Organization of American States Condemns Law Reaffirming Venezuelan Sovereignty over Essequibo

The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned this Monday the Venezuelan regime’s approval of a law confirming Venezuelan sovereignty over the Essequibo territory belonging to Guyana.

“The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS), with the firm goal of promoting and protecting peace and security, condemns the approval by the Venezuelan regime of the so-called “Essequibo Protection Law”, which is absolutely contrary to the most elementary principles of international law and once again confirms the dictatorial model of those who is in power in Venezuela,” the organization said in a statement.

On April 3, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro unveiled the Guyana Essequiba Defense Act, which reaffirms Venezuela’s sovereignty over territory disputed with neighboring Guyana.

According to the OAS statement, the Venezuelan regime approved the law, which recalls “sad historical episodes that led to forced annexations, military aggression and destruction.”

“Regional peace and security depend on preventing the Venezuelan regime from achieving these threatening goals,” the organization said.

The OAS stated that “international law condemns the crime of aggression, condemns the threat of aggression, condemns unilateral actions to resolve bilateral problems, condemns the non-compliance with and violation of ongoing arbitral awards,” emphasizing that the international community “must condemn belligerent and intimidating attitudes towards countries and international actors.” .

“In this sense, we very positively assess the fact that the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in this case,” the note states.

According to the OAS, “the actions of the Venezuelan regime are a direct attack on the Chavista legacy of peace and harmony with the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Guyana’s exploitation of its natural resources can be carried out peacefully.”

“Like any self-respecting fascist “law,” this one not only contains an external threat, but also fulfills its tasks of internal repression. The combination of internal repression with the regime’s aggressive stance towards the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is a new milestone in the endless spiral of moral and political misery of the Venezuelan regime. This law jeopardizes not only the security of Guyana, but also the peace and security of the entire hemisphere,” the note stated.

The Essequibo region, which is designated as a “claim zone” on Venezuelan maps, has been under UN mediation since 1966, when the Geneva Agreement was signed.

Essequibo, which covers approximately 160,000 square kilometers, is rich in oil, represents more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and is home to about a fifth of the population, or about 125,000 people.

Venezuela’s claims have become more pressing since ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015, and tensions between the two countries have risen since then.

For Venezuela, the natural border should be the Essequibo River, as it was in 1777, during the Spanish Empire. Guyana says the border, which dates back to the British colonial era, was ratified in 1899 by an arbitration court in Paris.

Meanwhile, Guyana has already allowed eight foreign companies to explore for oil in waters claimed by Venezuela.