France Joins Global Concerns Over Venezuela’s Military Incursion into Guyana

France has joined other nations in expressing its concern over Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for international law and Guyana’s sovereignty. This follows incidents involving Venezuelan vessels near Guyanese oil assets, provoking responses from the U.S. and other regional bodies. Venezuela has denied these claims, asserting that the disputed waters are not part of Guyanese territory.

France has recently joined a collective expression of concern regarding Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government called upon Caracas to adhere to the principles of international law and respect the sovereignty of Guyana, as stipulated by the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures established in December 2023.

Over the past weekend, Guyana alerted the international community about the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel that was reportedly close to its oil assets for approximately four hours. Following this incident, several entities, including the United States, CARICOM, and the OAS, urged Venezuela to desist from such provocative actions that threaten ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel.

The United States has warned that continued aggressive actions by Venezuela may lead to repercussions for the Maduro administration, while reiterating its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity as determined by the 1899 Arbitral Award.

In contrast, Venezuela refuted the remarks made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, claiming that they are unfounded. Caracas accused Ali of distorting facts and insisted that the waters in question do not belong to Guyana as they remain a maritime area pending delimitation under international law.

The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel has reportedly communicated with ExxonMobil’s FPSO Prosperity, asserting that they were operating in disputed waters claimed by Venezuela. Both nations are currently engaged with the ICJ regarding the validity of the Arbitral Award which defined their land boundary after a case was brought forth by Guyana in March 2018.

In January, the Guyanese government expressed alarm over actions and statements from the Venezuelan administration, which they viewed as clear violations of both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order effective from December 2023. The Argyle Agreement commits both countries to avoid escalating conflicts related to territorial disputes, emphasizing the necessity to refrain from actions that could heighten tensions in the contested areas.

In conclusion, France’s recent statement underscores the international community’s collective concerns over Venezuela’s military operations in Guyana’s maritime territory. The tensions between Guyana and Venezuela reflect significant ongoing geopolitical disputes, with both nations awaiting a final decision from the ICJ regarding their territorial claims. Calls from the United States and regional organizations signal a strong emphasis on upholding international law and fostering diplomatic resolutions.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com