Venezuela's vice-president heads to The Hague for Essequibo land dispute case
Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez has travelled to The Hague to defend Caracas in its long-running case against Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region. The territorial dispute, before the International Court of Justice, has reignited diplomatic tensions across the Caribbean.
Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez appeared before the International Court of Justice to defend Caracas in its dispute with Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region. The territory, which Guyana administers and which holds vast offshore reserves, has driven a sharp escalation in rhetoric and military posturing between the two neighbours over the past two years.
Venezuela argues the region is historically Venezuelan and that the 1899 arbitration award fixing the border should be voided. Guyana counters that the United Nations-mediated boundary is binding and that its offshore oil production with ExxonMobil is fully consistent with international law.
The outcome is set to ripple through both oil markets and regional diplomacy. President Nicolas Maduro previously held a referendum that declared Essequibo a 'new Venezuelan state', drawing condemnation from Caracom and Brasilia. Brazil, the Caribbean Community and the United States are working to keep the dispute from sliding into open conflict.
More from South America
Mexican parents fume as school year ends a month early for World Cup
Mexico's federal government has confirmed that the school year will end on June 5, a month earlier than usual, to accommodate the country's hosting of the 2026 World Cup. The plan has triggered widespread anger among parents and teaching unions.
Five killed in massive fire at packed Mexico fairground
Five people died after a huge fire broke out during a concert at a fairground in Villahermosa, southeastern Mexico. The blaze tore through the venue in Tabasco state, where some 135,000 spectators were reportedly gathered, leaving many injured.
Three dead after monster truck crashes into crowd
A monster truck crashed into a crowd at a show in Colombia, killing at least three people and injuring 38. The incident raises fresh concerns about public safety at large events.