"Venezuela and Guyana Commit to Peaceful Resolution in Oil Territory Dispute"

Venezuela and Guyana have pledged not to use force or threaten each other in their ongoing dispute over the oil-rich territory of Essequibo. The two countries, in a meeting held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and agreed to establish a joint commission to address matters related to Essequibo. The dispute, which dates back over a century, has recently escalated after Venezuela claimed sovereignty over the region following a disputed referendum. Guyana maintains that the 1899 accord awarding Essequibo to Britain is legal and binding and sought the International Court of Justice's ruling on the matter. The court has ordered Venezuela to refrain from any actions that would change Guyana's control over Essequibo.