The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver its ruling on Friday, December 1, in response to Guyana’s request for provisional measures concerning Venezuela’s referendum on Essequibo, scheduled for December 3.
The central concern is that Venezuela’s referendum, as proposed, could be tantamount to the annexation of Guyana’s territory, prompting Guyana to seek the removal of specific questions from the referendum.
During the two days of hearings at the ICJ in The Hague earlier this month, both Guyana and Venezuela presented their cases related to the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two nations.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, who was present during the hearings, emphasized that Venezuela’s refusal to adhere to the ICJ ruling could have significant consequences.
Nandlall stated that any country, as a sovereign nation, is obligated to respect and adhere to the rulings of the ICJ.
He highlighted that if Venezuela proceeds with the referendum despite the ICJ’s decision on provisional measures, the international community may not tolerate a participant in a high-level court proceeding disregarding the established legal process.
Venezuela has openly declared 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 doubt that the world would passively allow a participant in such a crucial court proceeding to defy the established legal process.
The looming referendum and Venezuela’s decision to move forward with it have escalated tensions between the two nations.
Caracas has issued aggressive statements directed at Georgetown, causing anxiety in Guyana, particularly in bordering communities.
In response, the Guyanese government, led by President Irfaan Ali, has conducted visits to Regions 1 and 7 to alleviate concerns.
Additionally, the Guyana Defence Force has engaged in defense diplomacy with friendly countries to address the heightened tensions.
As the ICJ prepares to deliver its ruling, the international community is closely watching the developments, which hold significant implications for the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.