Guyana and Venezuela Leaders to Discuss Escalating Essequibo Dispute

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana insists on International Court of Justice hearing, refuses to negotiate with Venezuela.

Leaders of Guyana and Venezuela are set to meet this week to address an escalating dispute over the Essequibo region, which is rich in oil and minerals.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali insists that his country be respected and the case be heard at the International Court of Justice, refusing to negotiate with Venezuela.
Venezuela maintains that Essequibo was within its boundaries during the Spanish colonial period and rejects the border drawn by international arbitrators in 1899.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil asserts that any decision must be mutual and disputes cannot be settled by the world's court.
Guyana's President Ali has signed an advanced defense agreement with the U.S. to ensure that major training programs and exercises continue.