The Guyanese government and opposition are working together to defend the country against Venezuela’s ambitions to acquire its land.
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton met Monday to address Venezuela’s “existential threat” to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the meeting, both leaders issued a joint statement in which they “condemned Venezuela’s flagrant violation of the rule of law and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent efforts to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Both presidents decided to step up diplomatic efforts and launch a thorough public relations campaign to combat “Venezuelan propaganda and misinformation.”
Ali and Norton voiced concern about the referendum questions that Venezuelans will vote on on December 3, 2023.
The leaders targeted questions three and five.
Question three asks Venezuelans whether the government should maintain its “historical position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial dispute over Essequibo Guiana.”
Question five asks Venezuelans if they approve the establishment of the Guyana Essequibo state. The poll also asks Venezuelans if they agree to offer Guyanese residing in the annexed zone citizenship and identity cards in conformity with the Geneva Agreement and International Law.
“This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of International Law,” the leaders were quoted as saying.
Ali and have stated that they will continue to work together to preserve Guyana’s national interests.
