Guyana Condemns Venezuelan Naval Incursion in Disputed Oil Waters
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has condemned a Venezuelan naval incursion in disputed waters rich in oil deposits, asserting that Guyana will protect its territorial integrity. Venezuelan officials have rejected these claims, labelling them false. The U.S. has reiterated support for Guyana, warning Venezuela against provocations. This incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries over resource-rich areas.
On Saturday, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali condemned the recent incursion by an armed Venezuelan naval vessel into disputed waters rich in oil deposits being developed by ExxonMobil. In a formal address, President Ali stated that Guyana was urgently informing its international allies, including the Trump administration, and had summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to Georgetown to lodge a formal protest.
Describing the Venezuelan actions as a significant concern, President Ali emphasized that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law and asserted the country’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity. He stated, “This incursion is a matter of grave concern. We will not tolerate threats to territorial integrity.”
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez dismissed Ali’s statements as fabrications, referring to ExxonMobil’s operations as “illegal.” Rodríguez characterized President Ali’s remarks as “bald-faced lies,” revealing a deepening tension between the two nations over territorial claims.
The U.S. State Department, responding to the situation, echoed President Ali’s concerns and warned that any further provocations could lead to severe consequences for the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This incident comes on the heels of earlier confrontations in which suspected Venezuelan pirates clashed with Guyanese military personnel.
The conflict over land and maritime boundaries between Guyana and Venezuela has a long history, revived notably after ExxonMobil’s significant oil discovery in Guyana in 2015. Venezuela contests the legitimacy of the 1890s boundary commission, claiming it lost a resource-rich region in the Essequibo, which has been under Guyanese governance since independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
Guyana’s assertion of authority over these disputed maritime areas reflects its attempts to bolster sovereignty amid escalating tensions as it seeks to develop its oil resources in the Stabroek Block, estimated to contain over 11 billion barrels of oil. With both nations asserting historical claims, the situation underscores the need for diplomatic resolution to avoid further conflict.
In summary, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has firmly denounced recent Venezuelan naval actions in disputed waters that may threaten Guyana’s security and international standing. Venezuela’s Vice President has countered these claims, intensifying the longstanding territorial dispute between the two nations. This incident highlights the complex geopolitics surrounding oil resources and territorial claims in the region, raising concerns over possible escalations and the need for international mediation.
Original Source: jamaica.loopnews.com
