This Friday, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela spoke out to reject the statements attributed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, regarding the border conflict between Venezuela and Guyana.
This was announced by Foreign Minister Yván Gil, through his account on the social network X, in which he published "Venezuela rejects the statements attributed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, through which he intends to decline his responsibility in the tensions generated by Guyana, related to the territorial dispute over Essequibo."
#Release Venezuela rejects the statements attributed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, through which it intends to decline its responsibility in the tensions generated by Guyana, related to the controversy... pic.twitter.com/wi3Di3lgUU
- Yvan Gil (@yvangil) November 10, 2023
In the document, Venezuela reminds the Secretary General and the International Community that on February 25, 2018 he warned of the need to respect the 1966 Geneva Agreement, reiterating the letter sent to his predecessor Ban-Ki Moon on December 15, 2016.
He points out that despite this, the case was referred to the International Court of Justice, without the consent of either party, which "marked a turning point in Guyana's behavior, which has abandoned the diplomatic path of direct dialogue."
He warns that Guyana's actions, in association with the United States Southern Command, are becoming "the greatest threat to the peace and stability of the Caribbean."
In the text, Venezuela highlights its insistent call to establish direct talks with Guyana, and reiterates that on December 3, the Venezuelan people will assert their right over the territory of Guayana Esequiba.
Here is the full text of the statement:
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects the statements attributed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, through which it intends to decline its responsibility in the tensions generated by Guyana, related to the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba.
Venezuela reminds the Secretary General and the International Community that on February 25, 2018 it warned of the need to respect the 1966 Geneva Agreement, reiterating the letter sent to its predecessor Ban Ki Moon, dated December 15, 2016. However, Turning its back on the application of the successive means contemplated in said agreement, the case was referred, without the will of one of the parties, to the International Court of Justice. This action marked a turning point in the behavior of Guyana, which has abandoned the diplomatic channel of direct dialogue, making decisions that challenge international legality and threaten the peace and stability of the Caribbean region. Years later the question is asked: What was the point of taking this case to the ICJ without having the consent of an essential party, such as Venezuela, violating the letter of the Geneva Agreement?
It is the actions of Guyana, associated with the United States Southern Command and authorizing concessions in a sea pending delimitation with Venezuela, that is becoming the greatest threat to the peace and stability of the Caribbean. Venezuela's insistent call has been aimed at establishing direct, face-to-face conversations that allow progress in the peaceful and satisfactory resolution for both parties of the controversy over Guayana Esequiba, as established in the only valid document, such as the Agreement. of Geneva.
This December 3, the Venezuelan people will decide, in a sovereign, democratic and peaceful manner, their destiny to assert their historic rights over the territory of Guayana Esequiba. Nothing and no one will keep you from that path.
Caracas, November 10, 2023
Therefore, I will vote yes 5 times.