"Guyana and Venezuela Commit to Peaceful Resolution in Esequibo Dispute"

Guyana and Venezuela have agreed to avoid the use of force and not escalate tensions in their long-standing dispute over the oil-rich Esequibo area. The two countries issued a joint statement committing to resolving disputes in accordance with international law, although Venezuela does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The tensions were heightened after a Venezuelan referendum supported making the Esequibo area a new Venezuelan state and rejected the ICJ's jurisdiction. Guyana has emphasized that its borders are not up for discussion and expressed concern over Venezuela's plan to authorize oil exploration in the disputed region. The leaders of both countries will continue their dialogue in Brazil within the next three months.