US and Guyana Condemn Venezuelan Naval Provocations Amid Tensions

The United States condemned recent Venezuelan naval actions threatening ExxonMobil in Guyana’s maritime territory. Guyanese President Ali reported an incursion, emphasizing a commitment to territorial integrity. Venezuela denied these claims, asserting its rights to the disputed waters, as tensions escalate amidst a backdrop of significant oil discoveries and territorial disputes.

On Saturday, the United States condemned Venezuelan naval vessels for reportedly threatening an ExxonMobil unit within maritime territory claimed by Guyana. This warning was issued after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali indicated that a Venezuelan patrol boat had approached Guyana’s assets in its exclusive waters. Ali’s statement emphasized that Guyana had informed its international partners regarding the incursion.

The US State Department labeled the Venezuelan actions as unacceptable, reinforcing that they violate Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. The department issued a warning to the Maduro regime, indicating that further provocation would have consequences. The tensions arose amidst long-standing disputes over the Essequibo territory, which is rich in natural resources.

Since ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves in 2015, tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have intensified. The government of Guyana granted a new contract to ExxonMobil in April 2024, exacerbating the situation. President Ali asserted that the floating production vessels were operating within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to peaceful resolutions while rejecting any threats to territorial integrity.

Venezuela, in response, denied the allegations made by President Ali, labeling his remarks as false. It claimed that the waters in question are part of a maritime zone pending delimitation according to international law.

Tensions escalated after Guyana reported that six of its soldiers were injured in an ambush attributed to a Venezuelan criminal gang. This incident marked the anniversary of a 1966 agreement aimed at resolving the territorial dispute. Guyana maintains that an earlier 1899 ruling favors its claim. In 2023, President Maduro proposed establishing a Venezuelan province in the disputed area, while past negotiations between Ali and Maduro sought to prevent the use of force.

Following a meeting in December, the British Royal Navy’s HMS Trent visited Georgetown, which Maduro regarded as a provocation. In response, Venezuela conducted extensive military exercises near the border, mobilizing over 5,600 troops and various military assets.

In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between the United States, Guyana, and Venezuela highlight the complexities surrounding maritime territorial disputes, especially following the discovery of significant oil reserves. The situation remains precarious, with potential for conflict if provocations continue. Diplomatic discussions between the involved parties indicate a preference for peaceful resolution; however, military posturing and conflicting claims complicate the path forward.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com