U.D.P. Tells Venezuela Take Border Dispute to ICJ

The United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) of Belize has issued a statement condemning the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following the nation’s adoption of a law that seeks to defend a portion of Guyana as its own. The legislation is being referred to as the ‘the Organic Law for the Defense of Guyana Essequiba”, and the U.D.P. says that this irresponsible, dangerous, and unprovoked act by Venezuela has resulted in an escalation of tensions between the countries. The statement notes that this action poses a serious threat to peace, stability and security within Latin America and the Caribbean region. Both nations have been going through an increasingly tense border dispute that may be reaching a tipping out. U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte says the U.D.P. is urging Venezuela to take the matter to the International Court of Justice.

 

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, UDP

“Guyana is a sister nation to ours. She is a CARICOM sitting and we value Guyana. We understand fully what she is going through because well were going through the same thing and now we are before the ICJ and hopefully within the next year or two we can resolve that once and for all. Our simple position is this, whenever we get these types of disputes, strong arm tactics we wouldn’t support under any circumstances to say the least. If there is a border dispute. If there is an issue, all we say to another nation that has been good to Belize, Venezuela, is look take your issue to the ICJ. We live in a civilized world and we want to settle this in a civil matter. So Guyana, Venezuela, if there is a dispute, whether it relates to the Essequibo area or any other area of the country, if you have a dispute then join forces for this to happen, like what Belize and Guatemala did, so go to a referendum, have a vote and take the matter to the ICJ.”