President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday told the United Nations General Assembly in New York that Guyana will spare no effort in defending its sovereignty amid fresh threats by Venezuela.
“Just last night, Guyana received a very threatening message from Venezuela. It came in the form of a Communique attacking Guyana for putting certain oil blocks in our sovereign waters up for bid,” President Ali told the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He added, “Guyana considers this a threat to regional and international peace and security, as well as to Guyana’s investment partners.”
Venezuela rejected the ongoing bidding rounds for oil blocks in its communique, noting that the maritime areas are pending delimitation between the two countries.
The Spanish-speaking country noted that Guyana does not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas, and if any action is carried out, it violates International Law.
“We demand that Venezuela honours its obligation under the Charter to pursue only peaceful means to settle any disputes it may have with Guyana, including adjudication before the International Court of Justice. Allowing the Court to decide would ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law,” the Guyanese Leader remarked.
Also on Wednesday, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Amanza Walton-Desir said the Parliamentary Opposition supports the position taken by the government.
She noted, too, that Guyana has the right to pursue economic activities in any portion of its sovereign territory.
The Spanish-speaking nation is attempting to claim over two-thirds of Guyana’s land in Essequibo and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
