- Oil companies operating in Essequibo urged to ignore Venezuela’s ultimatum
Oil companies operating under concessions in Guyana’s Essequibo region are encouraged to disregard Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s order to cease operations.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said during a press conference at the President’s Office on Thursday that these enterprises are operating legitimately and that the government will preserve the territory’s sovereignty.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced administrative processes to acquire Essequibo on December 5, giving investors three months to leave the island’s exclusive economic zone.
He has also directed the state oil firm to provide licences for crude extraction in the area.
The Venezuelan president also proposed to the Venezuelan National Assembly the passage of a ‘organic statute’ in defence of Essequibo.
VP Jagdeo, on the other hand, stated that these laws had no bearing on international law.
“We are not paying attention to his law because it has no bearing in international law and will receive no respect or attention from the Guyana government or people.” Any attempts by his state oil firms or state corporations to explore for petroleum in our area will be viewed as an intrusion by Guyana,” he stated.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that, given Venezuela’s current economic situation, the Venezuelan government has no reason to propose ‘organic legislation’ or’social care’ plans for Guyana’s Essequibo region.
“Venezuela’s people have a difficult time finding food.” Many people escaped there. Why would our people in Essequibo want his social attention plan? What could he possibly offer the people of Essequibo if not additional hardships? People are fleeing his country as a result of his poor economic policies and the country’s lack of democracy. “Who wants more of that?” he wondered.
The vice president informed residents of border areas that the government will go to whatever length to protect Guyana and its people, and urged them not to be concerned.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a binding decision for Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action” that would imperil Guyana’s current control of the Essequibo area. The existing status quo is based on the 1899 tribunal judgement that established the border between Venezuela and British Guiana.
Venezuela continues to brazenly violate the World Court’s verdict.
According to the vice president, any conversations to settle the dispute are off the table because Guyana believes the case must be resolved through the ICJ.
“We are open to talks with Maduro and his government at any time, but not on that issue.” So, if he believes that belligerence and threatening Guyana will lead to the desired bilateral conversations, he is profoundly incorrect,” Dr Jagdeo said.
