March 1, 2025
The Liberty and Democracy Group (Grupo Libertad y Democracia) has strongly condemned the recent incursion by a Venezuelan military vessel into Essequibo waters, as denounced by the Government of Guyana. In a statement released on March 1, the group declared the act an “unacceptable violation of Guyanese sovereignty” and a direct challenge to international law that warrants global condemnation.
The statement highlighted Guyana’s diplomatic approach to addressing the situation, in contrast to what it described as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s continued disregard for international norms. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his commitment to defending his country’s territorial integrity while calling on international mechanisms to address the breach.
“Respect for legitimately recognized borders is a fundamental principle of the global order,” the statement read. “There is no justification for attempting to impose force over the sovereignty of a nation.”
The Liberty and Democracy Group called on the international community to support Guyana’s sovereignty, warning that Maduro’s government seeks to exploit the energy resources of a rising economy with significant global potential.
Several former heads of state endorsed the statement, including Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador, Iván Duque of Colombia, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Felipe Calderón of Mexico, and Mariano Rajoy of Spain.
This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region. The recent discovery of vast oil reserves in the area exacerbated this long-standing issue. Guyana continues to rely on international legal frameworks, including the International Court of Justice, to assert its rights, while Venezuela has escalated its claims through political rhetoric and military maneuvers.
The international response to this latest provocation will likely shape the future of diplomatic relations in the region as Guyana seeks to maintain its sovereignty and economic stability in the face of growing tensions.
