MIAMI.- The dictator of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, This Tuesday, he proposed a law for the creation of a province in an area that is disputed with Guyana, Essequibo, and ordered the state oil company PDVSA to grant licenses for the exploitation of crude oil, gas and mines in the region.
I propose to “immediately activate the debate in the National Assembly and the approval of the organic law for the creation of Guayana Esequiba,” said Maduro in a meeting, where he also ordered that “immediately” proceed “to grant operating licenses for the operation and exploitation of oil, gas and mines”.
Maduro ordered the drafting of a special law to prohibit “contracting with companies that work in the area under the concessions granted by Guyana in the sea to be delimited.”
“I propose (that) three months be given to all those companies to withdraw from those operations in the sea to be delimited, three months,” he said.
Guyana gave the green light last October to six oil companies, including the American Exxon and the French TotalEnergy, to explore its coasts.
He also ordered the creation of a “comprehensive defense zone of Guayana Esequiba”, without explaining further details, but which will be located in the town of Tumeremo, Bolívar state (southern) and on the border with the disputed area.
Likewise, he requested the carrying out of a census and the placement of a SAIME office, for the delivery of identity cards to the inhabitants who reside in the area in dispute with Guyana.
Abstention of Venezuelans
More than 20.6 million Venezuelans were called to vote in a consultative referendum, promoted by the Nicolás Maduro regime on the Essequibo to claim sovereignty over a large swath of Guyana, arguing that the oil and mineral-rich territory was stolen when drew the border more than a century ago.
The low vote is a setback for Maduro, who seeks to sell the image that Chavismo has a call after the opposition primaries that had a call despite the obstacles imposed by the regime.
Guyana’s reaction after Venezuela referendum
Prior to Maduro’s pronouncement, the president of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, assured that “neither the people nor he will allow themselves to be trampled” and warned that “no propaganda or lies are going to put fear in my heart or the hearts of Guyanese.”
Furthermore, he urged them to “honor the order of the International Court of Justice” and “show that they care about the region, its people and peace.”
On Friday, the ICJ ordered Venezuela not to take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over the Essequibo, but stopped short of banning last Sunday’s referendum.
Source: AFP/DLA
