France Voices Concerns Over Venezuela’s Military Actions in Guyana

France has emphasized the importance of Venezuela respecting Guyana’s sovereignty following its military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The United States and other international bodies have also urged Venezuela to withdraw any threats to Guyana’s oil assets. Despite accusations from Guyana, Venezuela claims the disputed waters are not under Guyanese jurisdiction, as the territorial boundaries remain unresolved under international law.

On Monday, France became the latest nation to voice concerns over Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging Caracas to adhere to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional measures established earlier in 2023. France emphasized the need for Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and abide by international law.

The French government insisted that Venezuela must avoid unilateral actions that may alter the current circumstances in the disputed Essequibo region, reflecting a broader international apprehension regarding Venezuela’s recent military maneuvers. Meanwhile, Guyana has raised alarms about a Venezuelan naval vessel’s close proximity to its oil assets, prompting calls for restraint from the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS).

The United States has warned the Maduro regime of potential consequences should it continue provocative actions threatening ExxonMobil’s assets, reaffirming its commitment to Guyana’s territorial integrity and the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award. In response, Venezuela has dismissed claims made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, labeling them as “baseless” and accusing him of misrepresenting the situation regarding maritime boundaries.

Caracas asserts that the waters in question are part of a territorial dispute that remains unresolved under international law and were thus not under Guyanese jurisdiction. The Venezuelan naval vessel contacted multiple vessels within the Stabroek Block, claiming presence within Venezuelan territorial waters that remain contested. The ongoing legal proceedings before the ICJ date back to Guyana’s 2018 filing challenging the validity of the Arbitral Award determining the land boundary between the two nations.

The Guyanese government has expressed “grave concern” regarding what it perceives as Venezuelan provocations in violation of both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order from December 2023. This agreement, signed under the auspices of regional and international representatives, commits both countries to avoid escalating tensions related to their territorial disputes until a resolution is achieved per international law.

In summary, France’s recent expression of concern regarding Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s waters highlights significant international apprehension about the ongoing territorial dispute. The recommendations for Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and adhere to the rulings of the ICJ underscore the necessity for diplomatic dialogue and compliance with international legal standards. As the situation develops, the potential ramifications of continued tensions remain a focal point for regional stability.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com