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

France has joined other nations in expressing concern about Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for Guyana’s sovereignty. Venezuela has dismissed claims by Guyana’s President and maintains that disputed waters do not belong to Guyana. The situation remains sensitive amidst ongoing proceedings in the International Court of Justice related to territorial boundaries.

France has recently expressed concern regarding Venezuela’s military actions within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government emphasized the importance of respecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with the provisional measures established by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2023. Paris highlighted the need for Venezuela to refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions off the coast of Essequibo.

This past weekend, Guyana alerted the international community about a Venezuelan naval vessel that had been present near its oil assets for approximately four hours. In response, multiple international entities, including the United States, CARICOM, and the Organization of American States, have urged Venezuela to avoid further provocative actions targeting ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The United States has also warned the Maduro regime of possible consequences for continued provocations, asserting its support for Guyana’s territorial claims as determined in the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Conversely, Venezuela has rejected the statements made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, describing them as “baseless remarks.” The Venezuelan government contends that the waters in question do not belong to Guyana and are considered disputed maritime zones as per international law. They characterized President Ali’s assertions as misleading.

The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel reportedly communicated with the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels in the Stabroek Block, declaring their presence in what they assert to be their waters. Both nations are involved in proceedings at the ICJ concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award from October 3, 1899, which set the land boundary between them. Guyana initiated this case in March 2018 and the court has affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter.

In January, the Guyanese government expressed serious concern regarding what it deemed recent Venezuelan provocations that violate the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order, which came into effect in December 2023. Georgetown reiterated that the Argyle Agreement, signed in December 2023 in the presence of international observers, mandates both nations to avoid escalating conflicts or disagreements caused by their territorial disputes. This includes a commitment to actions that would exacerbate tensions in the disputed regions pending a resolution as mandated by international law.

France’s call for Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty underscores the serious nature of the ongoing territorial dispute. Both nations remain engaged in international legal processes to resolve their differences, amid rising tensions and international awareness. The responses from the United States and other organizations highlight the geopolitical implications of these events, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law and conflict prevention measures.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com