UK parliamentarian, David Lammy has raised concerns over developments in Venezuela which has intensified claims for Essequibo, a county under its neighbour Guyana’s control for more than a century.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appears to be adopting strategies reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s playbook, Lammy said. The Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs deemed Maduro’s aggressive threats to Guyana, as an attack on an internationally recognized border, following an illegitimate referendum.
“The Putin Playbook is being copied in Caracas by Maduro,” Lammy declared, urging a united stance against tyrants with imperial ambitions. He sought reassurance on the UK’s unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the escalating tensions.
Responding to Lammy, Andrew Mitchell, the UK’s International Development Minister, affirmed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty. Mitchell referenced a recent meeting convened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, which resulted in a statement by the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana.
The statement, issued following an emergency meeting on December 11, 2023, highlighted the Commonwealth’s concern over heightened tensions between Venezuela and Guyana, particularly regarding the Essequibo region. The Ministerial Group emphasized the importance of respecting the International Court of Justice’s Order of Provisional Measures issued on December 1, 2023.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Group called for a de-escalation of tensions, adherence to international law, and the rejection of the use or threats of force against Guyana’s territorial integrity. It condemned Venezuela’s recent actions as a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and a disregard for the ICJ’s order.
Reaffirming its support for the ICJ process, the group endorsed the Secretary-General’s statements in November and December 2023. It commended the Secretary-General’s Good Offices in engaging partners to support peace and stability in the Caribbean region, urging continued efforts to uphold Guyana’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.
The group’s conclusions will be communicated to all Commonwealth member governments, emphasizing the collective support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders.
