The oil-rich Essequibo region has been officially controlled by neighboring Guyana since its independence in 1966. Guyana’s president denounced “a direct threat to territorial integrity”.
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The tension rises another notch. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed drafting a law to create a new administrative province in the Essequibo region, administered by neighboring Guyana, on Tuesday, December 5.
This announcement follows a consultative referendum held on Sunday, where more than 10 million Venezuelan voters voted more than 95% in favor of integration into their Essequibo country. This oil-rich region has been controlled by neighboring Guyana since its independence in 1966.
The Venezuelan head of state declared that he would create a regional division of PDVSA, and gave the order to proceed “immediately” has “licensing” For “the exploitation of oil, gas and mines throughout the region”. Nicolas Maduro also proposed drafting a special law “with all sectors” to prohibit the signing of contracts with companies operating in the area under concessions granted by Guyana.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali said his Venezuelan counterpart’s statements were “a direct threat” for the small Latin American country, in an exceptional address to the nation on Tuesday. “This is a direct threat to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Guyana”declared the leader.
