Guyana responds to Venezuela’s maritime aggression with strong protests

The Guyana government has expressed grave concerns following the intrusion of an armed Venezuelan patrol vessel, which entered the country’s maritime zone around 07:00 hours today and approached various oil and gas assets, including the Prosperity FPSO operating in the country’s offshore oil Stabroek Block.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a national address, condemned the intrusion into Guyanese waters and updated the nation that military assets, including air support, have been deployed to the country’s border region.

Additionally, the Head of State noted that the Venezuelan Ambassador in Guyana has already been summoned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a strong protest was made regarding the incident.

A formal protest is also expected to be lodged in Venezuela by the Guyanese Embassy there.

Guyana has also informed its international partners, including the United Kingdom, France, CARICOM, Brazil, and other foreign allies, from whom positive reactions and support have been received against the Venezuelan aggression.

The President stated that several partners, including the Head of CARICOM, as well as the interlocutor in the Argyle Agreement between Guyana and Venezuela, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves, have been in communication with Caracas following this morning’s events.

The Argyle Agreement addresses, among other things, the commitment that Guyana and Venezuela will not directly or indirectly threaten or use force against each other under any circumstances.

President Ali has also updated the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, whom he will meet later in the day for a full briefing on the matter.

Meanwhile, a CARICOM communiqué issued following last week’s meeting of Heads of Government expressed the bloc’s “grave concern” over Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in the “disputed” Essequibo region of Guyana.

The regional bloc condemned statements made by the Venezuelan President and the country’s National Electoral Council on January 27 regarding the election of a “Governor” and a “Legislative Council” in the Guyanese territory.

Guyana remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the matter, which is currently before the International Court of Justice, seeking a resolution to the Essequibo dispute.

The President stated, “Guyana remains committed to peace and the rule of law. We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”