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December 4, 2023

Venezuelan Voters Approve Sovereignty Claims Over Disputed Region of Guyana
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Venezuelans have approved a voter referendum claiming sovereignty over a
disputed area on Venezuela's border with Guyana. The region of Essequibo
is roughly 60,000 square miles of mostly dense jungle and is rich in oil
and mineral reserves. Venezuela has long held claim to the land, which
it says was stolen when borders between the two nations were drawn by
international arbitrators over a century ago, when Guyana was still a
British colony. Sunday's referendum has heightened fears in Guyana that
Venezuela could try to take over Essequibo through annexation. On
Friday, the International Court of Justice warned Venezuela against
taking any action to assert control over Essequibo.