Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister has spoken on the telephone with his Venezuelan counterpart regarding recent developments involving both countries.

A statement from Guyana’s Foreign Ministry says Minister Hugh Hilton Todd expressed concern over the recent actions emanating from Caracas over the last 24 hours.

He insisted they were in direct violation of an Order from the International Court of Justice and reiterated Guyana’s commitment to resolving the issue through the ongoing judicial process.

He also encouraged respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following a referendum on Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the state oil company to issue extraction licences in the Essequibo region.

He also reportedly proposed that the National Assembly pass a bill making the area part of Venezuela.

The move comes despite an ICJ order last week that Venezuela refrain from any action that would “modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute.”