Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's decision to enact a law asserting control over two-thirds of Guyana's territory has ignited strong opposition from Guyana's government, marking a new chapter in their longstanding territorial dispute, AP News reports.

The law's contents remain undisclosed, but Guyana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned the move, labeling it a serious breach of international law.

Maduro's maneuver follows a contentious December referendum where he sought to reclaim sovereignty over Guyana's western Essequibo region, rich in oil and minerals.

"The decision of December 3 has now become the Law of the Republic, to form part of the legal structure of the internal political and institutional movement of our country," Maduro posted on Twitter. "The decision made by the Venezuelans in the consultative referendum will be fulfilled in all its parts, and with this Law, we will continue the defense of Venezuela on international stages."

Despite lacking clarity on how Venezuela will assert jurisdiction, Maduro hailed the move as a historic triumph.

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Tension Escalates in Decades-Long Feud

The dispute over the Essequibo region, which spans decades, intensified in 2015 following the discovery of oil deposits near Guyana's coast. Both nations have clashed over ownership, with Venezuela disputing an 1899 border decision and Guyana seeking validation through the International Court of Justice.

Tensions have been exacerbated by military posturing, with Guyana collaborating with international partners to fortify its defenses, while Venezuela has reportedly amassed troops near the border.

Despite efforts by regional leaders to mediate, a resolution remains elusive.

Maduro's Provocative Claims

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's recent assertions have further stoked tensions. He accused Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of being influenced by external forces, including ExxonMobil and Western nations. Such allegations have deepened the animosity between the two nations.

"We have information proving that in the territory of Guyana Essequibo, temporarily administered by Guyana, secret military bases of the (US) Southern Command. a body of the CIA, have been installed," Maduro stated.

President Nicolas Maduro described the bases as "aggression" against southern and eastern Venezuela, asserting they were constructed "to prepare for an escalation against Venezuela," France24 noted.

In response to Nicolas Maduro's law enactment, Guyana condemned the move, citing violations of international agreements and accusing Venezuela of inflaming the situation. Guyana reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through legal channels, emphasizing the importance of the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction.

The international community has expressed concerns over the escalating tensions and called on both nations to exercise restraint, according to Loop. Efforts to defuse the situation through dialogue have so far yielded little progress.

As the dispute persists, the future remains uncertain, with both nations entrenched in their positions and the specter of military conflict looming. The hope lies in diplomatic efforts and adherence to international law to bring about a peaceful resolution to this longstanding feud.

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Written by: Ross Key

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