Recognizing the referendum which Venezuela had planned for tomorrow as a seriously “urgent,” “real” and “imminent” threat to the rights which Guyana currently has to the Essequibo, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a warning of refrain to Venezuela.
“Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area,” the Netherlands-based World Court which sits at the Peace Palace in the Hague has ordered.
The Court said it observes that the situation which currently prevails in the territory, is that Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and so, pending its final decision, Venezuela must refrain from taking any action which would modify that situation.