Judge Johan Donoglouw, president of the International Court of Justice, explained, when reading the sentence, that the orders with provisional measures have binding effect, and create international legal obligations.   Photo: Guyana Chronicle.

The Hague, December 2 (RHC)-- The International Court of Justice asked Venezuela and Guyana not to aggravate the dispute over the Essequibo territory.   The Court requested both countries to refrain from any action until a final decision on the dispute is issued. 

Judge Johan Donoglouw, president of the International Court of Justice, explained, when reading the sentence, that the orders with provisional measures have binding effect, and create international legal obligations.

At the end of October, Guyana filed the request for provisional measures considering that Venezuela should not hold the referendum, scheduled for this Sunday, December 3rd, until the International Court of Justice pronounces on the merits to determine if the Arbitral Award of 1899 is valid.  

The Venezuelan State assured that the referendum scheduled for this Sunday will be held.

On the other hand, CARICOM -- Caribbean Community -- recalls that the dispute is before the Court by decision of the UN Secretary General, António Gutérres, for a final settlement in accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement of 1966 to which both parties are bound. 

CARICOM also calls for the region to be respected as a Zone of Peace and for the tranquility of the area, essential for the economic prosperity and social well-being of all Caribbean and Latin American countries, not to be disturbed.