Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Guyana of illegal actions in the Esequibo region regarding oil extraction by ExxonMobil in areas not internationally demarcated. He warned of measures to stop these activities, and tensions are rising as both nations respond to the situation with calls for diplomatic resolution from the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Esequibo dispute has historical roots and involves significant resource claims.
On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Guyana of unlawful activities in the disputed Esequibo region, a territory that has been a focal point of sovereignty disputes between the two nations. During an interview with the state-owned channel VTV, Maduro condemned Guyana for allowing ExxonMobil to extract oil in areas lacking international demarcation, calling these actions illegal. He emphasized that Venezuela would take necessary measures to counter such activities.
Maduro’s objections stem from concerns that Guyana is permitting US energy giant ExxonMobil to operate in regions claimed by Venezuela. He stated, “This is absolutely illegal,” further asserting that Venezuela would take steps to halt the operations of the Guyanese government in collaboration with ExxonMobil. The Venezuelan government maintains that this situation violates international law.
Concerns about escalating tensions arose after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported Venezuelan naval ships coming close to an ExxonMobil oil platform, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Venezuela countered by accusing Guyana of disseminating misleading information and noted that 28 foreign drilling vessels and tankers are believed to be conducting operations in the disputed area, which they consider unlawful under international law.
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) intervened, urging both countries to avoid actions that may escalate tensions, thereby encouraging peace and diplomatic dialogue in the region. The historical roots of the Esequibo dispute can be traced back to Guyana’s pre-independence era under British colonial rule. Despite an 1899 arbitration agreement that established the Esequibo River as the western boundary of Guyana, territorial claims have been contested since Guyana’s independence in 1966, leading to ongoing disputes in this resource-rich region that is home to approximately 125,000 people.
In conclusion, the accusations made by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro against Guyana regarding illegal activities in the Esequibo region highlight an ongoing sovereignty dispute that poses risks to regional stability. The involvement of ExxonMobil in oil extraction without clear international recognition exacerbates tensions. Both nations, alongside Caricom, are urged to pursue diplomatic resolutions to prevent further conflict and maintain peace within this resource-rich territory.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
