Guyana today alerted the international community on the presence of a Venezuelan military vessel in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Some three hours after the public was made aware of the vessel’s presence in the Stabroek Block near a floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) Guyana’s Head of State, President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation.
Flanked by his Prime Minister, Retired Army Brigadier Mark Phillips and current Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, the Head of State said the Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel approached the FPSO Prosperity and declared that the FPSO was operating in disputed international waters before continuing its course in a south westerly direction towards other FPSOs.
“Let me be unequivocal. Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law and this incursion is a matter of grave concern”, President Ali said, speaking from State House.
The Guyana Defence Force, he disclosed has deployed its air assets within the EEZ.
According to President Ali Guyana’s embassy in Caracas was instructed to lodge a formal complaint, adding that his government has reached out to Guyana’s international partners among them the United Kingdom, European Union, France and CARICOM.
The situation he explained is being monitored, as he said CARICOM’s Chair Mia Mottley was in communication with Venezuela on the matter.
President Ali said too that he called and briefed the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton. They are also expected to meet in person later today.
Guyana, the head of state said will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions but will not tolerate threats to its territorial integrity, security, and foreign affairs.
President Ali added that he has indicated the situation to the International Court of Justice through Guyana’s lawyers to the court.