France has joined other countries in voicing concern about Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging compliance with international law and the ICJ’s directives. Recent provocations, including a Venezuelan naval vessel near Guyana’s oil assets, have been condemned by multiple international entities. Venezuela has denied any infringement and counters by asserting territorial claims, while both nations continue proceedings in the ICJ over historical border disputes.
France has joined the growing list of nations expressing concern over Venezuela’s military incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Caracas to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and adhere to international law, highlighting the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, which called for Venezuela to refrain from unilateral actions that could alter the situation in the disputed region.
In recent developments, Guyana had informed the international community of a Venezuelan naval vessel’s presence near its oil assets for approximately four hours. In response, entities such as the United States, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have all advised Venezuela against further provocations, particularly regarding ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel. Washington has emphasized that continued aggression could lead to consequences for the Maduro administration and reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Venezuela has rejected statements made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, branding them as “baseless remarks.” Caracas refuted claims that its naval units were infringing upon Guyanese maritime territory, asserting that the waters in question are subject to delimitation disputes under international law. The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel communicated with the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels, asserting their operation in disputed waters with Guyana.
Both nations have ongoing proceedings before the ICJ concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award from October 3, 1899, with Guyana seeking a judicial determination on the boundary between the two countries. The court has confirmed its jurisdiction over the case and will examine the merit of the disputes.
In January, the Guyana government raised serious concerns over perceived violations by Venezuela that seem to contravene the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding orders. The Argyle Agreement, finalized in December 2023 in the presence of both regional and international parties, commits both nations to avoiding escalation in their territorial disputes, thereby maintaining the status quo until a resolution is achieved in accordance with international law.
In summary, France has expressed significant concern regarding Venezuela’s recent military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for Guyana’s sovereignty. The response from the international community reinforces a collective stance against such provocations while Venezuela maintains its claims over disputed waters. The ongoing ICJ case underscores the complexity of these territorial disputes as both nations navigate their rights under international law.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
