Venezuela creates new state in territory under dispute with Guyana
Lawmakers in Venezuela allied with President Nicolas Maduro approved the creation of a new state in the Esequibo region, which is disputed with Guyana. This decision aligns with Maduro’s claims over the 160,000-square-km territory but has no immediate effect. Venezuela and Guyana agreed to avoid force and not escalate tensions after a meeting between Maduro and the Guyanese leader. Despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case pending on the territory’s ownership, Venezuela does not recognize the ICJ and cites a December referendum, which allegedly had over 10 million voters, as justification for its actions, including oil exploration in Esequibo. Guyana maintains its borders are non-negotiable and will defend its sovereignty. The new state, named Guayana Esequiba, will have its temporary capital in Tumeremo, Bolivar, and its creation will be official upon publication in the gazette. Its borders will be the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, Guyana, and the Venezuelan states of Delta Amacuro and Bolivar. This move comes as Venezuela revives its claim to the territory following significant oil and gas discoveries.