This 57 year-old pact proposes direct negotiations until the parties find a “satisfactory and practical” solution, the high official said in an interview with a local television station.

She stressed that these political negotiations must be direct, peaceful and friendly.

The Agreement also establishes that the Paris Arbitral Award of 1899 on Essequivo Guyana was the result of a fraud, for which reason the Venezuelan authorities consider it illegal and invalid, in addition to preventing the exploitation of the valuable natural resources existing in that area.

Rodriguez commented on the celebration of the consultative referendum of December 3 in defense of the Essequibo and affirmed that it is a “completely legal” mechanism included in article 71 of the Constitution to consult on matters of national interest.

The also Minister of Economy, Finance and Foreign Trade emphasized that on this basis, the Guyanese authorities have no right to intervene or give their opinion.

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