Guyana Says Will Approach UN If Venezuela Moves On Disputed Region

Guyana has adminstered Essequibo for over a century and the region makes up more than two-thirds of its territory (Credit: AFP)

Guyana said Tuesday it will approach the UN Security Council for help if Venezuela makes any moves on a disputed oil-rich region following a referendum Caracas says bolstered its claim to it.

Officials in Caracas said Sunday's referendum yielded a 95-percent "yes" response on whether to lay claim to the Essequibo region and grant Venezuelan citizenship to its inhabitants.