Brazil Worried About Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute

30 Dec, 2023

Brazil Worried About Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute

Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed apprehension on Friday regarding the escalating border conflict between Venezuela and Guyana. This heightened following Britain's dispatch of a warship to Guyana's shores, intensifying regional tensions.

The foreign ministry of Brazil called upon the South American neighbors to resume dialogue, emphasizing the importance of refraining from "military activities" that support either side. Brazil urged adherence to the Argyle Declaration, a recent agreement signed by Guyana and Venezuela, promoting a nonviolent resolution to the border dispute.

The dispute primarily revolves around Essequibo, a sparsely populated region in Guyana, comparable in size to Florida and abundant in oil and minerals. Venezuela responded to Britain's naval deployment by commencing military exercises involving 5,000 troops in the eastern Caribbean, adjacent to the Guyanese border.

In a televised address, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of betraying the spirit of the Argyle Declaration, vowing not to yield to external pressure. Meanwhile, the UK's defense ministry clarified that the warship's visit was part of a series of regional engagements and aimed at conducting joint exercises with Guyana's military.

The warship, HMS Trent, equipped for anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations, arrived in Guyana, where Britain's ambassador and the chief of staff of Guyana's Defense Force were hosted for discussions and a tour of the vessel's capabilities.

Guyana emphasized that its collaborations with international states aimed at bolstering internal security were not aggressive and posed no threat to any nation, intending solely to enhance security measures.

The longstanding territorial dispute, revived by Venezuela's recent referendum regarding Essequibo, coincides with internal challenges as Venezuela gears up for a presidential election. Critics accuse President Maduro of diverting attention from internal issues by reigniting this border conflict.

Venezuela argues historical grievances and contests the validity of past agreements, alleging a land theft conspiracy in 1899 and contesting the 1966 accord, while Guyana seeks a legal resolution through the United Nations, though a decision is anticipated in the distant future.