MERCOSUR member countries concerned about Essequibo territorial dispute

On December 7, the countries of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay asked Venezuela and Guyana to dialogue to resolve the dispute over the Essequibo territory.

Các nước thành viên MERCOSUR quan ngại về tranh chấp lãnh thổ Essequibo

The Essequibo Territory dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has lasted for more than 100 years. (Source: Le Monde)

In a joint statement, MERCOSUR member countries, along with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, called on both sides to dialogue and peacefully resolve disputes, in order to avoid unilateral actions that further complicate the situation.

South American countries expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and stressed that Latin America must be a “zone of peace”.

Previously, on December 6, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the establishment of a new Comprehensive Defense Operations Zone in the Essequibo territory, thereby allowing Caracas to explore for oil and gas in the area.

At the same time, he asked the country's National Assembly to discuss and pass a bill to establish "Guayana Esequiba state" - the 24th state of Venezuela.

The Guyana government later accused Venezuela of violating international law, warning that any country that openly defies the international organization is a threat to the world.

Source