-as border case continues

-by NaAsia Bristol

Venezuela has once again declared that it does not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, as hearings continue today.

The position, repeated before the court today, underscores Venezuela’s long-standing refusal to accept the ICJ’s authority in the matter, even as the case moves into its critical phase. 

Guyana, however, maintains that this stance is not new, and had anticipated that Venezuela would continue to challenge the court’s authority throughout the proceedings. 

On Monday last, Guyana’s legal team insisted that the 1899 arbitral award remains a final and binding settlement of the boundary between the two countries, a position it says is firmly grounded in history and international law.

Guyana presented historical accounts and evidence that support its position that the basis for Venezuela’s claim is flawed.

Professor of International Law, Professor Phillipe Sands, said, “As a source of credible evidence about what happened at the 1899 arbitration, the value of the supposed document is zero. If you were to conclude otherwise, you would be opening the door to more mischief in the future.”

Appearing before the court on Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd also stressed the gravity of the case, describing it as both straightforward and deeply consequential. 

“This case has an existential quality for Guyana. A stake is more than 70 per cent of our sovereign territory, which has been recognised to be an integral part of the country for more than 126 years,” he said.

The hearings will continue on Friday, May 8, when Guyana will present its second round of oral arguments.