Tensions Rise Between Guyana and Venezuela Over Maritime Incursion

Guyana and Venezuela have clashed over a reported incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s maritime territory, with both nations trading accusations. The situation is exacerbated by economic interests related to offshore oil deposits. Caricom has called for a peaceful resolution and withdrawal of military presence to maintain regional stability.

The ongoing contest between Guyana and Venezuela intensified recently after Guyana reported an incursion into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by a Venezuelan naval vessel. This prompted Venezuelan officials to label Guyanese President Irfaan Ali as the “Caribbean’s Zelenskyy,” accusing him of making unsubstantiated claims that threaten the region’s peace. President Ali clarified that the area is vital for Guyana’s economic interests, particularly due to significant offshore oil deposits being developed by ExxonMobil.

The situation escalated with the United States State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere condemning Venezuela’s actions as unacceptable and a breach of international norms. President Ali announced that his administration has engaged multiple aircraft and maritime vessels to support the ongoing oil operations amid these tensions. The conflict has historical roots, with a recent attack by suspected Venezuelan pirates in the Cuyuni River injuring several Guyanese soldiers.

In a statement from President Nicolás Maduro’s office, Guyana was accused of misleading the public regarding the territorial violations, asserting that the waters in question are still subject to delimitation according to international law. Venezuela accused President Ali of attempting to incite conflict in the region, further alleging that his remarks contained inaccuracies and contradictions intended to destabilize peace efforts.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) urged Venezuela to promptly withdraw its naval presence from Guyanese waters while emphasizing that all confrontational acts are against international law and the principles outlined in the 2023 Argyle Declaration. Caricom reiterated its position of supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling for calm and patience from both nations to peacefully resolve the ongoing border dispute.

The historical border dispute, stemming from the Essequibo region, has been reignited since ExxonMobil’s significant oil discoveries in Guyana in 2015. President Maduro has revived efforts to claim the territory, which constitutes approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s land area. Mediation efforts by Caricom, particularly through the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, have aimed to ease tensions arising from this prolonged territorial contention.

In summary, the maritime tensions between Guyana and Venezuela reflect a deep-seated territorial conflict exacerbated by economic interests in the oil-rich region. The incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel has triggered accusations and diplomatic interventions, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. Both nations, alongside regional blocs like Caricom, must prioritize dialogue and adherence to international law to avoid escalating confrontations.

Original Source: trinidadexpress.com