OAS Condemns Venezuela’s Naval Presence in Guyana’s Waters

Guyana and Venezuela’s tensions escalate due to a Venezuelan warship’s presence in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The OAS condemned this incursion, emphasizing international law violations, and reiterated support for Guyana’s sovereignty. The situation follows statements from U.S. officials reaffirming support for Guyana amid criticism from Venezuela’s leadership.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have intensified following the sighting of a Venezuelan warship in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. In light of this provocative action, the Organization of American States (OAS) issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing the need for international law adherence. The OAS expressed its concerns after Georgetown reached out to its allies, including the OAS, for support.

In an official statement, the OAS General Secretariat affirmed that it “unequivocally condemns the recent actions of Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units operating within Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.” The OAS characterized Venezuela’s activities as a blatant infringement of international law, asserting they jeopardize regional stability and conflict with principles of peaceful coexistence among nations.

The organization reiterated its unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding that the Venezuelan regime cease all aggressive maneuvers that might escalate tensions. This incident follows a reaffirmation of U.S. backing for Guyana from the Trump administration, exemplified by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent statements, which have sparked criticism from Caracas.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, condemned U.S. support, stating: “Now, [Rubio] seeks to support the fantasies of the Guyanese government, which aims to strip us of the historic rights bequeathed to us by our liberators” – Telesur. Concurrently, the OAS appealed to Venezuela to honor ongoing international legal processes, including the pending adjudication of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The OAS articulated, “Any attempt to use coercion or force to alter established borders is unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles of the OAS Charter and international law in general.” The Guyanese government is anticipated to officially notify the ICJ regarding this latest escalation between the two nations.

In summary, the OAS has condemned Venezuela’s actions in Guyana’s maritime territory, underscoring the violation of international law and regional stability. The organization reaffirms its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and calls for an immediate cessation of aggressive maneuvers by the Venezuelan regime. Additionally, the United States has reiterated its backing for Guyana amidst this ongoing conflict, further complicating relations between the nations.

Original Source: www.sknvibes.com