Venezuela files objection to admissibility of border case before ICJ

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has informed the Guyana Government that Venezuela has joined the border case before the Court by submitting Preliminary objections to the admissibility of the case before the Court regarding the 1899 arbitral award.

Venezuela had previously said that it does not recognize the Court’s jurisdiction and will not take part in the proceedings.

Caracas has long said that it prefers that the matter be addressed through dialogue with Guyana, even as Guyana accused Venezuela of engaging in intimidation tactics.

In a statement last evening, the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that observing that Venezuela had not previously recognized the jurisdiction of the Court to consider the case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation notes that by submitting an objection of this advanced stage of the proceedings before the ICJ, the Venezuelan government is patently engaging in an effort to delay the Court’s final judgment on the merits of the case.

The Ministry said it recognizes that the rules of procedures of the ICJ allow for Venezuela to make such objections and for it to be considered by the Court.

The Ministry said it has also noted that the proceedings on the merits of the case will be suspended until the Court hears and determines Venezuela’s objections.

The Government will be submitting its own observations in response to Venezuela’s objections.

“The Ministry emphasizes that at all times, at all times, Guyana has steadfastly adhered to the rule of international law and the rules of procedures of the ICJ with regard to this matter, add we will continue to do so,” the Foreign Minister said.

The Government of Guyana through the Foreign Affairs Ministry said it is pleased that Venezuela has joined proceedings and it remains confident of the validity of its position on the merits of the case.