The Bolivarian Republic denounced that this step “has no legal basis” and only demonstrates the desperation of the Guyanese authorities and their disrespect for Venezuelan sovereignty, according to a communiqué issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The text absolutely rejected the October 31 statement of the Guyanese government, which, in its opinion, is “slavishly aligned to the interests of Exxon Mobil Corp”.

He pointed out that this statement intends to “delegitimize the will of the Venezuelan people”, in the call for a democratic and popular consultation to define matters related to the legitimate and historical rights that belong to them in the Guayana Esequiba territory.

Guyana’s strategy, elaborated on the basis of illegal cohabitation with transnational energy companies, has as fundamental objectives “to destabilize the region and to appropriate a territory in a fraudulent manner”, the note expressed.

The Bolivarian Government assured that “it will defend itself from these tricks with the legal, political, historical and constitutional reasons that assist it”, exercising its rights over the Guayana Esequiba territory.

Venezuela reiterated -faithful to its historical position- that the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which today the Guyanese Government intends to disregard, “is the only existing way to solve, in a practical and satisfactory manner” the territorial controversy between the two countries.

In this sense, he urged the neighboring nation to “desist from its erratic conduct” contrary to International Law and to assume the commitments of direct dialogue embodied therein.

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