France condemns Venezuela’s provocative actions towards Guyana

…as Veterans legion & FITUG blast Venezuelan acts of intimidation

France’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Guyana Veterans Legion, as well as the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) have come out in strong condemnation of recent actions by Venezuela, which they have noted is aimed at destabilising Guyana.
In a statement issued by France’s Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères (Ministry of Europe and External Affairs), they expressed concern over the March 1 incursion by a Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol ship in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the Stabroek Block oil reservoir.
“France calls on Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the principles of international law and the order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 1, 2023, stating that it must refrain from any unilateral action liable to alter the situation that currently exists off the coast of Essequibo,” the French Ministry said.
France has been a staunch military partner of Guyana, expressing their willingness in December last to expand military cooperation with Guyana in technology and other areas, through a Joint Working Group that would discuss ways of going about expanding bilateral ties.
In addition to the vessel, France also intends to establish an embassy in Guyana next year. This was announced in a joint communique in March 2024, following a meeting between President Dr Irfaan Ali and France’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné at State House.
Last year, Guyana purchased an Ocean Patrol Vessel from French firm, OCEA S.A., to the tune of €39.5 million. An agreement was signed at the Ministry of Finance to cover the manufacturing of the vessel, a comprehensive logistics package, and five years of maintenance of the product.
Additionally, the two countries have decided to write a new chapter by France opening an embassy in Georgetown this year. France will be the first EU (European Union) country with this level of diplomatic representation in Guyana.

Veterans
Meanwhile, the Guyana Veterans Legion in their statement noted that Saturday’s incursion into Guyana’s waters by a Venezuelan Navy vessel that threatened ExxonMobil, in addition to the alleged attack by syndicatos on a Guyana Defense Force (GDF) river patrol in the Cuyuni river, are sources of “grave concern”.
“These incidents do not appear to be random, but rather the beginning of another deliberate Venezuelan plan to destabilise and intimidate Guyana. They are in violation of our nation’s sovereignty,” the Legion said.
According to the legion, which is comprised of retired veterans of the GDF, they stand resolute in support of both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, as well as the GDF. They went on to urge all Guyanese to be unified in the face of Venezuela’s actions.
“All 83,000 square miles and our Exclusive Economic Zone, belong to Guyana and it is our sovereign right to engage in business ventures for our country’s development, whenever and with whom we choose. We refuse to be intimidated,” the legion made pellucid.

FITUG
FITUG also issued a statement on Monday in which it expressed serious concern, as well as extended support to the Government of Guyana.

According to FITUG, Venezuela’s actions have serious implications for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which affirms Guyana’s rights over its waters and seabed.
“We would like to remind the international community of Guyana’s legitimate entitlement to explore, exploit, and manage its resources within its EEZ. It is our hope that Venezuela will acknowledge and respect Guyana’s sovereignty, refraining from actions that may exacerbate tensions and impede the peaceful resolution of this enduring dispute.”
“Furthermore, we encourage all trade unions, civil society organisations, and concerned individuals to unite in support of the rights of the Guyanese populace concerning their natural resources,” FITUG explained.
Further, the union made it clear that it is committed to continuing to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela at the ICJ, where the case currently resides.
“We appeal to Venezuela to honour the principles set forth by international law and to refrain from any further acts that may be perceived as aggressive. The people of Guyana are resilient and committed to their sovereignty and development, and FITUG remains dedicated to supporting these principles,” FITUG added.