LA CUESTIÓN DEL ESEQUIBO

The title of the present book, La cuestión del Esequibo (The Essequibo question), poses a challenge rather than a fatalistic view. The pages objectively depict, with pedagogical guidance, the shortcomings and political errors accumulated throughout Venezuela's historical claim to territorial sovereignty over its eastern Guianese side. It highlights the arbitrary removal of this territory for the benefit of Great Britain through the null and void arbitration ruling of the Paris Arbitral Award of 1899. The author, Asdrúbal Aguiar A., a writer, academic, international law professor, former Inter-American judge, ambassador, governor, minister, and interim president of Venezuela, presents essays, analyses, and articles documenting lost opportunities and unexpected possibilities for reversing this injustice, notably the Geneva Agreement of 1966—one of Venezuela's significant diplomatic achievements. After 125 years, the International Court of Justice now considers the annulment of the judgment rendered by the panel of arbitrators led by the renowned Russian jurist Frederick De Martens. However, self-criticism and a reexamination of actions and omissions that weakened the unquestionable and legitimate territorial rights throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries are crucial. This introspection is essential to fortify the defense task that will be undertaken at The Hague, distancing it from improvisation and purifying it from the colonial myths that continue to harm Venezuela and Hispanic America.