Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported on Saturday that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered Guyanese waters and approached an offshore oil vessel. This incursion is amidst an ongoing territorial dispute regarding the Esequibo area, which is under review by the ICJ. Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador for discussions and plans to formally report the incident to the ICJ and consult with international partners. The OAS and the U.S. government condemned the Venezuelan actions, calling it a provocation against Guyana’s territorial integrity.
President Irfaan Ali of Guyana announced on Saturday that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel intruded into Guyanese waters earlier that day, approaching an oil output vessel situated within an offshore block. This maritime violation is part of an ongoing dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the control of the Esequibo region, spanning 160,000 square kilometers, which is currently being reviewed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The impacted oil block, particularly its northwestern section near Venezuela, has been under force majeure, limiting the Exxon group’s ability to conduct exploration activities there. President Ali reported that during this incursion, the Venezuelan vessel approached various assets in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, specifically mentioning the FPSO Prosperity.
In response to the actions of the Venezuelan vessel, Guyana summoned its ambassador to confer with the foreign minister regarding the country’s strong objections to the incident. Furthermore, the Guyanese embassy in Caracas has been directed to file a formal complaint against Venezuela. The Government of Guyana will also report the matter to the ICJ and engage with regional partners such as CARICOM.
Additionally, President Ali disclosed that the Guyanese government has deployed unspecified air assets to reinforce security in the region. The Organization of American States (OAS) has condemned the Venezuelan incursion, affirming it constitutes a breach of Guyana’s recognized maritime territory. Furthermore, the United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs has denounced this violation, warning that continued provocations will bear consequences for the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
This recent Venezuelan incursion into Guyanese waters marks an escalation in a long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations. The Guyanese government is actively seeking international support and legal recourse, while regional organizations like the OAS have denounced the violation of Guyana’s maritime sovereignty. The situation continues to develop as both nations navigate this contentious issue. The Guyanese government’s response emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and engaging with international partners to address this violation.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
