France has expressed concern over Venezuela’s recent military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government calls for respect of Guyana’s sovereignty and compliance with ICJ orders. Following a Venezuelan vessel’s proximity to Guyana’s oil assets, various nations have urged Venezuela to avoid provocations. Venezuela, however, dismisses accusations from Guyana as unfounded, asserting claims over the disputed waters.
France has joined other nations in voicing apprehension regarding Venezuela’s military presence in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Venezuela to comply with the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures issued in 2023, which demand respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. France’s statement emphasized adherence to international law and the court’s December 1, 2023, order that prohibits any unilateral actions that may escalate tensions off Essequibo.
The situation escalated when Guyana reported a Venezuelan naval vessel near its oil assets for four hours. As a result, the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the OAS have all urged Venezuela to refrain from further provocations, particularly regarding the floating production storage and offloading vessel operated by ExxonMobil. The U.S. has warned of repercussions for the Maduro regime should such actions continue, reaffirming its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 Arbitral Award.
In response, Venezuela rejected accusations from Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, calling his statements “baseless”. Caracas contends that the waters in dispute do not belong to Guyana, asserting they are under Venezuelan jurisdiction awaiting proper delimitation as per international law. It also reported that a Venezuelan offshore patrol vessel had informed other vessels in the area that they were operating in disputed waters.
The ongoing territorial dispute is currently under review by the ICJ, with Guyana having filed a case in March 2018 challenging the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which demarcated the countries’ land border. Thus far, the court has asserted its jurisdiction over the issue and will assess the case based on its merits.
In a recent statement, the Guyanese government expressed serious concerns over actions and rhetoric from Venezuela, describing them as violations of the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order, both effective since December 2023. The Argyle Agreement, established in December 2023 in the presence of international observers, mandates both nations to avoid any escalation regarding territorial disagreements, particularly actions that might change the current landscape in the disputed territory pending resolution under international law.
France’s involvement underscores a growing international consensus on the importance of respecting territorial integrity and following international law concerning the Venezuela-Guyana conflict. The escalating rhetoric and military presence near disputed territories indicate heightened tensions that could lead to serious diplomatic and economic repercussions for Venezuela if it continues its current course. The ICJ’s ongoing deliberations will remain crucial in resolving this territorial dispute and maintaining regional stability.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
