GUYANA | Opposition and Government unite in condemnation of Venezuela’s on-going aggression

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana, September 20, 2023 - The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana says it is compelled to respond to a Communique issued today by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which complained of Guyana’s intention to put up for bid certain oil blocks in the waters adjacent to its coast. 

The Venezuelan statement concluded with a threat to “apply all the necessary measures” to prevent operations licensed by Guyana in these waters, which Venezuela claims as its own. 

The Guyana government says it “considers this a threat not only to Guyana but to regional and international peace and security, as well as to all of Guyana’s current and potential investment partners.

“Guyana has no doubt that under international law the waters in question form part of its Exclusive Economic Zone, where Guyana alone enjoys sovereign rights over the resources in the sea and beneath the seabed. 

“If Venezuela disputes this, then it is obliged by the United Nations Charter and the Charter of the OAS to employ only peaceful means to seek a resolution. Both Charters prohibit the threat or use of force against another State. 

“Guyana therefore implores Venezuela to honor its obligation to pursue only peaceful means to settle any dispute it may have with Guyana, including adjudication before the International Court Justice, where Guyana has sought confirmation of the land boundary between the two States. 

“Allowing the Court to decide any other dispute between the parties would ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law.

In the meantime, Guyana’s parliamentary opposition has thrown its support behind the government in a statement released by (APNU+AFC) Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Amanza Walton Desir.

The Walton Desir statement  said “The APNU+AFC Parliamentary Opposition supports the position taken by the Government of Guyana in response to the latest attempt by Venezuela to undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” 

“We affirm that it is the right of the Government of Guyana to pursue economic activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories, for the benefit of the people of Guyana.”

The APNU+AFC statement of support came as Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali said “The Government of Guyana reserves the right to pursue economic development activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories. 

Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly inconsistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of international law.”

These statements came in response to Guyana’s Government announcement that it was in receipt  of bids for eight of the country’s oil blocks located offshore in Guyana’s waters. 

The Venezuelan Government in a statement released via social media stated that the Government of Guyana does not have sovereign rights over the maritime areas where the oil blocks are located and that any action within their limits is a violation of international law as long as they are not carried out through an agreement with Venezuela.