Rubio Warns Venezuela of Military Action to Protect Oil-Rich Guyana

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued a warning to Venezuela regarding military action if it attacks Guyana amidst ongoing territorial disputes. He emphasized U.S. support and security cooperation with Guyana, while Venezuelan officials dismissed the threats as old tactics. The relationship between the U.S. and Guyana is strengthening amidst rising oil exploration and concerns about Chinese influence in the region.

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued a strong warning to Venezuela regarding potential military action should it attack oil-rich Guyana. This statement emphasizes the U.S. commitment to protecting Guyana, particularly as tensions have escalated over Venezuela’s claims to the Essequibo region. Rubio stated, “There will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive action,” at a press conference during his visit to Guyana.

Rubio indicated that if Venezuela were to attack ExxonMobil’s oil projects in Guyana, it would result in severe repercussions. He did not specify a military response but highlighted, “We have a big navy, and it can get almost anywhere.” His visit included discussions on increasing security cooperation with Guyana, which has involved maritime patrols and intelligence sharing.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali welcomed Rubio’s firm stance, calling Venezuela’s territorial claims “illegitimate.” Conversely, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil criticized Rubio’s remarks, dismissing them as past American threats. Gil asserted, “We do not need nor seek conflicts, but neither will we allow foreign interests to try to rewrite the reality about our Essequibo.”

Furthermore, U.S. special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone discussed a vision for a strong security relationship between the U.S. and Guyana, akin to the U.S. military presence in the Gulf region. During his trip, Rubio also engaged with leaders in Suriname, another nation experiencing growth in oil production.

Guyana has significant potential for oil production, particularly since ExxonMobil’s large scale exploration began. Meanwhile, Venezuela has declared the Essequibo region part of its territory in a move that has seen little international support. The historic border dispute remains contentious, originating from a 1899 arbitration agreement, which Venezuela disputes. Oil production in Guyana is expected to peak at 1.3 million barrels daily by the decade’s end, overshadowing Venezuela’s declining output.

In conclusion, the U.S. government’s firm commitment to defending Guyana against threats from Venezuela underscores strategic interests in the region, particularly concerning oil resources. Rubio’s visit signifies a strengthening relationship between the U.S. and Guyana, alongside concerns about Chinese influence. The historical border dispute remains unresolved, with significant implications for geopolitical stability in South America.

Original Source: www.webstercountycitizen.com