Referendum will proceed -Venezuela tells ICJ, court to issue decision

Makane Moise Mbengue

Declaring that absolutely nothing—not even the Court—can prevent its referendum planned for December 3rd, Venezuela’s resolute position is that Guyana’s county of Essequibo belongs to it, and it is prepared to fully defend its sovereignity.

In fact, Venezuela sought to reiterate its previously stated position that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has no jurisdiction to even adjudicate the border controversy between it and Guyana over Essequibo.

These were among the submissions made yesterday by Venezuela before the ICJ – also known as the World Court –  which is currently seized of the matter for determination on the merits of the controversy.