The Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, took advantage of a phone call he received yesterday from his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, to convey South America's concern about the growing tension generated by the dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo region.
The discovery of large oil wells has revived the old conflict over the Essequibo, a jungle region of 160,000 square kilometers administered by Guyana – it accounts for two thirds of the total surface – but which Venezuela claims on the basis of the border established by Spain in 1777. For Guyana, the real borders were those established in 1899 by the British, who controlled the territory. About 125,000 people live in Essequibo (a fifth of Guyana's population).
The Brazilian progressive leader informed Maduro of the growing concern of the South American countries about the Essequibo issue, explained the terms of the declaration on the subject approved on Thursday at the Mercosur summit and reminded him of the long tradition of dialogue in Latin America and that they are “a region of peace,” reported the Brazilian presidency in a statement.
The Brazilian ruler, who has always been an important ally of the Venezuelan, proposed mediation that could be carried out by the current temporary president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac), Ralph Gonsalves, premier of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Brazilian head of state also reiterated Brazil's willingness to support and accompany all initiatives to attempt a peaceful solution to differences. “Lula stressed that it is important to avoid unilateral measures that lead to an escalation of the situation,” the note concludes.
On Thursday, at the request of the Brazilian and during the Mercosur summit in Rio de Janeiro, the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay released a statement in which they urged Venezuela and Guyana to avoid “unilateral actions ” in the midst of the growing tension between both countries over the control of Essequibo, which Caracas aspires to annex.
The leaders expressed “their deep concern with the increase in tensions” between Venezuela and Guyana, “warned about unilateral actions that must be avoided, as they add tension,” and “urged both parties to dialogue and search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.” the controversy in order to avoid unilateral initiatives that could aggravate it.”
After Sunday's referendum, in which 95% of Venezuelans expressed their desire to convert Essequibo into a Venezuelan department, President Nicolás Maduro presented an action plan that includes the granting of licenses for oil exploitation and military deployments in localities. close to the disputed area.
