The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela confirmed to the International Court of Justice through a statement on Wednesday, that it does not accept its jurisdiction, while ratifying that it will not appear before that body in the proceedings initiated unilaterally by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana:
«The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its non-appearance in this proceeding because it considers, in full exercise of its sovereignty, that the Court manifestly lacks jurisdiction over the case, and that it is the subject of the demand of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana», expresses in the document, which was spread by Chancellor Jorge Arreaza through the Twitter social network:
«The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, faithful to its free, independent, peace and sovereign republican tradition, timely informs to the entire Venezuelan people and the international community that on April 15, 2019, its diplomatic representation has delivered in the hands of of the Secretary of the International Court of Justice, Mr. Philippe Couvreur, an official communication, in which, next to be met, on April 18, the term fixed by the Court for the presentation of a counter-report, within the framework of the procedure unilaterally initiated by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana regarding the Essequibo, the Bolivarian Republic reiterates its con comparecency to appear in said proceeding because it considers, in full exercise of its sovereignty, that the Court manifestly lacks jurisdiction over the case, being the subject of the lawsuit of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana inadmissible.
Venezuela has historically not accepted, nor will it accept that jurisdiction, much less has it granted its consent, on an unfounded claim with which the Cooperative Republic of Guyana seeks to evade the obligation to negotiate amicably a practical arrangement, acceptable and satisfactory to both parties, with the eventual assistance of third parties who exercise good offices or mediation, which is the purpose and raison d’être of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, the normative framework of the territorial dispute between the two Republics.
This does not preclude that, out of respect for the Court, in accordance with other precedents, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is willing to provide the Court with information on the grounds of its position in order to assist it in the performance of its duty. imposed by article 53.2 of its statute. This has been anticipated in the official communication of April 15.
This sovereign decision is the most consistent with the Venezuelan historical position and also has the due international legal advice, which permanently assists the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in this territorial controversy.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela once again takes the opportunity to reiterate to the sister Cooperating Republic of Guyana the invitation to continue friendly negotiations with the widest, sincere and best disposition to reach the practical and mutually acceptable arrangement prescribed by the Agreement of Geneva.
Caracas, April 17, 2019. «
AHORA:
