Guyana expects the support of the Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) in the border dispute with Venezuela in the Essequibo region at the meeting to be held in Malta between the 27th and 29, confirmed by telephone Efe a spokesman for the Government of the South American country.
EFE
The foreign minister of Guyana, Carl Greenidge, and the president of that country, David Granger, will attend the meeting of Heads of Government of Malta in which the former provides the body, composed of 53 member countries, "consider and ratify a declaration in support of the position of Guyana. "
According Greenidge said in a statement a Commonwealth ministerial group drew up a sketch of the declaration after Guyana conduct an inquiry this year, after Venezuela issued a decree of sovereignty over the disputed waters off the coast of Essequibo.
The minister said the issue of border dispute with Venezuela is included in the agenda of the meeting of heads of government of the Commonwealth.
Guyana has sought international support since, he says, the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro signed a decree last May in amending their maritime borders to include a large area that has for decades claiming to Guyana and includes a territory where recently a major oil field was discovered.
Before issuing the decree, Venezuela had written twice to the local subsidiary of Exxon Mobil to refrain from asking explore oil resources in the area. On both occasions, the Government of Guyana issued strong objections.
Guyana maintains that a court ruling adopted in 1899 is the only one that establishes the border with the neighboring country.