Guyanese President Reports Venezuelan Vessel Incursion into Territorial Waters

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported a Venezuelan coast guard patrol’s incursion into Guyanese waters, targeting oil assets. This event compounds the ongoing territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, currently reviewed by the ICJ. Guyana has formally protested to Venezuela and international organizations, emphasizing the violation of its territorial integrity.

On Saturday, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard vessel intruded into Guyanese waters, approaching an offshore oil production facility. This incident occurs amid an ongoing territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, a territory encompassing 160,000 square kilometers, which is currently under examination by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The specific area of concern is located in the northwest of the oil block, which remains under force majeure due to Exxon’s inability to continue exploration activities there. President Ali stated that the Venezuelan vessel approached several assets within Guyana’s exclusive waters, notably the FPSO Prosperity.

In response, Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to meet with its foreign minister, expressing strong objections to the incursion. Guyana’s embassy in Caracas has been instructed to file a formal complaint, and the incident will also be reported to the ICJ. Additionally, the Guyanese government has deployed unidentified air assets to respond to the situation.

The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned the Venezuelan entry into what it described as Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. The United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also issued a statement asserting that such actions violate Guyana’s territorial rights and warned that further provocations could have serious repercussions for the Venezuelan administration.

The reported incursion of a Venezuelan vessel into Guyanese waters represents a significant escalation in the ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Esequibo region. With international bodies like the OAS and the United States expressing concern, and Guyana’s government taking definitive measures to address the incursion, it is clear that the situation may progress towards heightened diplomatic and legal actions.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my