Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of illegal actions in the disputed Esequibo region, concerning oil extraction by ExxonMobil. Maduro warned of necessary measures to stop these activities, claiming they violate international law. The Esequibo dispute’s historical roots and the need for peaceful resolution are highlighted.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of illegal activities in the Esequibo region, a territory steeped in a long-standing sovereignty dispute between the two nations. Maduro’s assertions were made in an interview with state-run channel VTV, where he claimed that Guyana had engaged in unlawful actions regarding the contested area, which Venezuela asserts is part of its territory.
Maduro specifically criticized Guyana for permitting US energy giant ExxonMobil to extract oil from waters that remain internationally undemarcated. He characterized these operations as “absolutely illegal” and expressed Venezuela’s intent to implement measures aimed at halting what he denoted as unlawful actions by Guyana.
The Esequibo region, rich in oil and mineral resources, has historically been a point of contention between the two nations, with Venezuela contending that current activities breach international law. On March 1, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali raised alarms regarding Venezuelan naval vessels approaching an ExxonMobil oil platform, which led Venezuela to accuse Guyana of disseminating “misleading information.”
Furthermore, Venezuelan officials claimed that there are 28 foreign drilling vessels and tankers actively operating within the disputed territory, describing these endeavors as violations of international law. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has called upon both nations to exercise restraint and avoid escalatory actions that may heighten tensions.
The territorial dispute dates back to the pre-independence period of Guyana under British colonial rule. An arbitration agreement established the Esequibo River as the western boundary of Guyana in 1899; however, following Guyana’s independence in 1966, the frontier has been a source of persistent conflict, with the region home to approximately 125,000 residents.
In summary, the ongoing dispute over the Esequibo region intensifies as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemns Guyana for alleged unlawful actions related to oil extraction by ExxonMobil. This territorial contention, rooted in historical claims and international law, underscores the complexities of regional relations. Both countries are urged to refrain from provocative actions to maintain peace, as emphasized by the Caribbean Community’s call for restraint.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
