Photo composition showing the flags of Venezuela and Guyana, with a map of the Essequibo territory in between. File photo.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil condemned the interference of the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in the Essequibo dispute with Guyana.
Minister Gil made the statement on Tuesday, January 28, after Rubio met with the president of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, to discuss strategies that, according to the Venezuelan foreign minister, are based on disregarding Venezuela’s historical right over the Essequibo and undermining Venezuela’s territorial integrity.
“Marco Rubio, an enemy of our country, continues to demonstrate his unhealthy obsession with harming Venezuela,” Gil said.
The Venezuelan foreign minister emphasized that any resolution on the Essequibo must be governed by the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which establishes the basis for a peaceful resolution.
Venezuela Condemns ‘Dangerous Statements’ by Guyana’s Representative on Essequibo ICJ Dispute
“The only legitimate and valid way to resolve the territorial controversy is through compliance with the Geneva Agreement,” Gil stated.
He also pointed out that Guyana, with the support of external actors, intends to strip Venezuela of its sovereignty over the region.
“The Government of Guyana must understand that its obligation is not to third parties, but to history, international law, and peace in the region, and therefore it must sit at the table and negotiate with the guidelines set by the Geneva Agreement,” the minister said.
Gil said that Rubio’s statements are part of a plan to destabilize Venezuela and promote external interests in the region.
He added that “neither the ill-intentioned interference of our enemies nor cunning politics will be able to change this reality” and reiterated that Venezuela will not surrender in the defense of its sovereignty.
(Telesur) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/BR/SC
