Posted 12/1/2023, 2:58:00 PM
Venezuela-Guyana Border Tensions Flare Over Disputed Territory Vote
- Venezuela plans to hold a referendum asking citizens if the Essequibo region should become a new Venezuelan state, angering Guyana which has claimed the territory since 1811
- Guyana has asked the international court of justice to settle the dispute but Venezuela contests its authority
- Guyana accuses Venezuelan president Maduro of using the dispute to whip up patriotic support ahead of elections next year
- Both sides are building up military presence along the border, with Guyana considering allowing foreign bases, raising fears of potential conflict
- Guyana calls for unity and diplomacy to prevail while anxiously anticipating Venezuela's next moves after an expected 'yes' vote