Topic:
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Elena Wright
The Republic of Albania expresses concern over the ongoing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana regarding the Essequibo region. Albania is committed to a peaceful, fair, and lasting resolution that respects both countries’ interests while prioritizing regional stability and preventing conflict escalation.
The dispute stems from colonial-era treaties, like the 1814 agreement between Great Britain and the Netherlands, which left the western border with Venezuela undefined. The issue was further complicated in 1899 when arbitration favored British Guiana and has since flared up again, especially after the 2015 discovery of oil in the region. The economic significance of the Essequibo region, especially its oil reserves, complicates the situation, making it crucial to find a solution that respects both nations’ territorial claims and offers regional stability.
Albania strongly supports peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly the 1966 Geneva Agreement. We believe the International Court of Justice should play a key role in determining the boundary, ensuring an unbiased resolution. While recognizing the importance of the Essequibo region, Albania emphasizes that economic benefits should not come at the cost of peace. Cooperation between Venezuela and Guyana in managing these resources could contribute to mutual economic development.
Albania stresses the need to address underlying conditions in both countries. Venezuela’s economic difficulties and Guyana’s emerging oil industry make compromise challenging. Albania encourages both nations to explore joint resource management agreements, which could ease tensions and benefit both economies. Additionally, the broader regional context, including instability in neighboring countries, requires a controlled and peaceful environment, with strengthened international mediation.
Albania urges the continuation of a United Nations-led dialogue, and its support, with third-party mediation, to hold impartial judgment on the discussions between the parties. This dialogue needs to nurture mutual understanding and aim for a peaceful resolution. The Government of the Republic of Albania would also like to propose a cooperative agreement between Venezuela and Guyana on jointly managing the resources of the Essequibo region while sharing control and revenue equally. Further in the interests of equity, Albania proposes that the dispute be referred to the ICJ for a binding legal determination of the boundary. Consistent with the need to preserve peace and to monitor compliance, Albania proposes the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force. Finally, Albania underlines broader regional cooperation by calling for trade, infrastructure development, and joint environmental management as ways of establishing confidence and building relationships among the participating nations.
Albania advocates for a peaceful, negotiated resolution that respects both Venezuela’s and Guyana’s sovereignty, with the support of international institutions like the UN and ICJ. Albania remains committed to promoting a fair and lasting solution to this long-standing dispute. Albania looks forward to working with other countries in committee to come to a peaceful solution.
