France Voices Concern Over Venezuela’s Military Actions in Guyana’s Waters

France has expressed concern over Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government calls for adherence to international law and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty. The U.S. and other organizations have echoed this sentiment, warning Venezuela against further provocations. The ongoing territorial dispute is currently being reviewed by the International Court of Justice.

France has joined the international community in voicing concerns over Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Venezuela to adhere to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, stressing compliance with the provisional measures established by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023. A statement from Paris called for Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the existing situation near Essequibo.

In the preceding weekend, Guyana alerted global entities about the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel in close proximity to its oil assets. In response, the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have all urged Venezuela to avoid provoking tensions, particularly regarding the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel operated by ExxonMobil. Washington issued a warning to the Venezuelan government regarding potential consequences if aggressive actions persist, reiterating its support for Guyana’s territorial claims aligned with the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Venezuela has rejected the criticisms levied by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, labeling them as “baseless remarks”. Caracas claimed that President Ali is misrepresenting the situation, contending that the contested maritime area is not part of Guyanese territory and remains unresolved under international law. A Venezuelan vessel reportedly communicated with the FPSO Prosperity, asserting it operated within disputed Venezuelan waters.

The ongoing territorial dispute is currently under review by the ICJ, following a case initiated by Guyana in March 2018 challenging the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award that delineated their land boundary. The court has confirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and is set to adjudicate the issue based on its merits. In January, Guyana expressed its serious concerns regarding recent actions and statements from Venezuela, alleging such measures violate the agreed-upon Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s order, both established in December 2023.

Notably, the Argyle Agreement, signed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in late 2023 with regional and international oversight, explicitly commits both nations to avoiding escalation arising from their territorial disputes. This includes commitments to avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions or modify the current status of the contested areas, pending resolution through lawful international channels.

In summary, France has urged Venezuela to respect Guyana’s territorial rights amid escalating tensions over naval incursions in disputed waters. The international community, including the United States and CARICOM, has reinforced calls for Venezuela to adhere to international law and avoid further provocations. Both nations are subject to ongoing arbitration by the ICJ concerning their territorial disputes, underpinning the importance of diplomatic resolutions to avoid conflict.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com