By Saskia Warrick
Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan and Dominican Republic Ambassador Ernesto Torres Pereyra have jointly denounced Venezuela’s recent actions to claim the Essequibo Region as theirs.
The passage of the ‘Organic Law’ by Venezuela, outlining steps for the establishment of a State of Guayana Esequiba, including the appointment of a governor and the assumption of legislative functions by the National Assembly, has sparked international concern.
This move directly violates the Argyle Agreement, a pact committed to mutual peace and explicitly stating that both Guyana and Venezuela shall refrain from any actions that could escalate conflicts arising from territorial controversies.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan emphasized the importance of upholding the Argyle Agreement, which was crafted through regional wisdom and contributions to maintain a ‘zone of peace’.
He urged adherence to the agreement for the sake of regional development.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ambassador Ernesto Torres Pereyra of the Dominican Republic emphasized that any act compromising regional peace should not be endorsed.
Both ambassadors underscored the significance of maintaining stability in the region.
The substantive case, which delves into the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains pending before the World Court as the international community closely monitors developments in the region.
As tensions persist, international condemnation of Venezuela’s actions continues to mount, with calls for adherence to established agreements and respect for international law becoming increasingly urgent.