Guyana Defends Sovereignty, Seeks Legal Resolution in Venezuela Border Dispute – President Ali

Guyana dedicated a peaceful and legal resolution to border dispute with Venezuela- Ali tells UN General Assembly.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the United Nations General Assembly, reminding the global community that for all 58 years of Guyana’s independence, the nation has faced ongoing aggression from Venezuela. He emphasized that Guyana has relied on international law as its primary defense in protecting its sovereignty from Venezuela’s claims.

Dr. Ali reiterated that the border between the two nations was definitively settled by an international tribunal in 1899, an agreement that Venezuela had fully accepted and respected for over six decades. However, on the eve of Guyana’s independence, Venezuela reopened the issue, claiming two-thirds of Guyanese territory.

In response to Venezuela’s claims, Guyana took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following a decision by the UN Secretary-General. Dr. Ali highlighted that in 2023, the ICJ issued provisional measures instructing Venezuela to refrain from any actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory, which is administered by Guyana.

President Irfaan Ali showing off his wristband with the map of Guyana as he updates the media on the ongoing border talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro at Argyle International Airport on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (CMC Photo)

While Venezuela had long refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the ICJ or participate in proceedings, it has now submitted a counter memorial in response to Guyana’s case. President Ali welcomed this move, expressing hope that Venezuela will accept the Court’s final decision, just as Guyana has committed to doing.

In closing, Dr. Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to a peaceful and legal resolution to the dispute, in full accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.