The United States’ Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said consequences will befall the Nicolas Maduro regime if more provocation follows an incursion into Guyana’s maritime territory by a Venezuela patrol vessel.
“Venezuelan navy vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unity is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime,” the Saturday statement on X (formerly Twitter) read.
It follows a public address by Guyana President Irfaan Ali that the Venezuela vessel approached several oil-related ships.
The United States reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 Arbitral Award which affirms Guyana’s ownership of the Essequibo territory.
Paraguay also announced its support for Guyana in the wake of the incursion. “Paraguay condemns the invasion of Guyana’s maritime territory by the naval forces of the Maduro regime and reaffirms its support for the people and government of Guyana in respecting its territorial integrity,” the post on X (formerly Twitter) said.
Guyana also received a statement of support from the Organization of American States (OAS), calling Venezuela’s incursion a violation of international law. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also recently reaffirmed its support for Guyana, condemning plans by Venezuela to appoint a Governor for the so-called ‘Guayana Esequiba’ state.
