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Diplomatic efforts at vanguard: Maduro briefs Putin on Essequibo talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Dec 2023 00:14

Russian President Vladimir Putin tells Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that diplomatic efforts must prevail in solving the Venezuela-Guyana dispute.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and Chairman of the Special Commission for the Defense of Guyana Essequibo Hermann Escarra unveiled Venezuela's new map that includes the Essequibo territory, in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is "in favor of resolving the Venezuelan-Guyanese territorial dispute by political and diplomatic means," according to a statement released by the Kremlin on Thursday.

The statement underscored that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had informed Putin of his talks with Irfaan Ali, his Guyanese counterpart, regarding the situation in Essequibo.

Earlier, on December 15, Guyana and Venezuela agreed, according to a joint statement, that the use of force and threats to settle the disputed Essequibo territory would be averted to resolve matters of conflict within international law, such as the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Released by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the statement said, "Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States ..."

It was "agreed that any controversies between the two States will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966," the statement added.

Maduro announces Guyana Esequiba as the 24th state of Venezuela

Maduro announced, on December 6, the establishment of a new High Commission for the Defense of Guyana Esequiba, consisting of the Defense Council, Federal Government Council, National Security Council, political, religious, and academic sectors, particularly the country's universities, with coordination led by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

This initiative is part of a series of governmental actions aimed at implementing the results of the referendum, reflecting the collective will of the Venezuelan people.

He posted on X, saying: "Presidential Decree! The Comprehensive Defense Zone "Guayana Esequiba" has been established with 3 Comprehensive Development Areas (ADI) and 28 development sectors in this territory, militarily and administratively dependent on the "Guayana Esequiba" REDI. Additionally, I appointed M/G Rodríguez Cabello as the sole authority, with political and administrative headquarters in the town of Tumeremo. Full support for this Zone!"

Tensions have escalated between #Venezuela and #Guyana as the territorial dispute over #Essequibo has resurfaced.

Here's the history of the dispute between #Caracas and #Georgetown. pic.twitter.com/FX45hY35Ov
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 4, 2023

In the Federal Government Council Assembly, the South American President directed authorization for Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and Venezuelan Guayana to establish PDVSA Essequibo and CVG Essequibo and granted operational licenses for oil, gas, and mineral exploration and exploitation.

Additionally, he outlined a prohibition on entering contracts with companies involved in unilateral operations with Guyana in the yet-to-be-delineated waters.

Emphasizing a three-month timeline, he expressed openness to dialogue, stating, "For the good, everything; for the bad, nothing," which can be consolidated through the activation in the National Assembly of the discussion on the Basic Law for the Defense of Guyana Esequipa. Legal documentation, discussion, and subsequent approval will facilitate the creation of Guayana Esequiba and the implementation of decisions endorsed by the people in the consultative referendum.

In light of the outcomes from the Consultative Referendum for Essequibo, he reaffirmed the importance of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana adhering to international law, especially concerning the de facto "control and administration" of the territory.

Maduro ordered the publication and dissemination of Venezuela's new map in all schools, secondary schools, and universities across the country. In a post on X, he wrote: "I immediately ordered to publish and take to all schools, high schools, Community Councils, public establishments, universities and in all homes in the country the new Map of Venezuela with our Guayana Esequiba. This is our beloved map!"

Ordené de manera inmediata publicar y a llevar a todas las escuelas, liceos, Consejos Comunales, establecimientos públicos, universidades y en todos los hogares del país el nuevo Mapa de Venezuela con nuestra Guayana Esequiba. ¡Este es nuestro mapa amado! pic.twitter.com/qliW31Lyb9
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) December 6, 2023