"United States of #Kailasa", #micronation led by fugitive Indian guru & accused rapist, claimed new achievement last month when #Paraguay agriculture ministry signed agreement to look into recognizing it as independent.
After low-turnout referendum in support, #Venezuela looks to have formally fully annexed (absorbed) the disputed #GuayanaEsequiba / #Essequibo region, currently controlled by #Guyana. It had previously labeled it on maps as a special "zone in reclamation".
Venezuela also says it will create new state/province to (theoretically) govern the area, but apparently hasn't done so quite yet.
This is going to be a drawn out mess which no one except Maduro wins, since it's in his interest to distract from the problems in Venezuela and to bolster his chances of reelection in Presidential elections in 2024. He doesn't have to do much, just rattle sabres every now and then to keep it in the news.
The biggest losers are likely to be the Venezuelans who fled to surrounding countries (including Guyana) due to the collapse of the Venezeulan economy, and who are likely to face a backlash of sorts.
@bluewave@polgeonow@geography As Venezuelan I can say that I voted for recuperating the Essequibo and I support every plan about creating the new state, but I'll won't vote for Maduro in the 2024 elections. Honestly I want changes in this country, but if this thing keeps getting worse, I'll sadly leave.
Actual questions on #Venezuela's #referendum regarding territorial dispute with #Guyana are...eyebrow-raising. Public is asked to weigh in on legal technicalities, while being told "right" answer, but with disclaimers.
Gems include "Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument..." and "Do you agree to oppose, by all legal means, Guyana's [use of sea resources] illegally and in violation of international law?"
Just ahead of #Venezuela referendum on whether to "incorporate" disputed #GuayanaEsequiba / #Essequibo area (currently governed by #Guyana) as one of its states, #WorldCourt (#ICJ) orders country not to seize any land there ahead of future ruling.
Court took a pass on Guyana's request to order the #referendum cancelled, but did order both countries to avoid actions that "aggravate or extend" the dispute.
Because both sides were once controlled by Georgia, with no official agreement to separate them, the "border" fence runs right through many people's farms and even back yards.