Justice, not force, should be arbiter of international disputes – President Ali hails ICJ ruling

President Dr Irfaan Ali has praised the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision granting Guyana’s request for provisional measures against Venezuela in response to Venezuela’s upcoming referendum, endorsing among other illegal measures, the annexation of Guyana’s Essequibo region.
“We believe that justice, not force, should be the arbiter of international disputes,” President Ali said in a statement shortly after the ruling was delivered.
“As the Court has made clear, Venezuela is prohibited from annexing or trespassing upon Guyanese territory or taking any other actions – regardless of the outcome of its referendum on December 3 – that would alter the status quo in which Guyana administers and controls the Essequibo region, as an integral part of its sovereign territory, under the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899,” the Head of State stated, noting that the Government welcomed the unanimous decision.
Ali reminded that the ruling is legally binding on Venezuela and that both the UN Charter and the Statute of the Court, to which Venezuela is a party, require its strict compliance.
According to the President, this is an opportunity for Venezuela to join Guyana in demonstrating respect for international law and the principles that govern peaceful coexistence.
“Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process and the rule of law. It is fully confident that, when the ICJ issues its final Judgment on the merits of the case, it will conclude that the Essequibo is legally and rightfully Guyanese territory.”
He added, “We believe that justice, not force, should be the arbiter of international disputes. To this end, we affirm our dedication to pursuing a peaceful, legal resolution to this dispute in the right and proper place – the ICJ – as authorised by the UN [United Nations] Secretary General in the exercise of his powers under the Geneva Agreement of 1966.”
“The solidarity of the international community with Guyana has been invaluable. We appeal to our sister countries of Caricom [Caribbean Community] and the broader international community to continue supporting the principles of justice and international law in relation to the controversy over Guyana’s border with Venezuela. Our collective voice can serve as a beacon for the respect of the UN Charter, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
As Guyana prepares to join the UN Security Council, President Ali said, “We are conscious of the responsibility that comes with this role – to encourage and support international peace and stability and the rule of law, and we encourage all peace-loving nations to insist on Venezuelan respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the UN’s highest court.”
He declared that Guyana is committed to keeping the Region a Zone of Peace and extended an invitation to all countries to join it in this admirable endeavour.