Nicolás Maduro accuses Guyana’s Irfaan Ali of provoking war, likening him to Zelensky amid a maritime dispute over waters essential to ExxonMobil’s operations. This accusation comes following a Venezuelan naval incursion that has heightened U.S. diplomatic concerns. Maduro’s tactics appear linked to shifting U.S. policies towards Venezuela, amid a century-long territorial conflict over the Essequibo region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali of instigating a potential conflict with Venezuela, drawing comparisons to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who Maduro claims is responsible for the war in Ukraine. This accusation arose following a Venezuelan patrol vessel’s incursion into waters claimed by Guyana, raising concerns over ExxonMobil’s offshore operations in the region and prompting a U.S. response.
Maduro stated, “The Government of Guyana has adopted a war plan against Venezuela. They believe that they will do well” in an armed conflict. He referred to President Ali as the “Zelensky of the Caribbean,” criticizing his government’s actions and rhetoric regarding the maritime dispute. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry supported Maduro’s claims, condemning Ali for spreading alleged misinformation regarding the Venezuelan vessel’s presence.
According to Guyanese officials, a Venezuelan coast guard vessel entered their territorial waters and approached ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. This incident has intensified the longstanding territorial dispute over the Essequibo region, an area rich in resources that constitutes over two-thirds of Guyana. The U.S. State Department has warned that further provocations by Venezuela could have consequences for Maduro’s regime.
The reference to Zelensky seems strategically aimed at U.S. interests, possibly encouraging a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards Venezuela amid rising tensions. An analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicated that Maduro’s actions could be a tactic to consolidate internal support while testing the waters of international relations with the United States.
Recent changes in U.S. policy have become apparent, marked by President Trump’s decision to suspend Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela, significantly straining the Venezuelan economy. The Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that Maduro’s focus on the Essequibo dispute correlates with this shifting U.S. stance, as he seeks to assert Venezuela’s regional influence amidst heightened pressures.
The century-old dispute over the Essequibo region escalated further following a December 2023 referendum, where Maduro claimed overwhelming public support to utilize military force to claim territory from Guyana. Despite indications of electoral fraud, Maduro has continued to press the issue, reinforcing Venezuela’s claims and increasing military activity near the border.
In light of the escalating tensions, Guyana has appealed to the International Court of Justice to annul Venezuela’s recent electoral actions regarding the Essequibo, seeking legal avenues to address the territorial dispute.
The ongoing tensions between Venezuela and Guyana exemplify a complex geopolitical struggle marked by accusations of militarization and territorial ambition. Maduro’s invoking of Zelensky illustrates a strategy to frame the narrative internationally while responding to external pressures. As both nations navigate these tumultuous waters, the legal and diplomatic ramifications of the Essequibo dispute remain critically significant.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
