Maduro’s speech on Tuesday evening raised fears in Guyana that Venezuela could use force to seize Essequibo territory. The region controls access to the rich oil field, the Financial Times reports.
“I propose to pass a special law that prohibits all companies involved in concessions in Guyana from carrying out any type of transaction,” Maduro said on state television. He added that “they have three months to withdraw after the adoption of the law”. He also ordered the publication of new maps of Venezuela showing Essequibo as part of his territory.
A special military unit will be created for the territory, which will be based in the neighboring state of Venezuela, Maduro said.
Before the ordinance was issued, a referendum was held in the country in which the answer to five questions was requested which, among other things, concerned “the incorporation of the territory into the map of the territory of Venezuela” and the granting of citizenship Venezuelan to the over 100,000 residents of Essequibo.
“This referendum is binding and I accept the mandate of the people,” Maduro said after the official results were announced on Sunday. He added: “Now we are really starting to reclaim Venezuela’s historic rights in the Essequibo of Guyana.”
In response, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali said he would refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice on Wednesday.
In a late-night speech, Ali said: “The Guyana Defense Forces are on high alert. Venezuela has clearly declared itself an illegitimate country.”
Earlier, Guyana’s vice president said the South American nation needed to be “very vigilant” and “prepared for every eventuality.” He told local media that Venezuela’s leadership had proven “very unpredictable.”
A conflict between the two oil-rich countries would represent a new crisis for the administration of US President Joe Biden. They have bet on strengthening ties with Maduro, hoping that the easing of Donald Trump-era economic sanctions will encourage him to move toward free and fair elections and help improve global oil supplies.
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2023-12-06 14:20:38
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