By Samuel Sukhnandan
Venezuela’s parliament recently passed a law creating a federal state in the Essequibo region of Guyana, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn condemnation from Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Analysts suggest that this decision by President Nicolas Maduro’s government could be a distraction tactic as the country approaches an election period.
Vice President Jagdeo strongly denounced Venezuela’s actions, stating that they directly violate international law, including the United Nations Charter and the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023.
The Essequibo region, which comprises more than two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory, has been a longstanding point of contention between the two nations.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, Venezuela’s recent legislative move has heightened tensions in the region.
Guyana remains committed to pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to address the situation, emphasizing adherence to international law and the decisions of the ICJ.