Guyana Raises Alarm Over Venezuelan Military Incursion into Territorial Waters
The Government of Guyana has alerted the international community about a Venezuelan military vessel’s incursion into its waters, posing threats to oil production ships. President Irfaan Ali condemned the act, asserting the legitimacy of Guyana’s maritime boundaries and highlighting the government’s measured response, including international notifications and increased monitoring of the region.
The Government of Guyana has raised alarms regarding threats posed by the Venezuelan military against oil production vessels operating within its maritime territory. Recently, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel was detected navigating close to these ships and asserted that they were in what Venezuela regards as disputed waters.
In a national address, President Irfaan Ali emphasized the severity of this incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, when the Venezuelan vessel violated Guyanese waters. He clarified that the FPSO Prosperity and other assets are operating legitimately within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
President Ali outlined the Venezuelan vessel’s transmission of a radio message describing the FPSO’s operations as being within ‘disputed international waters.’ He firmly stated that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized by international law and underscored the serious nature of this incursion, assuring the public that the government is addressing the situation responsibly.
The incident has understandably unsettled the crews aboard the impacted vessels, which employ numerous Guyanese and international workers. President Ali has reached out to CARICOM and its international partners, informing Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the CARICOM Chair, about the developments, who is currently engaging with the Venezuelan government regarding this issue.
Additionally, President Ali has conducted discussions with the Leader of the Opposition and intends to provide a full briefing later that day. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador to formally express Guyana’s objections to this military incursion, while the Embassy in Venezuela will file an official complaint with the Venezuelan Government.
In response to the incident, the Guyanese government has heightened surveillance in the Stabroek block area and plans to deploy additional Coast Guard teams. This marks the second international incident involving Venezuela in recent weeks, following an attack where six Guyanese soldiers were shot while conducting patrols along the Cuyuni River, allegedly by a Venezuelan criminal gang.
Despite a longstanding resolution to this dispute since 1899, Venezuela continues to lay claim to Guyana’s territory. Currently, Guyana is pursuing a final legal settlement through the International Court.
In conclusion, Guyana has expressed strong objections to a recent Venezuelan military incursion into its waters, emphasizing the legitimacy of its maritime boundaries under international law. The government is taking measured actions to address the situation, including alerting international partners and increasing security measures in affected areas. The ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela remains a critical issue, with Guyana seeking resolution through international legal avenues.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
