Guyana’s President denounces a Venezuelan naval vessel incursion in contested waters with major oil deposits. The U.S. supports Guyana’s stance following Venezuelan denial of claims. Border tensions rise amidst historical disputes over territories and oil resources.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has condemned a recent incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into disputed waters rich in oil, which is being developed by ExxonMobil. In a televised address, he stressed that Guyana is alerting its international allies and officially protested to Venezuela’s ambassador, emphasizing that territorial integrity will not be compromised. Ali described the situation as a significant development in maritime disputes.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez refuted Ali’s claims, labeling ExxonMobil’s oil operations as unauthorized. In response, the U.S. State Department has supported Guyana’s position, warning that further provocations may lead to repercussions for Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro’s regime. This diplomatic clash arises from Venezuela’s longstanding territorial claims over parts of Guyana since ExxonMobil’s major oil discovery in 2015.
Venezuela has ramped up its claims including armed operations in border areas, leading to armed confrontations, including a recent incident where gunfire exchanged resulted in injuries to six Guyanese soldiers. The historic dispute between the countries originates from a 19th-century boundary agreement, which Venezuela argues was unjustly drawn, affecting the Essequibo region which produces significant oil reserves.
The recent maritime incursion by Venezuela has escalated tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, infused with a complex history of territorial disputes over lucrative oil fields. Guyana’s proactive diplomatic measures aim to assert its maritime sovereignty, while Venezuela maintains its position on territorial claims. International attention, particularly from the United States, suggests potential repercussions for further Venezuelan provocations.
Original Source: jamaica.loopnews.com
