Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered Guyanese waters, approaching an offshore oil output vessel. This incident is part of a longstanding territorial dispute concerning the Esequibo area, which is being reviewed by the International Court of Justice. In response, Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador and will formally report the incursion to the ICJ.
On Saturday, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali announced that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel had entered Guyanese waters, approaching an oil output vessel in an offshore block. This incident occurs amid a long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations over the Esequibo area, a region of approximately 160,000 square kilometers that is currently under examination by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The section of the block near Venezuela has been subject to force majeure, hindering Exxon from concluding exploratory activities.
President Ali reported that during this encroachment, the Venezuelan vessel approached several assets in Guyana’s exclusive waters, including the FPSO Prosperity. In response, Guyana’s government summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to engage in discussions regarding this violation, while also planning to lodge a formal complaint with Venezuela through its embassy in Caracas. Furthermore, the incident will be reported to the ICJ, along with outreach to international partners such as CARICOM.
Additionally, President Ali indicated that Guyana has deployed unspecified air assets in response to the situation. The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned the Venezuelan incursion, stating it occurred within “Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.” The United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs labeled the incident a violation of Guyana’s territorial integrity, warning that further provocations would lead to consequences for the Maduro regime.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over territorial claims, emphasizing the necessity for diplomatic engagement and adherence to international law. Guyana’s swift actions in summoning the Venezuelan ambassador and reporting the violation demonstrate its commitment to asserting its sovereignty. Additionally, international responses from entities like the OAS and the United States underscore the broader implications of this maritime dispute.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
