The International Court of Justice orders Venezuela to refrain from any action that would alter the status quo in Guayana Esequiba ahead of a referendum on the disputed territory. Guyanese president Irfaan Ali says the ICJ ruling is a clear message that "Venezuela is prohibited from annexing or trespassing upon Guyanese territory".
The International Court of Justice (ICJ)orders Venezuela to refrain from any action that would alter the status quo in Guayana Esequiba ahead of a referendum on itsrightstothe disputed territory,but does not forbid Venezuela from going aheadwiththereferendumasGuyanarequested.