President tells UN: Guyana will not cower to threats from Venezuela

Guyana will not cower to coercion or intimidation in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela, President Dr. Irfaan Ali told the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, warning that Caracas’ refusal to comply with International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders threatens both international peace and the credibility of global law.

“Guyana, a small and peaceful state. We have endured repeated threats and aggression from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” Ali declared before world leaders.

He reminded the Assembly that the territorial case is properly before the ICJ. “The territorial controversy between our states is now before the International Court of Justice, which has twice affirmed its jurisdiction, and which in 2023 issued provisional measures ordering Venezuela to refrain from altering the status quo,” he said.

Despite these rulings, Ali said Venezuela has advanced domestic legislation and political actions to claim the Essequibo. “Yet, Venezuela persists with unilateral laws and threats of annexation, flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and the very principles that sustain global order.”

The Essequibo, a vast territory administered by Guyana under the 1899 Arbitral Award, has long been claimed by Venezuela. The controversy intensified after major offshore oil reserves were discovered in 2015, transforming Guyana into one of the fastest-growing energy producers in the world.

Caracas escalated its position in December 2023 by holding a referendum asserting sovereignty over the Essequibo and later moving to organise local elections in the disputed area, steps that Guyana says violate ICJ orders. Venezuela has rejected the Court’s jurisdiction.

Ali cautioned that the implications go beyond Guyana. “If the rights of a small state can be trampled upon, and legally binding orders ignored, what protection remains for any nation under international law?”

He reaffirmed Guyana’s stance: “For us, the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference are not negotiable. We will not cower to coercion, intimidation, or unilateral action. We thank our international partners and allies for their solidarity.”