The US denounced Venezuelan naval threats against ExxonMobil in Guyana’s maritime territory, heightening tensions over the disputed Essequibo region. President Ali reported a Venezuelan vessel’s approach, prompting US and Guyanese warnings. Venezuela disputed the claims while violence in the region further escalated the conflict, highlighting the need for diplomatic solutions amidst growing instability.
The United States expressed strong condemnation on Saturday against Venezuelan naval incursions targeting ExxonMobil’s operations in maritime territories claimed by Guyana. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan patrol boat approached assets in Guyana’s exclusive waters earlier that morning, prompting warnings to international partners about the potential escalation of tensions. The US State Department reiterated that any Venezuelan threats would invoke serious consequences, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and violate Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime boundaries.
The escalating conflict is rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region, rich in natural resources, especially after ExxonMobil’s significant oil discoveries in the area since 2015, transforming Guyana’s economic landscape. The recent contract extension for ExxonMobil in April 2024 heightened these tensions even further. Ali affirmed that the ExxonMobil vessels operate legitimately within Guyana’s economic zone and reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining peace while protecting its territorial integrity.
In contrast, Venezuela has rejected claims of territorial infringement, accusing President Ali of dishonestly asserting that its naval forces violated Guyanese territory. Venezuelan officials argued that the relevant waters remain undelineated under international law, challenging Guyana’s assertions of sovereignty. The situation intensified following a violent incident on February 17, where Guyanese soldiers were injured in an ambush suspected to be coordinated by a Venezuelan criminal group, further straining relations between the two nations.
Negotiations were attempted with a meeting in December between Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, aimed at resolving disputes peacefully. However, subsequent military maneuvers by Venezuela, including large-scale military drills near the border, have contributed to rising tensions, especially following a UK naval visit to Guyana which Maduro deemed as a provocative action. These developments underscore the volatility in the region and highlight the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to resolve the tensions between Guyana and Venezuela.
In summary, the United States and Guyana have condemned recent Venezuelan military actions perceived as threatening to Guyana’s maritime sovereignty, particularly concerning ExxonMobil’s operations. The territorial dispute, intensified by significant oil discoveries, remains a critical point of contention, with both nations taking firm stances on territorial claims. Continued military activities and accusations of aggression reflect ongoing instability in the region, necessitating diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
