Dear Editor,
Is Venezuela on the path of becoming a ‘rogue’ state? From all indications, it would seem so. From refusing to carry out the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to taking measures aimed at the ‘annexation’ of Guyana’s territory, the Maduro regime is demonstrating that it has absolutely no regard for the rule of international law and no respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another state as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Such actions cannot and must not be tolerated by the international community. There is no place for such uncivilized behaviour in this hemisphere, which for several decades has prided itself as a region of peace.
Maduro and a few of his apologists are seeking to project a misleading narrative of a battle against ‘imperialism’’ allegedly perpetrated in the region through ExxonMobil, and not against the people of Guyana. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is an absurdity that must be debunked. It is nonsensical as it is false. The claim by Venezuela to Guyana’s territory predated the involvement of ExxonMobil in oil exploration in the region. Maduro’s actions therefore can only be explained in terms of greed and a rather clumsy response to his growing unpopularity.
The international community is fully on the side of Guyana. Guyana’s case is before the International Court of Justice which is the only internationally recognized body to adjudicate on the matter. As pointed out by both President Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo, Guyana is examining all possible options in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity including diplomacy and the forging of strategic alliances with friendly nations.
Sincerely,
Hydar Ally
