The Commonwealth Secretariat has issued a strong statement condemning recent moves by Venezuela regarding the Essequibo region while expressing unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty.
In response to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s promulgation of the Organic Law for the Defense of Essequibo on April 3, 2024, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC echoed the concerns raised by Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
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President Ali expressed apprehension in a letter dated April 5, 2024, regarding Venezuela’s potential seizure of Guyana’s sovereign territory. The Commonwealth affirms that the ICJ process is the appropriate and lawful means to address the matter under international law, Scotland stated firmly. About Venezuela’s April 3rd promulgation, the Commonwealth Secretary-General
Noted: “Venezuela’s latest actions appear to directly contravene the ICJ Order and the spirit of the 14 December 2023 Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela where both states agreed to use international law and diplomatic means to address the controversy and to refrain from escalating the conflict.”
She also referred to previous statements made in November and December 2023 regarding the dispute, as well as the Outcome Statement of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana issued in December 2023 and the Concluding Statement of the Sixty-Fourth Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in March 2024. Scotland expressed gratitude for the firm support from the entire Commonwealth family for Guyana and called on member states to provide any necessary assistance during this time.
Considering these developments, the Commonwealth Secretary-General urged Venezuela to abide by the principles of international law and manage the dispute in a manner that ensures peace and stability in the Caribbean region.
As tensions continue to rise, the Commonwealth remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and upholding international law.
