The agents of Guyana and Venezuela, in the ongoing border case before the International Court of Justice met today with the President of the Court, Judge Nawaf Salam.

The meeting was convened with the agents to discuss the subsequent procedures in the case, pursuant to the Rules of the Court, and to determine whether a second round of written pleadings was necessary following Venezuela’s submission of its Counter-Memorial two months ago.

In a statement today, the Chambers of the Attorney General said Both sides agreed that a second round of written pleadings was necessary.

Guyana proposed a period of 6 months from the date of Venezuela’s Counter-Memorial submission for its reply, however, Guyana is open to extending the period based on the Court’s diary.

Venezuela has requested a 12-month period from Guyana’s October Reply to prepare its rejoinder, citing the complexity of the case, despite the ICJ’s procedural rules which generally favour shorter time limits.

Guyana noted that Venezuela’s request for a 12-month period was excessive given that the case has been pending for six (6) years and that the subsequent pleadings are not intended to recite facts and legal issues already raised. 

The Court is now expected to issue an order setting appropriate timelines for both parties to submit their respective second-round of pleadings, taking into account the representations made.

Guyana’s delegation was led by Attorney General Anil Nandlall and included Mr. Carl Greenidge, Agent for Guyana at the ICJ, Philippe Sands, Legal Counsel, Pierre D’Argent, Legal Counsel and Lloyd Gunraj, Chargé d’Affaires a.i, Embassy of Guyana to the Kingdom of Belgium.

Venezuela’s team included H.E Samuel Reinaldo Moncada Acosta, Agent for Venezuela to the ICJ who was supported by a delegation and legal team.8

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