France Joins International Concerns on Venezuela’s Military Actions in Guyana
France has joined other nations in expressing concern about Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging compliance with ICJ directives. The U.S. and other regional bodies have also warned against Venezuelan provocations, while Venezuela dismisses these allegations, claiming territorial disputes are unresolved. The situation remains contentious as the ICJ continues to review the case regarding their disputed boundary.
France has joined other nations in voicing concern over Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting an appeal for compliance with International Court of Justice (ICJ) directives. The French government urged Caracas to respect Guyana’s sovereignty, emphasizing adherence to international law and the ICJ’s provisional measures issued on December 1, 2023, against any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in Essequibo waters.
Recently, Guyana notified the global community of a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil infrastructure for approximately four hours. In response, the United States, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have collectively urged Venezuela to avoid provocations that threaten ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel. Washington has cautioned Venezuela that continued military maneuvers could invoke consequences for the Maduro regime while reaffirming support for Guyana’s territorial rights established by the 1899 Arbitral Award.
Conversely, Venezuela rebuffed the comments from Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, labeling them as “baseless remarks.” The Venezuelan government accused President Ali of misleading the public regarding the military compliance with maritime jurisdictions, asserting that the waters in question remain in dispute and not definitively within Guyana’s territory pending resolution through international law.
The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel communicated with the FPSO Prosperity, asserting that they were operating within disputed maritime zones. The two nations are currently involved in legal proceedings before the ICJ concerning the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined their land boundary. The ICJ has affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and is set to evaluate the case based on its merits.
In January, the Guyanese administration expressed “grave concern” regarding Venezuela’s recent actions, interpreting these as clear violations of the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order, both effective since December 2023. Georgetown recalled that the Argyle Agreement, established in December 2023 with regional and international witnesses, commits both nations to avoiding escalating conflicts related to their ongoing territorial disputes, including refraining from actions that could worsen the situation in the contested areas until resolved legally.
In conclusion, France has expressed its concerns regarding Venezuela’s recent military incursions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging adherence to international law and the orders of the ICJ. The situation has drawn international attention, with various organizations and nations calling for de-escalation. Venezuela, however, disputes these claims, further complicating the ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries. The matter remains under the jurisdiction of the ICJ as both nations seek a legal resolution.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
