Fmr. Presidents of South America condemn Maduro’s ‘aggressive, illegal behaviour’

The Freedom and Democracy Group, made up of several former Presidents of South America, on Wednesday issued a strong statement condemning what they described as the “aggressive and illegal” actions by President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

See the full statement below:

Freedom and Democracy Group categorically condemns the undemocratic, unilateral attempt without respect for international law by Nicolás Maduro and the government of Venezuela to resolve their territorial claims over Guyana Esequiba

December 6, 2023

The Freedom and Democracy Group categorically condemns the attempt by Nicolás Maduro and the government of Venezuela to resolve their territorial claims over Guyana in an undemocratic, unilateral manner and without respect for the international order.

We reaffirm that the way to resolve differences between States are bilateral agreements and mechanisms established by international law. We express that dialogue, agreements and full respect for international law are the only way to achieve peaceful, fair and sustainable solutions over time.

In this case, the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has been correctly submitted to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, which is the competent body to resolve it.

We firmly believe that the opportunistic celebration of the referendum held on December 3 is not a valid mechanism to resolve territorial issues between sovereign States.

We condemn Venezuela’s attempt to use this tool to legitimize a serious threat against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana, international law and peace in the region. Likewise, we repudiate the use of this conflict to justify the arrest warrants against 13 opposition leaders, including members of the work team of presidential candidate María Corina Machado.

The public presentation of a map of Venezuela, which considers the territory of Guyana Esequiba annexed to Venezuela, the movement of troops of the Venezuelan Army on the border, the administrative creation of a new region called Guayana Esequiba, and the aggressive rhetoric used by Nicolás Maduro during the last few days, are events of the utmost seriousness and that should alert the international community, and especially the United Nations and the OAS.

The condemnation of this aggressive and illegal behavior must be clear, firm and transversal.

It is necessary to emphasize that the regime of Nicolás Maduro has seriously, systematically and for decades violated international law, democratic principles and the human rights of the people of Venezuela. This attempt to threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana is another example of the urgency to reestablish freedoms, the rule of law and democracy in Venezuela and to move towards more effective international governance to prevent and control this type of abuse.

Today, in addition, Venezuela’s actions violate a binding order from the International Court of Justice not to take any action that changes the status of the disputed territory.

Finally, we reiterate our call to the international community to demand the implementation of a fair, free and transparent electoral process in Venezuela, which ensures a transition towards a more free, democratic, fair and prosperous Venezuela.

Iván Duque

Expresidento of Colombia

 

Sebastián Piñera E.

Expresidento of Chile

 

Andrés Pastrana

Expresidento of Colombia

 

Mario Abdo

Expresidento of Paraguay

 

Jorge Tuto Quiroga

Expresidento of Bolivia

 

Felipe Calderón

Expresident of México

 

Mauricio Macri

Expresident of Argentina

 

Miguel Ángel Rodríguez

Expresident of Costa Rica

 

Mariano Rajoy

Expresident of Spain

 

Vicente Fox

Expresident of México

 

Jeanine Áñez

Expresident of Bolivia

 

Mireya Moscoso

Expresident of Panamá

 

Luis Fortuño

Ex Governor of  Puerto Rico