ICJ Restrains Venezuela in Border Dispute with Guyana

On Friday, the International Court of Justice directed Venezuela to avoid any actions that could change the current situation in a disputed territory near the Esequibo river, potentially rich in oil, which is at the center of a border dispute with Guyana. While the court didn’t explicitly prohibit Venezuela from conducting its planned December 3 referendum on the region’s rights, Guyana’s request to prevent any substantial alterations to the status quo was emphasized by the judges.

The court’s order serves as a restraint on Venezuela’s actions in the disputed area, urging them not to disrupt the existing conditions on the ground. The territorial dispute over the Esequibo river has been a longstanding issue, and the recent directive from the World Court aims to maintain stability while acknowledging Venezuela’s planned referendum. The decision suggests a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate tensions or alter the current state of affairs in the contested region.

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