Although Venezuela’s official position is that it is not participating in the case before the ICJ relating to the controversy arising from the claim that the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 is null and void, it seeks every opportunity to intervene. Venezuela now makes a preliminary objection to the effect that the Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain Guyana’s Application on the ground that the United Kingdom is a necessary party to the proceedings.
Guyana’s Agent, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, said that “As the Court will be well aware, this is a long-standing dispute which has stubbornly defied resolution for more than half a century. It has cast a long and menacing shadow over Guyana’s security and development throughout its existence as a sovereign State; a shadow rooted in Venezuela’s efforts to erase the long-standing land boundary between our two countries and lay claim to nearly three quarters of Guyana’s land territory. The resolution of this dispute is therefore no less existential for Guyana.” Greenidge welcomed Venezuela’s decision after two years to participate in the proceedings but expressed regret that Venezuela’s formal participation takes the form of belated preliminary objections which seek to prevent, “and will inevitably delay, the determination of the merits of Guyana’s claims.” Professor Pierre d’Argent, Ms. Christina Beharry, Mr. Paul Richler and Professor Phillipe Sands, all representing Guyana, also addressed the Court on Guyana’s behalf.