Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has emphasized that his country is committed to protecting its sovereignty and borders as Venezuela escalates tensions by ordering state-owned companies to exploit resources in Guyana's Essequibo region, which it claims as its own. In interviews with CBS News and the Associated Press, President Ali expressed the government's determination to seek a peaceful resolution but acknowledged the need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

President Ali stated that Guyana's first line of defense is diplomacy and that the country has reached out to allies and regional partners, including the United States, India, and Cuba. He hopes that these nations can encourage Venezuela to act responsibly and avoid any disruptive actions in the disputed zone. While diplomatic efforts continue, Guyana is also actively preparing to defend itself alongside its allies and friends.

To bolster its defense capabilities, Guyana is engaging in discussions with other countries and seeking military assistance from its defense agreement partners. President Ali emphasized that all measures are being taken with the aim of peacefully resolving the dispute, but highlighted the need to be prepared in case of any Venezuelan aggression. Guyana is determined to protect its territory, which includes the resource-rich Essequibo region that accounts for two-thirds of the country.

The United States also echoed President Ali's call for a peaceful resolution. The U.S. Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, urged both Venezuela and Guyana to continue seeking dialogue and avoid settling the dispute through a referendum. He emphasized that a peaceful resolution is essential and encouraged the countries to explore diplomatic solutions.

Venezuela, on the other hand, continues to assert its claim over the Essequibo region. President Nicolás Maduro announced the expedited granting of exploration and exploitation licenses in the disputed territory, along with the creation of local subsidiaries of Venezuelan state-owned companies. Maduro also declared the establishment of a Comprehensive Defense Operational Zone in the region.

President Ali dismissed Venezuela's actions as a defiance of international law and concerns not only Guyana but the entire world. He stressed that Venezuela's destabilizing actions could have severe consequences for the region's stability and peaceful coexistence.

The diplomatic row over the Essequibo region has been ongoing for years but intensified after ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves off Guyana's coast in 2015. Venezuela claims historical rights based on the Spanish colonial period, rejecting the 1899 border delineation set by international arbitrators when Guyana was under British rule.

In response to Venezuela's recent moves, Guyana plans to raise the issue at a U.N. Security Council meeting. The administration has also reached out to countries such as the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., France, and the U.N. secretary general, as well as the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the region.

While tensions remain high, Guyana maintains its commitment to peaceful resolution and adherence to the ruling by the International Court of Justice. Venezuela, however, has accused Guyana of acting irresponsibly and allowing U.S. Southern Command to enter the Essequibo region. Venezuela has urged Guyana to resume dialogue and cease its alleged threatening conduct.

As the situation unfolds, Guyana is determined to protect its borders and oil-rich territory while seeking a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels. The international community closely watches the developments and the potential impact on regional stability.

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