France has joined other nations in voicing its concerns over Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for territorial integrity as ruled by the International Court of Justice. Venezuela denies these allegations, claiming they are baseless and asserting its rights over disputed waters. The ICJ is currently reviewing the historical territorial claims following the 1899 Arbitral Award.
On Monday, France became the latest nation to express apprehension regarding Venezuela’s military presence within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Caracas to observe international legal principles and adhere to the provisional measures set forth by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, specifically regarding avoiding unilateral actions that could alter the current situation near Essequibo.
Guyana had recently alerted the international community to a Venezuelan naval vessel that lingered near its oil assets for approximately four hours. In response, entities such as the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the OAS have collectively urged Venezuela to refrain from further provocations, particularly towards ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Washington has cautioned that continued aggression could lead to repercussions for the Maduro regime, reiterating its support for Guyana’s territorial claims and the 1899 Arbitral Award.
The Venezuelan government dismissed the allegations made by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali as “baseless remarks,” claiming he falsely asserted that the Venezuelan naval units were infringing on Guyanese maritime territory. Additionally, Venezuela contended that those waters remain in dispute, pending proper delimitation in accordance with international law. The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel asserted through radio messages that they were operating in waters claimed by Venezuela.
The disagreement between the two nations is currently under the scrutiny of the ICJ regarding the 1899 Arbitral Award, which delineated the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana. This case, initiated by Guyana in March 2018, aims for a judicial determination concerning the validity of said Arbitral Award. The ICJ has recognized its jurisdiction over the matter and will rule based on substantial evidence.
In January, the Guyanese administration expressed severe concerns regarding actions and statements from the Venezuelan government, claiming they constituted clear violations of both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order from December 2023. Georgetown reiterated that the Argyle Agreement, which was signed in December 2023 in St Vincent and the Grenadines, obligates both nations to avoid escalating conflicts related to territorial issues, ensuring that no actions are taken that could heighten tensions pending legal resolution.
In summary, France’s recent announcement underscores the global concern regarding Venezuela’s military activity in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The situation has prompted responses from various international actors emphasizing the need for respect for territorial integrity and adherence to international law. With ongoing proceedings at the ICJ, both nations face heightened scrutiny as they navigate this territorial dispute.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
