Topic: 2024-The Situation in Guyana
Country: Estonia
Delegate Name: James Zawacki
Special Political Committee
The Situation in Guyana
The Republic of Estonia
James Zawacki
Forest Hills Eastern High School
In 1839, a border was drawn between British Guiana and Venezuela, giving British Guiana around 30,000 square miles of the Essequibo region. Unhappy with the border, Venezuela started disputes over the border in 1841, which would remain unsettled for some time. Then, in 1899, an American ambassador, who was appointed to resolve the conflict, ruled in favor of British Guiana, granting them the land, which Venezuela resentfully agreed to. The topic then remained relatively quiet until 1966 when Guyana gained independence. Negotiations and agreements with The United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Guyana later that year put the dispute to rest, leaving the border as it was. However, the recent discovery of oil in the Essequibo region in 2015 created a resurgence in the conflict. Venezuela claimed the treaty from 1899 was nullified and the conflict remains a large issue in the region as Venezuela started an annexation, leaving us in the current situation. Estonia is ready to help settle the dispute and is committed to bringing agreement to the region.
Estonia has not had any major involvement in the dispute over the border in Guyana, but Estonia struggles with border disputes with Russia over the Buoy Region in the Narva River. Estonia’s foreign policies often focus on stability and external economics. Estonia has passed several policies to help with its border issues such as a treaty in 2005 defining a border with Russia and also passing bills that improved border security by adding posts, fences, and monitoring technology. Estonia also cooperates with neighboring countries, the UN, and NATO to help create broader security in the region and around the world. Estonia has supported many resolutions regarding peace, international security, and sustainable development. Over Estonia’s 338.6 kilometer border with Russia, they have around 2000 personnel stationed to defend it. Overall, so far Estonia has had little involvement in the situation in Guyana, but has faced similar challenges and worked with the UN to resolve similar issues in its regions and around the world.
Estonia would strongly encourage coming to a legal agreement within diplomatic channels. Estonia strongly encourages a peaceful approach with negotiations and possible third-party involvement. Alternatively, Estonia would support taking the issue to the International Court of Justice. Ultimately, Estonia would like to keep military response and efforts as a last resort and for extreme measures.
