VENEZUELA'S ESSEQUIBO CLAIM Here's what an official of the Govt. of Guyana said on the issue:
Thanks, But the Venezuelans have made no effort lately to "reclaim" Essequibo, contrary to the prediction in the article.
Their public reaction to our claim to extend our continental shelf has been fairly muted (at the official level) and privately they have agreed to dialogue. All of this could change, though, when they have elections shortly. Chavez, and other Venezuelan politicians, will not hesitate to ramp up the issue to score some points.
Also, if oil is discovered, public opinion in Venezuela will get more aggressive at that point.
Cheers,