Venezuela Defies Guyana's Resistance, Proceeds with Referendum Despite UN Court Hearings

Venezuela has informed the World Court that it will proceed with a referendum on December 3rd to determine its rights over the disputed Esequiba region, despite Guyana's request to halt the vote. The territory, which is potentially oil-rich, has been a subject of contention between the two countries. Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, stated that nothing would prevent the referendum from taking place and that her appearance in court did not imply recognition of the court's jurisdiction. The ICJ, which ruled in April that it had jurisdiction over the issue, has yet to issue a final ruling on the main case.