CARACAS, Venezuela — In a recent escalation of long-standing territorial tensions, the Venezuelan government has publicly accused Guyana of issuing illegal oil exploration concessions within the disputed Essequibo region of Guyana being claimed by the Bolivarian nation.
This accusation came to light on Sunday, following Guyana's announcement that satellite imagery had captured Venezuelan military movements along its eastern border and on Guyana's Ankoko Island seized by Venezuela in 1966. The island was part of Guyana's 1899 Arbital award.
Despite Guyana's concerns over a military and infrastructure buildup, Venezuela maintains that its actions to fortify its border presence are justified.
The heart of the contention lies in Venezuela's claim that Guyana has allowed oil explorations in maritime zones Venezuela considers unequivocally its own.
Amidst this dispute, ExxonMobil, a major player in the region's oil industry, has declared its intention to continue increasing production in the lucrative offshore fields off Guyana, despite the growing tensions.
The discord roots back to a decades-old conflict over the border demarcation, with Venezuela laying claim to the Essequibo region—a mineral-rich area constituting about two-thirds of Guyana's landmass.
Recent accusations from both countries suggest violations of the Argyle Agreement, a peace pact signed last December in St. Vincent, brokered by CARICOM and Brazil, pledging both nations to non-aggression.
This diplomatic strain intensified following the publication of satellite images by the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), illustrating Venezuela's expansion of its military base on Ankoko Island and infrastructure enhancements near Punta Barima, closely proximate to the Guyanese border.
Guyana's Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, expressed hope for mutual respect of the Argyle Declaration amidst these developments.
Historically, Guyana has supported the resolution of this border dispute through the adjudication by an 1899 international boundary commission, a settlement Venezuela has contested for over six decades.
The issue has escalated to the World Court for a conclusive decision, while Venezuela advocates for bilateral discussions as a resolution pathway.
The Venezuelan defense ministry has criticized Guyana for endangering the peace agreement through what it perceives as provocative actions and misinformation, steadfast in its claim over the Essequibo region. It further alleges collaboration between ExxonMobil, the Guyanese government, and the US military in exploiting resources in contested waters.
An upcoming summit in March between Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro may offer a platform for dialogue on this pressing border issue.
This meeting is underscored by recent visits from top American officials and military support from the US, signaling international interest and concern over the stability and peace in the region amidst this ongoing territorial dispute.
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