Guyana heightened security measures after a Venezuelan naval ship entered its exclusive economic zone. President Ali confirmed the vessel’s identification and reiterated the legal operation of Guyana’s maritime assets, including the ExxonMobil-managed FPSO. The Venezuelan ship’s radio message claimed the FPSO was in ‘undelimited waters,’ further straining relations between the nations.
Guyana has raised its level of alertness following the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday morning, as reported by OilNOW. In response to this violation, the country has mobilized its air assets and Coast Guard units to the area of concern.
President Irfaan Ali addressed the situation, revealing that the Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, identified as “ABF Wakari PO-11 IMO 4695542,” approached installations within Guyana’s EEZ, notably the Prosperity floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel managed by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block. He reaffirmed the legality of Guyana’s operations within its designated waters.
The Venezuelan patrol ship reportedly transmitted a radio communication, claiming that the FPSO was situated in “undelimited waters.” This assertion adds tension to the already sensitive territorial issues between the two nations.
In summary, Guyana is actively addressing the recent unauthorized entry of a Venezuelan naval vessel into its EEZ, having enacted measures to ensure the protection of its resources and sovereignty. President Irfaan Ali has emphasized the legitimacy of Guyana’s maritime activities while expressing concern over Venezuela’s claims of undelimited waters, which complicate the ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
