World Court's Order: Venezuela Must Halt Actions in Guyana Border Dispute

The World Court has ordered Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would alter the situation on the ground in a potentially oil-rich territory that is the subject of a border dispute with Guyana. While the court did not explicitly forbid Venezuela from holding a referendum on its rights to the region, it ruled that any move to alter the status quo should be stopped. Guyana's President hailed the ruling, while Venezuela's Vice-President called it a victory for her country. The referendum, which asks Venezuelans if they agree to incorporate the disputed region and create a state called Guayana Esequiba, is expected to be approved.