GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere issued a stern statement on Saturday after a Venezuelan vessel approached Guyana’s assets within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The statement condemned the actions, describing them as an unacceptable threat to Guyana’s internationally-recognized maritime territory.
“Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award.”
The U.S. State Department’s statement reinforces its strong backing for Guyana’s territorial rights, particularly in light of the 1899 arbitral award that determined the boundary between Venezuela and Guyana.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, shortly after President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the nation and noted that the assets in question are lawfully situated within Guyana’s EEZ, emphasizing that the Venezuelan vessel’s actions violated Guyana’s sovereignty.
According to the President, the vessel had issued a radio message claiming it was operating in what it described as “disputed international waters” before continuing its south-westerly course toward other offshore facilities.
In his address, Ali firmly rejected the Venezuelan claim.
“Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognized under international law, which is a grave concern.”
He also assured the nation that the Guyanese government handled the situation seriously and responsibly.
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