Venezuelan President Accuses Guyana of Illegal Activities in Esequibo Region

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of illegal actions in the disputed Esequibo region, claiming violations occurred due to Guyana’s partnership with ExxonMobil. Maduro asserted Venezuela would take actions to stop these activities. The Esequibo dispute has historical roots and involves rich resources, with recent developments raising international concerns regarding sovereignty and adherence to law.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has publicly accused Guyana of conducting illegal actions in the disputed Esequibo region, a territory with a long-standing sovereignty dispute between the two nations. During an interview on the state-run channel VTV, Mr. Maduro asserted that Guyana’s engagements in Esequibo, claimed by Venezuela, are unlawful. He indicated that Venezuela would intervene to halt these actions.

Mr. Maduro cited Guyana’s partnership with the U.S. energy corporation ExxonMobil in extracting oil from waters yet to be internationally recognized. He condemned these operations as “absolutely illegal” and stated, “We reject and condemn this, and we will take all steps to stop the illegal activities of the Guyanese government with ExxonMobil.”

Historically, Venezuela has disputed rights to the Esequibo region, known for its rich oil and mineral resources, arguing that current actions infringe upon international laws. In a recent report, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali noted Venezuelan naval vessels had approached an ExxonMobil oil platform, raising concerns.

In response, Venezuelan claims contended that Guyana was disseminating misleading information. Venezuelan authorities also reported that there are currently 28 foreign drilling vessels and tankers operating in the contested area, characterizing these operations as breaches of international law.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has urged both Guyana and Venezuela to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of tensions between the neighboring countries. The historical context of the Esequibo dispute dates back to Guyana’s period of British colonial rule. A 1899 arbitration agreement established the Esequibo River as Guyana’s western boundary, but contention resumed following Guyana’s independence in 1966, sparking ongoing conflict over the resource-rich territory, which is home to approximately 125,000 residents.

In conclusion, the accusations by President Maduro highlight the escalating tensions over the contested Esequibo region. The Venezuelan government’s stance underscores its longstanding claims to the territory, while Guyana’s dealings with ExxonMobil continue to provoke conflict. As both nations navigate this delicate situation, international observers, including Caricom, emphasize the need for dialogue and restraint to maintain regional stability.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr