The territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over Essequibo has intensified again. Venezuela approved a law that creates a new state in the 160,000 km² that both countries consider as their own, which was rejected by Guyana. The Guyanese Foreign Ministry denounced that this action by Venezuela violates the fundamental principles of international law. The Guyanese authorities warned that they will not tolerate the annexation of their territory. For its part, Venezuela accused Guyana of allowing the presence of US military bases in the disputed area.
The Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba declares Essequibo as the 24th state of Venezuela. This law seeks to force international oil and mining companies to choose between Venezuela and Guyana. The president of the National Assembly justified the law as a defense of the territory and its ecosystem against oil companies and mining pirates.
However, the law also prohibits companies operating in the disputed area from doing business in Venezuela, and will also prevent Venezuelans who do not support the official position from holding public office. This could lead to political disqualifications. The law also prohibits the circulation of maps or documents that do not recognize Venezuela's sovereignty over the territory claimed.
Experts expressed concern about the escalation of Venezuela's bellicose rhetoric towards Guyana and warned that each step Maduro takes on this issue puts him further and further into a dead end.
https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cy0zlrny41xo
The Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba declares Essequibo as the 24th state of Venezuela. This law seeks to force international oil and mining companies to choose between Venezuela and Guyana. The president of the National Assembly justified the law as a defense of the territory and its ecosystem against oil companies and mining pirates.
However, the law also prohibits companies operating in the disputed area from doing business in Venezuela, and will also prevent Venezuelans who do not support the official position from holding public office. This could lead to political disqualifications. The law also prohibits the circulation of maps or documents that do not recognize Venezuela's sovereignty over the territory claimed.
Experts expressed concern about the escalation of Venezuela's bellicose rhetoric towards Guyana and warned that each step Maduro takes on this issue puts him further and further into a dead end.
https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cy0zlrny41xo
