CARICOM Urges A De-escalation Of The Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government called for de-escalating the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy after meeting in a caucus on Friday. After the meeting, a statement urged ‘appropriate dialogue’ between the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana to ensure peaceful coexistence. The statement also noted the need to apply and respect international law and avoid threats of force. Venezuela claims Guyana’s resource-rich Essequibo region, comprising more than two-thirds of its neighbour’s territory. Guyana’s president, Dr. Irfaan Ali, declared this week that his country’s army was on full alert after a ‘dangerous development’ regarding Venezuela’s ‘unlawful’ claim. His remarks followed President Nicolas Maduro’s announcement of several measures to enforce Sunday’s referendum outcome in Venezuela. Venezuelans voted by a wide margin to approve the takeover of the disputed territory. The referendum occurred despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order for Venezuela to maintain the status quo.  “CARICOM firmly supports Guyana in pursuance of the resolution of its border controversy with Venezuela through the process of the ICJ,” the regional leaders said in their statement. In addition, it said CARICOM reiterated its commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and maintaining international law. The regional leaders urged Venezuela to respect the conservatory...