The United States condemned Venezuelan naval actions threatening an ExxonMobil unit in Guyana’s claimed waters. President Ali of Guyana asserted that the vessels were acting unlawfully and underscored the country’s commitment to peaceful resolutions. Venezuela rejected these claims, asserting its rights over the disputed territory. Tensions have escalated since Guyana’s oil discoveries, with continued diplomatic efforts amidst military provocations from Venezuela.
On Saturday, the United States condemned the actions of Venezuelan naval vessels that allegedly threatened an ExxonMobil unit operating in maritime territory claimed by Guyana. The U.S. State Department issued a warning of potential consequences for any further provocations from Caracas, echoing concerns raised by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who indicated that a Venezuelan patrol boat had approached various assets in Guyana’s exclusive waters.
President Ali stated that Guyana had alerted its international partners regarding the situation. He emphasized that the ExxonMobil floating production, storage, and offloading unit was legally operating within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone. Despite the tensions, Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to resolving disputes through diplomacy while maintaining a strong stance against any threats to territorial integrity.
Guyana has experienced rising tensions with Venezuela since 2015, particularly over the disputed Essequibo territory, which is rich in natural resources. The discovery of significant oil reserves by ExxonMobil has heightened these tensions. In April 2024, a new contract was granted to ExxonMobil, further exacerbating disputes regarding the territorial claims.
In response to Ali’s statements, Venezuela categorically rejected what it called “unfounded statements,” asserting that the waters in question are not regarded as part of Guyanese territory under international law. Furthermore, the Venezuelan government contended that the maritime zone is still pending delimitation and it outright denied any violations of Guyana’s territory.
The situation was further complicated when Guyana reported that six of its soldiers were wounded in an ambush allegedly by members of a Venezuelan criminal gang. This incident coincided with the anniversary of a 1966 agreement between Venezuela and Britain that aimed to negotiate a resolution for the territorial dispute. Meanwhile, Guyana maintains the position established by a 1899 ruling that fixed the border in its favor.
Additionally, President Maduro of Venezuela proposed a declaration for a Venezuelan province within the disputed territory in 2023. In December 2023, amidst escalating tensions, Ali and Maduro convened for discussions on neutral ground in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, aiming to prevent the use of force. However, subsequent military actions by Venezuela were perceived by Guyana as provocations.
The tensions between the United States, Guyana, and Venezuela highlight the volatile situation surrounding territorial claims, particularly in light of significant oil discoveries. The U.S. and Guyana’s collaborative stance reinforces their commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty, while Venezuela maintains its claims on disputed regions. Diplomatic efforts continue amid military posturing that threatens regional stability, necessitating careful navigation of international relations to avert conflict.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
