Guyana Accuses Venezuela of Incursion into Territorial Waters

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reported a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered Guyanese waters, approaching vessels in an offshore oil block. This incident has heightened tensions, leading Guyana to summon the Venezuelan ambassador and prepare to inform the ICJ. International bodies, including the OAS and U.S., have condemned the intrusion as a violation of territorial integrity.

On Saturday, President Irfaan Ali of Guyana reported that a Venezuelan coast guard patrol vessel intruded into Guyanese waters, coming close to an oil production vessel in an offshore block. This area has been a point of contention between the two nations, specifically over the Esequibo region, which spans 160,000 square kilometers and is currently under review by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Ali confirmed that the Venezuelan vessel approached several assets within Guyana’s exclusive waters, particularly the FPSO Prosperity, during this incident. In response, the Guyanese government has taken diplomatic action by summoning the Venezuelan ambassador to discuss its strong objections and has instructed its embassy in Caracas to file a formal complaint with the Venezuelan government.

In addition to diplomatic measures, Guyana intends to officially report this incursion to the ICJ and engage its international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Guyanese government has also deployed unspecified air assets to the region as part of its response.

The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned the Venezuelan incursion, labeling it a violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs reiterated that further provocations by Venezuela could have serious consequences for the Maduro regime.

In summary, the recent Venezuelan incursion into Guyana’s waters has sparked diplomatic tensions, prompting Guyana to summon the Venezuelan ambassador and report the incident to the ICJ. The OAS and the U.S. have condemned the actions, emphasizing the need to respect international maritime boundaries. Guyana’s deployment of air assets underscores its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

Original Source: www.usnews.com