Venezuela insists Essequibo region of neighboring Guyana was fraudulently taken
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Venezuela argues that the mineral-rich Essequibo region was fraudulently taken from it in an 1899 arbitration and insists that a 1966 agreement, not the International Court of Justice (ICJ), should determine ownership.
- The ICJ is conducting hearings to resolve the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, both of which claim the Essequibo area, known for its gold, diamonds, timber, and offshore oil deposits.
- Venezuela claims the 1899 arbitration, involving Britain, Russia, and the U.S., was biased and invalid, and that the 1966 Geneva Agreement aims to correct this historical injustice.
- Guyana maintains that the dispute threatens its sovereignty, with 70% of its territory contested, and seeks a ruling from the ICJ to affirm its ownership.
- The ICJ is expected to take several months to issue a legally binding decision on the matter.
