U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio warned Venezuela against escalating tensions over Guyana, pledging military support for the latter. He criticized Venezuela’s claims on Guyana’s Essequibo region, emphasizing potential consequences for aggressive actions. An agreement was reached to enhance security cooperation between the U.S. and Guyana. The geopolitical stakes are heightened by China’s growing influence in the region and the prioritization of oil production by the U.S. administration.
On Thursday, U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio issued a strong warning to Venezuela regarding its claims on Guyana, emphasizing the United States’ readiness to defend the oil-rich nation. Venezuela, under President Nicolás Maduro, lays claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region, which is crucial for the country’s oil production. Rubio stated, “I have full confidence saying it now as secretary of state — there will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive action.”
Rubio declined to provide specific details about a potential military response but asserted the U.S. Navy’s significant capacity to reach any necessary location. He remarked, “It would be a very bad day — a very bad week for them,” referring to Venezuela’s possible aggression against ExxonMobil’s interests in Guyana. Additionally, Rubio solidified security cooperation with Guyana through an agreement that includes enhanced information sharing and joint maritime patrols.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali appreciated Rubio’s stance, asserting Venezuela’s claims as “illegitimate.” Rubio’s remarks were supplemented by U.S. special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone, who envisioned a “binding” security relationship between the U.S. and Guyana, similar to that in the Gulf to counter Iran’s influence. Amidst Guyana’s socio-economic struggles, there have been movements leaning towards closer ties with the United States.
While the transition to U.S. statehood is not currently in the framework, former President Trump has openly expressed expansionist sentiments in the region. Emerging threats from China, which has been increasing its presence in Guyana through infrastructure projects, further highlight the geopolitical stakes at play. Earlier this year, Guyana condemned a Venezuelan military vessel’s alleged incursion into its waters, to which Venezuela responded by denying any wrongdoing, leading Ali to reject a proposed meeting.
Historically, the border dispute stems from an 1899 arbitration, though Venezuela asserts claims dating back to 1777. The Trump administration has prioritized increasing oil production, contrasting with previous administrations that sought renewable energy diversification. ExxonMobil has become a dominant player in Guyana’s oil sector, with projections of achieving 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030, far exceeding current Venezuelan output due to decades of industry decline influenced by mismanagement and sanctions. In response to claims from anti-communist lawmakers, the U.S. has removed Chevron’s waiver from sanctions, limiting its operations in Venezuela.
In conclusion, the United States stands firmly behind Guyana amidst mounting tensions with Venezuela, particularly over the oil-rich Essequibo region. Marco Rubio’s comments reinforce the U.S. commitment to protecting Guyana’s sovereignty through enhanced security cooperation. As ExxonMobil leads oil production in Guyana, the geopolitical dynamics in the region may intensify, especially with the rising influence of China and ongoing claims from Venezuela based on historical interpretations. The situation requires vigilant monitoring as developments unfold.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
