Guyana’s president has triggered a military response and diplomatic action after a Venezuelan coastguard patrol entered its waters and approached an off-shore oil facility, breaching international maritime agreements.
President Irfaan Ali issued a strongly worded statement after the Venezuelan vessel transmitted a radio message claiming that it was operating in “disputed international waters”.
Dismissing the claims, Ali said: “Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and this is a matter of grave concern … I assure you that my government is not acting precipitously; we are addressing this situation with seriousness and responsibility.”
He added that he had summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to his office to register his strong protest and instructed Guyana’s embassy in Caracas to lodge a formal protest with the Venezuelan government.
But he also made it clear he had triggered a military response, which included the deployment of air assets and the country’s coastguard
He said: “Guyana remains committed to peace and the rule of law. We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”
The US and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have supported Guyana, condemning Venezuela’s actions.
Describing the incident as a threat to ExxonMobil’s oil operations in Guyana’s internationally recognised maritime territory, the OAS statement said: “Such acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional stability, and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations. The OAS reiterates its steadfast support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Venezuelan regime must immediately cease all aggressive manoeuvres that could escalate tensions in the region.”
The US Department of State bureau of western hemisphere also reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity, adding that “further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime”.
The incident is the latest development in a tense, longstanding feud between the two neighbouring South American countries over land and maritime borders.
In February, six soldiers in Guyana were injured while on a resupply mission along the Cuyuni River after suspected Venezuelan gang members opened fire on them.
Venezuela claims that an 1890s boundaries commission cheated it out of the mineral-rich Essequibo region, which represents two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and lies near big offshore oil deposits. The area, which was administered by Britain for more than a century, has been under Guyanese control since 1966, when the nation gained its independence from the UK.
Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, has threatened to annex the region by force.
In late 2023, the leaders of both countries attended an emergency summit where they promised not to use threats or force against each other. However, they did not reach a deal on the dispute over the Essequibo region.
Source: theguardian.com
