France has expressed concern regarding Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for international law following a Venezuelan naval vessel’s proximity to Guyana’s oil assets. International bodies, including the U.S., have voiced support for Guyana, emphasizing the importance of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the ongoing territorial dispute.
France has recently joined the chorus of countries expressing concern over Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Venezuela to respect the sovereignty of Guyana and adhere to international law, particularly the measures established by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023. Paris emphasized that actions which unilaterally alter the status quo off Essequibo must be avoided.
Over the weekend, Guyana alerted the international community about a Venezuelan naval vessel that lingered near its oil assets for approximately four hours. This provocation drew the attention of various international bodies, including the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS), all of which have urged Venezuela to refrain from further threatening ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel.
Washington issued a warning to the Maduro regime, indicating that there would be consequences for any continued military engagement in the disputed area. The U.S. also reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity as established by the 1899 Arbitral Award.
In response, Venezuela has dismissed claims made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, branding them as unfounded accusations. Caracas asserted that President Ali’s comments constitute a blatant misrepresentation, arguing that the waters in question are under dispute and do not belong to Guyana, pending proper delimitation under international law.
The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel made direct contact with the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels, asserting that they were operating within Venezuelan waters, which are contested. Currently, both nations are engaged in proceedings at the ICJ regarding the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Award that defined their land boundaries.
Guyana filed the case in March 2018, seeking judicial clarity on the 1899 ruling, which has now been confirmed to fall under the court’s jurisdiction for a merits-based resolution. Earlier this year, Guyana expressed serious concerns regarding recent actions by Venezuela, indicating they violate the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order from December 2023.
The Argyle Agreement, signed in December 2023, commits both nations to de-escalate tensions stemming from their territorial dispute. Georgetown reiterated that both nations agreed to abstain from activities that could provoke further conflict or alter the status of the contested areas until a legal resolution is achieved in accordance with international law.
In summary, France has joined the international community in condemning Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The diplomatic tensions reflect the ongoing dispute over territorial boundaries between Venezuela and Guyana, with various countries calling for adherence to international law. The continued engagement of the ICJ highlights the necessity for a legal resolution to this protracted conflict, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and respect for sovereignty.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
