Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered Guyanese waters, approaching an offshore oil vessel. This incident intensifies the long-standing territorial dispute over the Esequibo area, currently under review by the ICJ. Guyana plans to take formal actions, including lodging complaints with Venezuela and reporting to international bodies, while regional organizations condemn the violation.
On Saturday, President Irfaan Ali of Guyana reported that a vessel from the Venezuelan coast guard entered Guyanese waters, drawing near to an operational vessel located in an offshore oil block. This incident exacerbates tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, which have long contested the territorial ownership of the Esequibo area, an issue currently being deliberated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
President Ali remarked, “During this incursion, the Venezuelan vessel approached various assets in our exclusive waters, including FPSO Prosperity.” Following this breach, the Guyanese administration summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to discuss Guyana’s grievances and initiated steps to file a formal complaint with Venezuela.
Guyana has committed to reporting the incident to the ICJ and seeks support from international partners such as CARICOM. In response to the incursion, the Guyanese government has also deployed unspecified air assets. The Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement condemning the Venezuelan actions as a violation of Guyana’s maritime territory.
Additionally, the United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the incursion, stating that further provocations could lead to consequences for the Maduro regime. The Venezuelan communications ministry has not issued a comment on the incident as of yet.
The recent incursion by a Venezuelan vessel into Guyanese waters highlights ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations. Guyana’s government is taking steps to formally address the incident at international forums and engage with regional partners, asserting its commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity. The responses from regional and global organizations indicate a shared concern over the violation of Guyana’s maritime rights.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
