2022: Both nations submitted detailed arguments to the ICJ. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil reiterated Venezuela’s stance that the 1899 Arbitral Award was invalid, while Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd continued to defend the award's legitimacy.
December 3, 2023: Esequibo Referendum. Venezuela held a controversial referendum regarding the Esequibo, in which over 90% of voters supported the reclamation of the territory. President Nicolás Maduro and Foreign Minister Yván Gil declared, "The Venezuelan people have spoken unequivocally. The Esequibo is, and always will be, Venezuelan." Guyana condemned the referendum, with Foreign Minister Hugh Todd stating, "This referendum is illegal and violates international norms. The matter is before the ICJ, and Venezuela's actions are a dangerous provocation."
Argyle Joint Declaration: On December 14, 2023, in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, discussions were held between the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela, facilitated by Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Roosevelt Skerrit (Dominica), and Celso Amorim, the Special Adviser to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting was attended by various Caribbean Prime Ministers and United Nations representatives.
Key points agreed upon include:
1. Non-Aggression Pact: Guyana and Venezuela committed not to threaten or use force against each other under any circumstances, including in relation to their ongoing territorial dispute.
2. Resolution Through International Law: Both nations agreed to resolve disputes in line with international law, specifically referencing the Geneva Agreement of February 17, 1966.
3. Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence: The declaration emphasized good neighborliness, peaceful coexistence, and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean.
4. Divergent Positions on the ICJ: While Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the border controversy through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela reiterated its non-recognition of the ICJ’s jurisdiction.
5. Dialogue and De-escalation: Both countries agreed to maintain dialogue on other pending matters and to refrain from escalating conflicts. They committed to immediate communication and cooperation to prevent and address any incidents that might arise.
6. Joint Commission: A joint commission consisting of Foreign Ministers and technical experts from both countries was established to address mutual concerns, with an update to be provided to the Presidents within three months.
7. Ongoing Mediation: Prime Ministers Gonsalves and Skerrit, along with President Lula, will continue to serve as key interlocutors, with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as an observer. The commitment extends beyond Gonsalves’ tenure as Pro-Tempore President of CELAC.
8. Future Meetings: The parties agreed to reconvene in Brazil within three months or at another mutually agreed time to further discuss matters related to the territorial dispute.
The declaration concluded with expressions of gratitude to all facilitators, including the governments and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for hosting the meeting.
