The European Union (EU) has reiterated its steadfast endorsement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process to resolve the longstanding border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.
At a recent press conference, EU Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes, urged all parties involved to refrain from any actions that could potentially escalate the situation.
Ambassador van Nes emphasized the sensitivity of the Guyana-Venezuela border issue, highlighting the importance of handling it with care and in accordance with international law.
He affirmed that this stance is widely supported by various international partners, emphasizing the need for both parties to avoid unilateral actions.
The EU envoy abstained from offering commentary on the upcoming December 3 Venezuela referendum, which seeks public approval for the potential annexation of Guyana’s Essequibo region.
For an extended period, the EU has advocated for a swift and peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, urging the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
Guyana’s objective is to secure a definitive and binding verdict affirming the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which delineated the territorial boundary between the then-British Guiana and Venezuela.
This award underscores that the Essequibo region rightfully belongs to Guyana, not Venezuela.