The Stream

Guyana and Venezuela at odds over the Essequibo

Oil discovery off the Guyanese coast reignites territory dispute.

Tension is brewing between Venezuela and Guyana after ExxonMobil’s recent oil discovery in the Essequibo region. The territory, off of Guyana’s coast, has long been disputed between the two neighbouring countries. In 1899, despite Venezuela’s objections, Guyana was granted the Essequibo by an international tribunal. Following news of the oil discovery, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for the peaceful reclamation of the disputed land, which would annex two-thirds of Guyanese territory and give greater access to the Atlantic. Guyanese officials say such a move threatens international peace and security. We take a look at Venezuela’s claims and Guyana’s concerns. Join the conversation at 19:30 GMT.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Carl Greenidge 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guyana
minfor.gov.gy

Sadio Garavini @sadiocaracas
Former Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana

Mark Anthony Benschop
Guyanese activist

Jesus Silva @Jesus_Silva_R             
Professor of International Politics, University of Central Venezuela
jesusmanuelsilva.blogspot.com

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