Private Meeting of the UN Security Council on the Territorial Controversey between Guyana and Venezuela

Today, 09 April, the Security Council convened for a private meeting under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda item to discuss recent developments regarding the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela arising from Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region in Guyana. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča briefed the Council.

Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett spoke on behalf of Guyana at the meeting. In her remarks, she provided a thorough overview of the history of the border controversy, and highlighted the actions that have been taken by Venezuela in contravention of diplomatic agreements, including the Argyle Declaration, and international law, including the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice. She emphasized Guyana’s commitment to peace, the rule of law and to the resolution of the controversy through the International Court of Justice.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett emphasized the Council’s responsibility to ensure respect for the rule of law and adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. She called on the Council to impress on Venezuela the need to pursue a peaceful settlement of the controversy by the ICJ, as it is bound to do by the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Venezuela spoke at the meeting. Haiti, representing CARICOM, also made remarks.

The private meeting was requested by Guyana in a 05 April letter from H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, to the President of the Council