Venezuela calls for 'high-level' talks with Guyana
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According to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made the offer during phone discussions with regional officials, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva.
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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaking during a meeting of the Assembly of the Federal Council of Government at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on 5 December 2023. (AFP)
The Venezuelan administration proposed a "high-level" meeting with Guyana on Saturday to discuss the rising tensions as the territorial dispute over Essequibo has resurfaced.
According to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made the offer during phone discussions with regional officials, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva.
The message did not explicitly specify that Guyana had consented to the discussions, but it did suggest that a date for the meeting would be announced in the coming days.
Tensions have escalated between #Venezuela and #Guyana as the territorial dispute over #Essequibo has resurfaced.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 4, 2023
Here's the history of the dispute between #Caracas and #Georgetown. pic.twitter.com/FX45hY35Ov
On Wednesday, 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
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.
