Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel intruded into Guyana’s maritime territory, approaching oil facilities. This incident intensifies the ongoing Esequibo territorial dispute, currently at the ICJ. Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador, lodged a formal complaint, and deployed air assets to enhance security.
On Saturday, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered Guyana’s territorial waters, nearing a vessel in an offshore oil block. This incident occurs within the context of a prolonged territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, which is the subject of a case currently at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The northwest sector of the oil block, adjacent to Venezuela, remains under force majeure since Exxon has been unable to proceed with exploration activities. President Ali stated, “During this incursion, the Venezuelan vessel approached various assets in our exclusive waters, including FPSO Prosperity.”
In response, Guyana summoned the Venezuelan ambassador for a meeting with its foreign minister to express its objections and instructed its embassy in Caracas to file a formal complaint. Furthermore, Ali mentioned that Guyana will inform the ICJ about this episode and collaborate with international partners such as CARICOM.
To bolster its defense, the Guyanese government has deployed unspecified air assets. The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned the Venezuelan incursion, declaring it a breach of Guyana’s recognized maritime territory. The United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also criticized the violation, warning that continued provocations will lead to consequences for the Maduro regime.
The recent incursion by a Venezuelan vessel into Guyanese waters has drawn significant condemnation both regionally and internationally. Guyana has taken diplomatic steps by summoning the Venezuelan ambassador and planning a formal complaint to the ICJ. The situation highlights the ongoing territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, with calls for greater international involvement underscoring the urgency of resolving such territorial conflicts peacefully.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
