The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that it will deliver its ruling on Friday, December 1, regarding Guyana’s request for provisional measures in relation to Venezuela’s planned referendum on Essequibo, scheduled for December 3.
Guyana has contended that the referendum, if conducted in its current form, could be tantamount to the annexation of its territory.
Therefore, Guyana is seeking the removal of several questions listed in the referendum.
The legal proceedings at the ICJ in The Hague earlier this month involved presentations from both Guyana and Venezuela, focusing on the 1899 Arbitral Award that delineated the boundary between the two nations.
Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, emphasized that Venezuela’s refusal to adhere to the ICJ’s ruling could have consequences.
However, Venezuela has stated its intention to proceed with the referendum on December 3, irrespective of the ICJ’s decision on Guyana’s request for provisional measures.
Nandlall expressed skepticism about the international community allowing a participant in a high-level court proceeding to disregard the court’s process.
Tensions have escalated, with aggressive statements from Caracas directed at Georgetown.
In response, Guyana’s government has undertaken visits to bordering communities to alleviate fears, and President Irfaan Ali conducted visits to Regions 1 and 7.
The Guyana Defence Force is also engaged in defense diplomacy with friendly countries to address the heightened situation.