Brazil has announced its intention to deploy additional troops on its border with Venezuela after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro announced plans to annex part of Guyana’s territory.
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The BBC reports this.
The oil-rich Guyana-Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, but Venezuela has disputed rights to it since the late 19th century.
Last Sunday, the Venezuelan authorities held a national referendum on the issue of annexing this territory. 95% said yes.
Despite this significant number, only about two million people took part in the referendum, that is, approximately 10% of the population with voting rights.
But President Maduro is not embarrassed by this; he called the voting results an unconditional victory and on Wednesday began implementing the plan to annex Guyana-Essequibo, proposing that the country’s National Assembly adopt a bill to incorporate this territory into Venezuela.
He also ordered that the state oil company be issued licenses to develop oil fields in the region.
In addition, maps of Venezuela will now show the Guyana-Essequibo territory as part of the country. Previously, it was shaded, which meant that the territory was disputed.
Guyana has put its troops on high alert and has asked the UN Security Council to intervene in a situation that threatens to destabilize the entire region.
The Brazilian army is pouring additional troops and equipment into the border state of Roraima.
If Venezuela decides on a military invasion of Guyana-Essequibo, this will only be possible through Brazilian territory. In areas where Venezuela and Guyana directly border, troop movements are virtually impossible due to the terrain.
The Brazilian command said it was increasing its presence in the region to ensure Brazil’s non-intervention in the conflict.
A Guyana military helicopter with seven people on board disappeared from radar on Wednesday. There is no information about it yet, but Chief of the General Staff Omar Khan said that there is still no sign of Venezuela’s involvement in the incident.
Source: Racurs
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