The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, warns that Venezuela could possibly find itself in violation of international law, if there is an affirmative vote on a popular referendum on defending the country’s claim of the Essequibo.

CARICOM notes it is strictly prohibited for the government of one State to unilaterally seize, annex or incorporate the territory of another.

“It is to be emphasised that the land and water in question — the Essequibo Region of Guyana — comprises more than two-thirds of the whole of Guyana itself,” CARICOM said.

It added, “CARICOM notes that the language of two questions approved to be posed in the Referendum seeks an affirmation and implementation of  Venezuela’s stance on the issue “by all means, according to/with the Law.”  It is open to reasonable persons to conclude that “by all means”, includes means of force or war.”

CARICOM says it has been the long-standing position of Latin American and Caribbean counties, including Venezuela, that our region must remain a zone of peace.