Guyana has protested Venezuela’s Coast Guard incursion into its waters, emphasizing its legal rights under international law. The government condemned the provocative actions, asserting its sovereignty and calling for peaceful dispute resolution. Tensions have escalated due to recent Venezuelan military activities, prompting Guyana to inform international organizations of the situation.
The Government of Guyana has lodged a formal protest to Venezuela over an incursion by the Venezuelan Coast Guard into its waters on Saturday. In the letter, Guyana reminded Venezuela that its authorized activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone are fully within the maritime areas defined by the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela.
Guyana asserted that international law grants it sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles in territorial sea, and sovereign rights beyond that in its Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. The recent Venezuelan actions threaten the peace and security of Guyana and destabilize the Latin American and Caribbean region, according to the Guyanese government.
The Guyanese government labeled Venezuela’s maneuver as provocative, expressing concern over Venezuela’s ongoing encroachment on Guyana’s territorial integrity. It reminded Venezuela of its obligations under international law, referencing a December 2023 International Court of Justice order.
This order prohibits Venezuela from taking actions that alter the status of disputed territory, where Guyana administers and controls the area. It indicated that Venezuela’s naval activities violate this prohibition and escalate tensions created by Venezuela’s recent claims over elections to be held in Guyana’s sovereign territory this May.
Guyana condemned these actions as hostile and inconsistent with the respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution. The government highlighted a series of aggressive Venezuelan actions, including military escalations along the border, the deployment of military equipment, and the construction of a bridge linking Venezuela to the contested Ankoko Island.
Guyana stated its commitment to peace through diplomacy, asserting it will not tolerate annexation or threats to its sovereignty. The recent incident has been communicated to several international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, and Guyana plans to keep these bodies updated on the situation.
In summary, the Government of Guyana has formally protested against Venezuela’s maritime incursion, asserting its legal rights based on international law. The letter emphasizes the sovereignty of Guyana and the need for peaceful conflict resolution. The ongoing Venezuelan military actions are viewed as provocative and a threat to regional stability, prompting Guyana to escalate its diplomatic efforts with the international community regarding this dispute.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
