France has expressed concerns about Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for territorial integrity and ICJ mandates. The situation intensified after Guyana reported a Venezuelan naval vessel near its oil assets. Various international bodies, including the U.S. and CARICOM, have called for restraint to avoid further provocation between the two nations, which are currently in litigation before the ICJ regarding their territorial dispute.
On Monday, France joined the wave of international concerns regarding Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Venezuela to refrain from repeating such actions, which breach the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023. France emphasized the importance of respecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
Over the weekend, Guyana reported a Venezuelan naval vessel’s proximity to its oil assets in the region, prompting responses from several international entities. The United States, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have all urged Venezuela to cease provocations that threaten the safety of ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel.
The U.S. government cautioned that continued aggression from Venezuela would result in repercussions for the Maduro regime, reinforcing its support for Guyana’s territorial rights as defined by the 1899 Arbitral Award. In a stark rebuttal, Venezuela dismissed Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali’s comments, labelling them as “baseless remarks” and asserting its stance that the disputed waters do not constitute Guyanese territory.
Venezuela’s Offshore Patrol vessel communicated with the FPSO Prosperity, asserting that they were operating within disputed waters. The two nations are currently engaged in an ongoing ICJ case concerning the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which delineated the land boundary between them. The court has acknowledged its jurisdiction and is set to adjudicate the matter based on the merits of the case.
The Guyanese government has previously expressed “grave concern” regarding Venezuelan actions deemed violations of the Argyle Agreement and ICJ’s binding orders, both established in December 2023. The Argyle Agreement, which was signed in St Vincent and the Grenadines with regional observers, mandates that both countries refrain from escalating conflicts arising from their territorial dispute.
France’s concern over Venezuela’s maritime activities highlights growing international scrutiny regarding the sovereignty of Guyana amidst ongoing disputes. Venezuela’s dismissal of these accusations indicates escalating tensions, while the support from global entities emphasizes the commitment to international law in resolving territorial controversies. The situation remains delicate as both nations await the ICJ’s definitive ruling on their longstanding dispute.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
