Nicolás Maduro has changed the map of Venezuela to include the 159,000 square kilometers of the Essequibo, the territory to the east of the country that is administered by Guyana. This is what the Chavista leader has ordered to comply, he assures, with the ruling of the polls. Immediately, by decree and 48 hours after the controversial patriotic referendum mounted by the Bolivarian revolution.
“Let us proceed to publish and take the new map to all schools, high schools and universities in the country.” The scratches are gone! Map loved by several generations, now complete,” Maduro ordered a large group of obedient ministers during a joint event with the different powers of the State and packed with military personnel.
Until now, the Essequibo territory appeared painted in stripes on the official map of the oil country, as it is an area that has been claimed for generations. When the fifth question of the consultation was approved, which called for the creation of a new state (region) called Guayana Drought and which would mean the annexation by Caracas of the disputed territory, Maduro has launched a process of measures, mostly testimonial, but which further increases tension in the border area.
“Guyana must know that it fixes this the easy way or we fix it,” threatened Maduro, who has insisted that he will not recognize the ruling scheduled for next year by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest court of the United Nations. To support these words, the “people’s president” announced the creation of a Defense Zone called Guayana Essequibo, based near the border. In front he has placed a relative of God given hair.
Maduro thus adds more pressure to the situation that is so frightening in the region, fearful that he finally wants to turn Essequibo into his Venezuelan Falklands to retain power at all costs despite the majority popular rejection it arouses. And he does not forget about oil: despite recognizing that Georgetown de facto controls the disputed territory, the Bolivarian boss granted Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) the prerogative to grant licenses to explore and exploit black gold and gas in Essequibo.