Guyana will not cave to intimidation from
Venezuela, even as that country employs scare tactics amid an ongoing border controversy case being heard at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This was according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during his address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Venezuela is claiming two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, the huge, resource-riched county of Essequibo.
President Ali told his fellow Heads of State that Guyana, a small and peaceful state, has endured repeated threats and aggression from its neighbour.
“The territorial controversy between our states is now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which has twice affirmed its jurisdiction, and which in 2023, issued provisional measures ordering Venezuela to refrain from altering the status quo.
Still, Venezuela continues to persists with unilateral laws and threats of annexation, flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and the very principles that sustain global order,” President Ali said.
He questioned that if the rights of a small state can be trampled upon, and legally binding orders ignored, what protection remains for any nation under international law.
“Yet, Guyana continues to repose confidence in international law. For us, the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference are not negotiable.
We will not cower to coercion, intimidation, or unilateral action. We thank our international partners and allies for their solidarity,” he said.
