Maduro announces Guyana Esequiba as the 24th state of Venezuela

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
6 Dec 2023 04:45
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announces the creation of a new High Commission for the Defense of Guyana Esequiba, coordinated by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the notification ceremony for the referendum about the future of a disputed territory with Guyana, in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. (AP)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced 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!"

Creada la "Alta Comisión por la Defensa de la Guayana Esequiba" amplia e integrada por el Consejo de Defensa de la Nación, el Consejo Federal de Gobierno, el Consejo de Seguridad Nacional y todos los sectores políticos, religiosos y académicos, coordinada por la Vicepresidenta… pic.twitter.com/PFCTgFP8qA
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) December 6, 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.

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

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.

#EnVivo 📹 | De manera contundente, "el pueblo decidió acoger la propuesta de crear el estado Guayana Esequiba, darle nacionalidad venezolana a todos sus habitantes y reconocerlos como hermanos de nuestra Patria", afirmó el Mandatario @NicolasMaduro pic.twitter.com/Fajp101Tty
— Prensa Presidencial (@PresidencialVen) December 5, 2023

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

The Venezuelan President also strives to activate the social care plan for the residents of Guayana Esequiba, conduct a population census, and issue identity cards. This point involves establishing an administrative service office for identity, migration, and foreign affairs in Tumeremo.

Lastly comes the approval of a special law defining the areas of environmental protection and new national parks in Guayana Esequiba.

This follows the approval by Venezuelans of a referendum initiated by the Maduro government to assert sovereignty over a resource-rich area in Guyana, as declared by the country's electoral authority.