Canada has called on Venezuela to cancel its planned elections over Guyana’s Essequibo region, scheduled for Sunday, May 25.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, issued a statement on Saturday emphasising Canada’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and urging Venezuela to adhere to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provisions.
“The International Court of Justice is seized with the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. Canada reiterates its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and urges Venezuela to respect the ICJ May 1, 2025 provisions. This means that Venezuela must refrain tomorrow from holding elections of a Governor of the Essequibo Region,” he wrote.
The ICJ had previously ordered Venezuela to refrain from any actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory, including holding elections.
Despite this, Venezuela has announced plans to proceed with elections over the Essequibo region, which has been administered by Guyana for over a century.
Guyana has strongly condemned Venezuela’s actions, viewing them as a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace. President Irfaan Ali described the move as a “full-frontal assault on Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and warned of “grave implications” for the entire western hemisphere .
The Essequibo region and the adjoining EEZ, rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, oil, gas and timber, has been the subject of a longstanding territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. The matter is currently before the ICJ, which has urged both parties to refrain from any actions that could exacerbate tensions.
Canada’s statement adds to the growing international pressure on Venezuela to comply with the ICJ’s directives and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasising the importance of upholding international law and respecting sovereign borders.
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