No tolerance for threats to our territorial integrity – Pres Ali

– after Venezuelan Navy vessel encroaches in EEZ, approaches Exxon FPSO

President and Commander-in-Chief Dr Irfaan Ali has condemned Venezuela’s actions, after one of its naval vessels entered Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Saturday morning, in close proximity to an ExxonMobil vessel. The President declared that Guyana will not tolerate any threats to its territorial integrity.
At approximately 07:00h on Saturday, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel entered Guyana’s waters and approached a tanker near the Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel producing oil in the Stabroek Block.

And in a circulated recording, purportedly a radio broadcast exchange between the Venezuelan vessel and the captain of the Liza Destiny FPSO, the Venezuelan vessel could be heard asking a number of questions including their coordinates and country of origin. While the captain answered some questions, he refused to answer other enquiries, such as how many people were on board.
In a national broadcast on Saturday morning, President Dr Irfaan Ali condemned the actions of the Venezuelan navy and further revealed that in the disturbing message the vessel broadcasted to the Prosperity FPSO, the vessel was heard claiming that the waters were in dispute… despite the waters being in the Stabroek block off Guyana’s coast.

“Based on visible markings, the patrol vessel was identified as ABV Guaiquerí PO-11 (IMO 4695542), a Venezuelan coast guard vessel. Our assets and FPSO Prosperity, are operating lawfully, within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone. The patrol vessel transmitted a radio message, declaring that the FPSO was operating in what it termed, disputed international waters, before continuing its south-western direction towards other FPSO’s,” President Ali said.
“Both the tanker and the FPSO Prosperity are operating lawfully within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone… Let me be unequivocal, Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and this incursion is a matter of grave concern. However, I assure you that my Government is not acting precipitously. We are engaging this situation with the seriousness it requires.”
President Ali made it clear that the Government has already informed Guyana’s bilateral partners such as the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), France, the Regional Security Service (RSS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), who have responded favourably.
He also explained that the parliamentary opposition has also been updated about this development. Additionally, the defence board, comprising the President, members of his cabinet and heads of the joint services, also met on Saturday.
“We’ve already summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador. The Minister of Foreign Affairs would have summoned him to his office, registering our strong protest over this matter. Additionally, I’ve already advised our embassy in Caracas to lodge a formal protest to the Venezuelan Government. I’m pleased to communicate that we have reached out to all our international partners.”
“We’ll continue engaging of other international partners, to ensure Guyana’s sovereignty and rights under international law are upheld… I can assure you that our international partners stand resolute and ready in support of Guyana and in ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected and honoured,” President Ali said.

Briefing
The President also met Opposition Leader and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) leader Aubrey Norton, during which Norton was briefed on the situation and assured of the steps being taken.
President Ali was accompanied at that meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd and Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, while Norton was accompanied by Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton, and retired Diplomat Ronald Austin Sr.
Meanwhile, the opposition’s Alliance For Change (AFC) issued a statement in which it threw its support behind the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s handling of the Venezuela vessel’s incursion in Guyana’s waters.
“There is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.”
“Just a few short days ago, our soldiers were ambushed, and today, the navy patrol boat was used to intimidate and threaten those on the Liza Prosperity. This lawless and reckless behaviour must be called out for what it is. It will be confronted,” the AFC said in its statement.
The party further said that it stands in solidarity with the Government and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), going on to call on every Guyanese to “stand ready to engage and defend against any attempt to violate our sovereignty.”

A statement was also forthcoming from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), which expressed strong condemnation of Venezuela’s actions and noted that such acts must not be allowed to continue “with impunity”.
“The Chamber urges all nations and international organisations to reject these threats to the region’s security and stability. Venezuela’s rejection of this long-established international boundary—which was determined by the 1899 Arbitral Award—is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”
“This continuous escalation of aggressions and threats by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, only serves to destroy the peace enjoyed in the region. The GCCI will support the Government of Guyana in any measures taken to protect the country’s sovereign territory,” GCCI said.
The business chamber also noted the importance of citizens maintaining a unified front in not only condemning Venezuela, but also rejecting any narrative that aim to infringe on Guyana’s sovereignty.

GDF
Additionally, the GDF in a statement on the incident also assured that they were monitoring the situations, and that protocols have been established. They also noted that they are working in conjunction with their bilateral partners.
“The GDF remains vigilant in monitoring all activities within our maritime domain, and reiterates its commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. Our security protocols remain in place, and we continue to coordinate, mobilise and deploy the relevant resources to ensure a measured and appropriate response to developments in our waters,” the GDF said.
“The GDF, in collaboration with our partners, continues to assess the security implications of this development, and remains proactive in maintaining the stability of our maritime space. The security and well-being of our nation remain our utmost priority, and we reaffirm our dedication to the defence of Guyana’s air, land and sea domain.”
The incident in the EEZ comes just after leaders in CARICOM condemned plans by Venezuela to hold elections for a Governor in the Essequibo Region in April. Venezuela has illegally claimed Essequibo as theirs and even though the case is presently before the ICJ, it has engaged in a series of provocative moves.