John: Tensions between south American neighbors Venezuela and Guyana escalated this week over a century-old territorial dispute. Today, Venezuela signalled openness to high-level talks to resolve the standoff, but Guyana has yet to respond. Ali rogin has more. >> Last week, a Venezuelan resident -- declared sovereignty over a resource rich region that makes up 2/3 of Guyana's territory. >> Let's see where on the map it will be tonight. Long live the complete map of Venezuela. Long live the homeland. Long live all of Venezuela. >> Both countries have claimed ownership of the region since its borders were decided in favor of Guyana over a century ago when Guyana was still a British colony. The discovery in recent years of 11 billion barrels' worth of oil and gas gave new life to the dispute. New oil drilling is driving huge gains in Guyana's academy as Venezuela's economy flounders despite its own massive reserves. The president of the Washington office on Latin America, advocates for human rights in Latin America. Thank you so much for joining us. Can you tell us more about the importance as the Tebow has played in the culture in both of these countries? >> For Venezuela, this is an issue. Most Venezuelans grow up believing it is part of Venezuela. It is a territory in dispute. As children in school books, people use to draw the region with dotted lines, saying territory to be claimed. For Guyana, it is its territory. It is 2/3 of Guyana's territory. It is indeed a complex country when you have a country that occupies a territory and another one claiming historical right spirit >> Why is Madero taking these steps? >> There are two things that are important to understand. One is oil, it is a huge reserve and it is very important. The second, I think it is really important, politics. Madero is a deeply unpopular leader. He faces presidential elections in 2024. At the end of October, the position for the first time in years, choosing one candidate. It seems the Majuro government underestimated -- it seems the maduro underestimated. Over 2.3 million people voted. The support went overwhelmingly to a different candidate. The government seems to have been taken by surprise. As a result, we see a tremendous propaganda apparatus set in place to change the narrative and take all the attention away from that issue and make everyone speak about a territorial dispute that is over a century old. >> How is this playing out with the average Venezuelan? How do they view maduro in this context? >> When you look at the referendum itself, maduro claimed 4 million people went to vote, independently, citizens reported a low turnout. His lack of popularity really shows. I think Venezuela transitioning to democracy because for many years human rights violations have been at the forefront of his leadership. >> How is Guyana responding? >> For gion, this is an existential threat. 2/3 of their territory. The president of Guyana has been very clear about, first of all, defending their country. The government has been very strategic at rallying support from allies. The U.S. Government has clearly said it supports Guyana. I think the Guyana government -- the U.N. Security council has tried to rally support. There are strategies to get as much international support as possible. >> How big is the risk of escalation here? There have been troop movements that have taken place as a result. What is the possibility this turns into a confrontation? >> Maduro's nationalistic rhetoric seems to promote the idea that the government is willing to go to the very end, whatever the consequences, to reclaim this territory. The reality is that maduro's allies will not support any further escalation of the conflict. I do not think any leader wants another war in the world. Certainly, a war in south America. Despite its loud narrative about going all the way, I think there will be a lot of international resistance. >> In terms of the united States' response, they have come out squarely behind Guyana but the U.S. Lifted oil sanctions on Venezuela earlier this year in exchange for some electoral exceptions allowing candidates to stand -- at least that was the agreement. How does this affect that situation with the united States? >> I think maduro keeps putting the U.S. Government to a major dilemma. To continue supporting negotiations between the democratic -- the agreements signed in Barbados. At the same time to react to maduro's actions around the essequibo. So far, the U.S. Indeed with the sanctions, maduro has not done his part. He has not released political prisoners. He has not given -- I think the best thing the U.S. Can do is to continue supporting the negotiation process between the opposition and the maduro government. Support human rights for Venezuelans inside the country and outside the country and to oppose any further escalation of this crisis. >> Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. ♪♪
