France has expressed concerns about Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for international law and Guyana’s sovereignty. Guyana alerted the international community about a Venezuelan naval presence near its oil assets, prompting responses from multiple organizations, including the US. Venezuela dismissed allegations made by Guyana’s President, asserting claims of disputed waters. The territorial dispute remains under review by the International Court of Justice, highlighting the need for adherence to the Argyle Agreement to prevent escalation.
On Monday, France joined the international community in voicing concern over Venezuela’s military actions within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The French government urged Caracas to honor Guyana’s sovereignty and adhere to international law, particularly the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023, which prohibit unilateral actions impacting the situation off Essequibo.
Recently, Guyana reported that a Venezuelan naval vessel had approached its oil assets for approximately four hours, which prompted calls from the United States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States for Venezuela to cease such provocations against ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel. Washington indicated that the Maduro regime could face consequences if provocations persist while reiterating support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 Arbitral Award.
In response, Venezuela refuted allegations made by Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, labeling his statements as baseless and dismissing claims of territorial violations. The Venezuelan government asserted that the waters in question are under dispute and are not part of Guyana’s territory, which remains pending delimitation under international law. The Venezuelan Offshore Patrol vessel had communicated with the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels, stating they were operating in disputed Venezuelan waters.
The ongoing territorial dispute is currently before the International Court of Justice, initiated by Guyana in March 2018 to confirm the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which established the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The ICJ has acknowledged its jurisdiction over the case and will assess it based on its merits.
The Guyanese government expressed its serious concern regarding recent Venezuelan actions that it views as violations of the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding orders, both effective since December 2023. Georgetown emphasized that the Argyle Agreement, signed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, commits both nations to avoid escalating conflicts arising from their territorial dispute, warning against actions that could worsen tensions in the contested area before a resolution is reached under international law.
In summary, France’s appeal for clarity and adherence to international law reflects the growing concern regarding Venezuela’s aggressive military posture towards Guyana. The situation is aggravated by conflicting claims from both nations, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to avoid further provocations and to maintain regional stability. The international community, including the United States and CARICOM, remains vigilant, reiterating support for Guyana’s sovereignty and legal entitlements.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
