Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali issued an appeal to Venezuelans on Sunday, urging them not to partake in any actions aimed at seizing Guyana’s Essequibo County, highlighting the breach of international law it would represent. Venezuelans voted in a controversial referendum on Sunday on the Essequibo region.
Speaking directly to the Venezuelan people, President Ali stressed the importance of neighborly relations, stating, “We are your neighbors and are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves. Long after this controversy, we will live together as neighbors.”
While emphasizing a non-interference stance in Venezuela’s internal affairs, Ali reiterated the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order for Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the current controversy.
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“This is an opportunity for Venezuela to show maturity and responsibility, allowing the rule of law to determine the outcome,” President Ali expressed on a live broadcast on Facebook.
In a plea directed at Venezuelan leadership, Ali urged them to avoid inflammatory language and narratives that incite fear among both Venezuelan and Guyanese populations.
The ICJ’s ruling, delivered by President Joan E. Donoghue, granted provisional measures to Guyana, requiring Venezuela to abstain from actions affecting Guyana’s administration of the Essequibo territory pending the final decision. While the Court did not grant all requested measures concerning Venezuela’s referendum, the issued measures align with Guyana’s concerns over territory control and the potential escalation of the controversy.
President Ali reassured the Guyanese populace of global support and affirmed continuous efforts to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity. He commended the relentless dedication of Guyana’s armed forces, highlighting their commitment to ensuring national safety and border protection.
“…We are working around the clock to ensure our borders remain intact and our people and country remain safe,” President Ali concluded.
