Tensions Rise as UN Holds Emergency Meeting on Venezuela's Claim to Oil-Rich Region in Guyana

The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency closed meeting at the request of Guyana following Venezuela's referendum claiming the oil- and mineral-rich Essequibo region. Guyana accuses Venezuela of violating the UN Charter by attempting to take its territory, and the dispute has escalated since ExxonMobil found vast amounts of oil off Guyana's coast. Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves, has always considered Essequibo as its own. Guyana's President accused Venezuela of defying a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, and Venezuela called on Guyana to resume dialogue. Guyana has asked the Security Council to determine if the situation endangers international peace and security.