazine, Walz, who also serves as the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, highlighted the importance of US foreign policy in maintaining global stability and reassured Guyanese citizens of America’s commitment to their sovereignty.

His comments come at a critical juncture, as Venezuela continues to aggressively advance its claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region, a controversy that has persisted despite ongoing proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Governor Walz, drawing on his extensive experience in global affairs, emphasised the importance of the United States’ role in maintaining international stability.

“I do think this is shaping up to be that, and I am a little bit concerned that Americans have slipped back into an isolationist philosophy, this idea ‘we don’t have to help’ or the idea that you know ‘oh that what happened in Ukraine doesn’t matter to us.’ I mean, this horrifies me,” Walz said.

The US Governor underlined the significance of American involvement in global conflicts, particularly in Latin America, where peace and stability have been relatively maintained over the past few decades.
Venezuela’s recent actions, including a controversial December referendum and the creation of a new state named “Guayana Esequiba,” have further complicated the longstanding territorial controversy.

The Essequibo region, rich in oil, timber, and other natural resources, has been a point of contention, with Venezuela increasing its claims to two-thirds of this area last year.
Guyana, in response, has been bolstering its defence and diplomatic efforts with the support of international allies like the United States and other key bilateral partners to counter these security threats.

Wierson questioned the US official if he thinks that Americans are not sufficiently focused on the situation with Venezuela and its potential incursion into Guyana, and the broader implications which such an event would have on global stability, gas prices, and immigration to the US southern border.

“I think the Biden administration is in the right place on Ukraine. I think you’re right about Venezuela. I don’t think Americans’ attention is focused at all on what’s happening,” Walz said.
He urged Americans to pay more attention to global issues, while pointing out the interconnectedness of international stability and domestic prosperity.

Walz’s remarks are particularly reassuring for Guyanese citizens who may be concerned about the potential for increased conflict in their region.
“Yes, I think they should be reassured that as governors, look, we care about what happens globally. We understand our security as if you really want to deal with the immigration issue, build up the capacity of economic growth in countries where people want to be and are there rather than being disrupted by either political or economic upheaval,” he said.

In his stance, Walz reflected on a broader understanding that fostering economic growth and stability in other nations can help mitigate issues such as immigration pressures on the US southern border.
In view of this, he pointed out the critical misconception about the US foreign policy budget.

“If you ask the public how much of our national budget is devoted to foreign policy, they will give you numbers ranging up to 40 per cent. When you know, it’s a fraction of one per cent and what we get for that is a massive amount of stability, trade and opportunity,” Walz clarified.

This statement is a call to action for better public awareness and support for foreign policy initiatives, which ultimately benefit the United States by promoting global trade and stability.
Governor Walz expressed his concern over the growing isolationist rhetoric within American politics, particularly among Republicans. He warned that such a stance could have catastrophic consequences for the US.

“You’ve got politicians telling them ‘We should cut off all ties with all foreign countries and that would be ‘good for America.’ That would be catastrophic for America on many fronts,” he asserted.
He spotlighted the necessity of maintaining and strengthening international alliances, which have historically contributed to global prosperity and security.

In light of these insights, Guyana continues to attract and maintain international diplomatic support.
The Biden administration’s active involvement in global issues, as highlighted by Governor Walz, suggests that the US will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Guyana against external threats and promoting regional stability.

Guyanese officials have continued their diplomatic and defensive efforts, and with the backing of allies like the United States, for a peaceful resolution that upholds the sovereignty and stability of Guyana.
Recently, Fromer Colombian President Ivan Duque condemned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s attempts to leverage the border controversy with Guyana to distract from internal challenges and to rally support ahead of Venezuela’s upcoming elections.

However, Duque asserted that the international community would respond “strongly” to any attempt by Maduro to use force against Guyana.
Duque elaborated: “According to the Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance… there’s going to be a very strong response if he tries to use force against Guyana.”

He also dismissed the notion of Maduro having the military capacity to invade and sustain an occupation in Guyana, labelling it a “very stupid card” that would elicit an immediate and robust international response.
“He better not play with that because he knows that if he tries to play the card, he’s going to receive a very strong response,” Duque said.

In addition to geopolitical concerns, he highlighted the environmental implications of Maduro’s actions.
Duque praised Guyana for its efforts in conservation and protection of the Essequibo region, warning that any attempt by Maduro to assert control would result in an “environmental disaster.”

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.
Despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the award.
In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the ICJ seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.
Venezuela initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020. The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the merits of the substantive case.