Less than four months after tensions between two of this country's closest neighbours over the Essequibo region appeared to have been eased, Venezuela has encoded into law, its claim over the region administered by Guyana.
Guyana's government it "will not countenance the annexation, seizure or occupation of any part of its sovereign territory."
However, Guyana's President says the "first form of defence is diplomacy. "
And Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Minister says this country's "consistent position calls for full respect for the territorial integrity " of Guyana.
Political Editor Juhel Browne reports.
