The Venezuelan government reaffirmed to the international community its unwavering position: Caracas rejects the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award, calling it illegal and fabricated. One hundred and twenty-seven years after it was issued, Venezuelan authorities stated that the document was legally invalid from the outset and once again emphasized the country’s historical rights to the territory of Guayana Esequiba.
A statement circulated by Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia also confirmed Venezuela’s readiness for direct dialogue with Guyana. Venezuela believes that negotiations based on the 1966 Geneva Agreement—the only valid legal instrument, in its view—could lead to a practical and mutually acceptable settlement of the dispute, while also creating conditions for good-neighborly relations, economic cooperation, joint development, and investment in the region.
Full version: Venezuela Reiterates Willingness to Engage in Dialogue with Guyana over El Esequibo