Venezuelans urged to reject UN authority, claim neighboring land to avoid annexation fears
War Drums: Venezuelans Vote to Declare Neighboring Territory as Their Own
Venezuelans are participating in a referendum on Sunday to determine the fate of a disputed territory in neighboring Guyana. The Venezuelan government claims ownership of the territory, arguing that it was stolen when the border was drawn over a century ago.
The referendum has put Guyana on edge, as it sees it as a step towards annexation. The vote asks Venezuelans whether they support establishing a state in the disputed territory, granting citizenship to current and future residents, and rejecting the jurisdiction of the United Nations’ top court in settling the disagreement.
President Nicolás Maduro, after voting in Caracas, emphasized that the referendum is a constitutional and democratic means to address a 150-year-old imperial dispossession.
“We are solving through constitutional, peaceful and democratic means an imperial dispossession of 150 years,” President Nicolás Maduro said.
The International Court of Justice ordered Venezuela not to take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over the territory. However, the court did not specifically ban officials from carrying out the referendum. Guyana had requested the court to halt parts of the vote.
The legal and practical implications of the referendum remain unclear. International court president Joan E. Donoghue stated that Venezuela’s government’s actions suggest it is taking steps to acquire control over the disputed territory.
“Furthermore, Venezuelan military officials announced that Venezuela is taking concrete measures to build an airstrip to serve as a ‘logistical support point for the integral development of the Essequibo,'” she said.
The disputed territory, known as Essequibo, is larger than Greece and is rich in minerals. It also provides access to an area of the Atlantic where oil in commercial quantities was discovered in 2015, attracting the attention of Maduro’s government.
Venezuela’s government has promoted the referendum as an act of patriotism and support for Maduro. The country had previously held a mock referendum, but participation figures and results were not released.
Venezuela has always considered Essequibo as its own due to its historical boundaries during the Spanish colonial period. The border decided by international arbitrators in 1899, when Guyana was a British colony, has long been disputed by Venezuela.
Guyana maintains that the initial accord is legal and binding and sought the International Court of Justice’s ruling in 2018. However, a ruling is still years away.
Voters in the referendum will have to answer five questions, with Maduro and his allies urging them to answer “yes” to all. The referendum holds great significance for Venezuelans, who have been taught from a young age that Essequibo is part of their homeland.
While the outcome of the referendum remains uncertain, both Venezuela and Guyana are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute.
“I imagine that the (Guyanese) must be worried about the consequences that this situation may bring, but hey, we have to try to recover our lands because there are many minerals there,” said Henghel Niño, a Venezuelan voter.
Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali reassured his citizens, emphasizing that diplomacy is their first line of defense and that they are continuously working to protect their borders.
“I am not going to get into the internal politics of Venezuela and into their policy making, but I want to advise Venezuela that this is an opportunity for them to show maturity, an opportunity for them to show responsibility,” President Ali said.
As Venezuelans cast their votes, the future of the disputed territory hangs in the balance, with both countries hoping for a peaceful resolution.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post War Drums: Fear of Annexation as Venezuelans Asked to Reject UN Authority, Declare Neighboring Territory as Their Own appeared first on The Western Journal.
What actions has the international community taken to support Guyana’s sovereignty over the disputed territory in the wake of Venezuela’s referendum?
Uling to confirm its sovereignty over the territory. The government of Guyana has expressed its concerns over the Venezuelan referendum, claiming that it poses a significant threat to regional stability.
The international community has also weighed in on the matter. The United States, along with several other countries, has voiced its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and has called on Venezuela to respect the International Court of Justice ruling. The Organization of American States has stated that the referendum could further escalate tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The outcome of the referendum remains uncertain, but it is clear that tensions between Venezuela and Guyana have reached a critical point. The Venezuelan government’s determination to reclaim Essequibo has raised concerns about potential military action and the destabilization of the region.
The international community must closely monitor the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to facilitate dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana. The United Nations and other organizations should play a significant role in mediating the dispute and ensuring that international law is upheld.
It is essential for Venezuela and Guyana to find a diplomatic solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both countries. The referendum, although a means for Venezuelans to express their opinions, must not be used as a justification for aggression or the violation of international norms.
The stakes are high, not only for Venezuela and Guyana but for the entire region. The potential for armed conflict and the exploitation of natural resources could have severe consequences for stability, security, and economic development.
The international community must urge both Venezuela and Guyana to engage in peaceful dialogue and respect the rule of law. It is only through diplomatic negotiations that a sustainable and mutually beneficial solution to the dispute can be reached.
Venezuela’s referendum on the disputed territory in Guyana has ignited war drums, creating uncertainty and concern among neighboring countries and the international community. Efforts must be made to de-escalate tensions, promote dialogue, and find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute. The fate of Essequibo and the stability of the region depend on it.
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