Tensions are soaring between Guyana and Venezuela over century-old territorial dispute

By REGINA GARCIA CANO and DÁNICA COTO
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A century-old territorial dispute is boiling over between neighbors Guyana and Venezuela. It’s steeped in patriotism and deepened by the discovery of oil. The Venezuelan government is seizing on the disagreement to boost support ahead of a presidential election among a population fed up with a decade-long crisis that has pushed many into poverty. Venezuelans on Sunday approved a referendum called by their government to claim sovereignty over Essequibo, a mineral-rich territory that accounts for two-thirds of Guyana and lies near big offshore oil deposits. Military confrontation appears unlikely for now, but several countries have echoed Guyana’s concerns over an annexation by its neighbor to the west.