Venezuelan Coast Guard Vessel Breaches Guyana’s Territorial Waters

A Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel entered Guyana’s territorial waters on March 1, prompting a strong diplomatic and military response from the Guyanese government, which reasserted its territorial integrity in light of ongoing border disputes, particularly over the resource-rich Essequibo region.

On March 1, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, identified as ABF Guaiqueri PO-11, intruded into Guyana’s territorial waters early in the morning. President of Guyana confirmed this breach in a national address, stating that the ship approached important assets in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, including the FPSO Prosperity, unlawfully claiming that it operated in ‘disputed international waters.’

The President firmly asserted, “Let me be unequivocal, Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law, and this incursion is a matter of grave concern.” In response to this violation, Guyana’s government has taken immediate diplomatic actions, summoning the Venezuelan ambassador and registering strong protests through its Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Guyana’s embassy in Venezuela has been directed to lodge a formal protest with the Venezuelan government, and the incident has been communicated to international partners like the UK, France, the US, RSS, and CARICOM. The Chair of CARICOM is actively engaging with Venezuela over this matter, and Prime Minister Raul Gonzalez is in communication with Caracas following the Argyle Agreement.

In a show of unity, the President has briefed the leader of the opposition on the situation, maintaining a bipartisan approach. He mentioned, “The defense board is meeting and will continue to be meeting throughout the course of today.” Additionally, military assets have been deployed in response to this incursion.

The breach of Guyanese territorial waters by a Venezuelan naval vessel has escalated tensions in the long-standing border dispute. Guyana’s government has initiated strong diplomatic actions and confirmed military readiness while reaffirming its commitment to peace and international law. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding the resource-rich Essequibo region, which remains a point of contention between the two nations.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com