Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro has criticized Venezuela for what he deems are “intimidatory tactics” after the Spanish nation condemned Guyana’s recent bid round.
Hours after Venezuela’s communique, Almagro took to Twitter and said: “We vehemently decry intimidatory tactics that seek to undermine the principle of ‘good neighborliness.’”
Almagro tweeted that the OAS recognizes Guyana’s right to welcome investors. He also reminded that Guyana must preserve its territorial integrity and security by addressing its case with Venezuela at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
World Court gives Venezuela one year to file counter Memorial in Guyana border case | OilNOW
The Maduro-led administration was irked by Guyana’s first licensing round and said that it “strongly rejects the illegal bidding round for oil blocks currently being carried out by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as it aims to allocate maritime areas pending delimitation between both countries.”
The Venezuelan government claimed that any actions within these areas are a violation of International Law unless carried out through an agreement with Venezuela. The statement went on to express its concern over Guyana’s purported infringement of Venezuela’s sovereign rights, warning that such actions do not grant any kind of rights to third parties involved in the process.
Key ICJ ruling could take Guyana a step closer to ending Venezuela border controversy | OilNOW
In response, Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali in a brief retort said that the country reserves the right to pursue economic development activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories.
He added that any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights would be wholly inconsistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of international law.
Proceedings are already ongoing at the ICJ to put an end to the territorial battle being the two neighbors.
