Guyana has protested Venezuela’s coast guard incursion into its waters, citing sovereignty as defined by the 1899 Arbitral Award. The government views these actions as provocative and detrimental to peace in the region, emphasizing adherence to international law. Recent Venezuelan military activities are seen as an escalation of tensions, prompting Guyana to inform global institutions.
The Government of Guyana has officially lodged a letter of protest to Venezuela following the recent incursion by the Venezuelan Coast Guard into Guyana’s territorial waters. This action occurred on Saturday and prompted Guyana to remind Venezuela that its activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone are authorized and in alignment with the boundaries established by the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela.
In the protest letter, Guyana reaffirmed its sovereignty over 12 nautical miles in the territorial sea and extended rights beyond that in the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. The Guyana Government expressed that Venezuela’s actions threaten the peace and security of Guyana and have destabilizing effects on the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Guyana characterized the Venezuelan maneuver as provocative, indicating deep concern over Venezuela’s continual encroachment on its land and maritime territory. The Government also reminded Venezuela of its obligations under international law, including adherence to the United Nations Charter and an order from the International Court of Justice to refrain from changing the current situation in the disputed territories.
The letter pointed out that Guyana holds exclusive rights to govern and control the Essequibo Region pending a final ruling from the court. The aggressive behavior demonstrated by Venezuela’s naval forces on March 1, 2025, was cited as a violation of the court’s injunction against actions that would exacerbate the dispute.
Additionally, the Government noted that Venezuela’s recent public pronouncement regarding elections for a Governor of the Essequibo region constitutes an escalation in tensions. These actions are perceived as inconsistent with the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes, posing a threat to regional stability.
The Government highlighted that Venezuela has increased its military presence along the border, deploying armored vehicles and fortifying its military capabilities. Such actions include building a bridge linking Venezuelan territory to Guyana’s Ankoko Island, a move seen as enhancing Venezuela’s offensive strategies against Guyana.
Guyana emphasized its commitment to peace and adherence to international law, asserting that it will not accept annexation or occupation of its territory. Moreover, the government will protect its lawful operations in the waters adjacent to the Essequibo Region and has informed international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, about the recent developments.
In summary, Guyana has formally protested Venezuela’s recent incursion into its waters, reiterating its sovereignty as established by international law and previous arbitration. The actions by Venezuela are seen as violations of this sovereignty and threats to regional stability. Guyana remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully while safeguarding its territorial rights and has alerted international entities regarding the matter.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
