President Irfaan Ali today told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Guyana will not bow to threats and intimidation from Venezuela as the neighbouring country continues to defy international law in its attempts to claim two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.
Speaking at the 80th Session of the UNGA, President Ali reminded world leaders that the territorial controversy is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has twice affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter. He noted too that in 2023, the Court issued provisional measures ordering Venezuela to refrain from altering the status quo.
“Yet, Venezuela persists with unilateral laws and threats of annexation, flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and the very principles that sustain global order,” Ali said.
The Head of State warned that if the rights of a small country like Guyana can be ignored, then no nation is safe under international law. “If the rights of a small state can be trampled upon, and legally binding orders ignored, what protection remains for any nation under international law?” he asked.
Reaffirming his government’s position, President Ali declared: “We will not cower to coercion, intimidation, or unilateral action. We thank our international partners and allies for their solidarity.”
The President said Guyana continues to repose confidence in international law, stressing that sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference are “not negotiable.”
