Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Guyana of illegal activities in the disputed Esequibo region, claiming the nation is allowing ExxonMobil to extract oil from waters not internationally recognized. Maduro warned of measures to counteract these actions. The territorial dispute, which dates back to colonial agreements, has prompted Caricom to urge both nations to de-escalate tensions.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of conducting unlawful activities in the disputed Esequibo region, a territory central to a sovereignty conflict between the two nations. In a broadcast interview, Maduro claimed that Guyana’s actions violate international law and warned of necessary measures to counteract them.
Maduro specifically criticized Guyana for permitting ExxonMobil, a U.S. energy company, to extract oil from waters that are not yet internationally recognized as belonging to Guyana. He stated, “This is absolutely illegal,” and reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to stopping what he labeled illegal operations.
The Esequibo region, rich in oil and mineral resources, has been a longstanding point of contention. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali recently reported that Venezuelan naval vessels approached an ExxonMobil oil platform, heightening tensions between the two countries. Venezuela refuted this, accusing Guyana of disseminating misinformation.
Further escalating tensions, Venezuela claimed that 28 foreign drilling vessels and tankers are currently active in the contested waters, which they describe as violations of international law. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has urged both countries to avoid provocations that may lead to increased conflict.
The origins of the Esequibo dispute date back to British colonial rule, specifically regarding a 1899 arbitration agreement that designated the Esequibo River as Guyana’s western boundary. The dispute intensified following Guyana’s independence in 1966, leading to ongoing disagreements over this resource-rich area, home to approximately 125,000 residents.
In summary, the ongoing conflict regarding the Esequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana has escalated, with Venezuela accusing Guyana of illegal oil extraction activities. President Maduro’s accusations against Guyana reflect a contentious history rooted in colonial agreements and territorial disputes. The situation remains tense, with calls from Caricom for both nations to exercise caution and avoid confrontation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
