U.S State Department condemns Venezuelan naval threats to Guyana’s offshore assets

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere issued a stern statement on Saturday after a Venezuelan vessel had approached Guyana’s assets within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The statement condemned the actions, describing them as an unacceptable threat to Guyana’s internationally-recognised maritime territory.

The full statement read: “Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognised maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award.”

The U.S. State Department’s statement reinforces its strong backing for Guyana’s territorial rights, particularly in light of the 1899 arbitral award that determines the boundary between Venezuela and Guyana.

The incident unfolded on Saturday. Shortly after President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the nation and noted that the assets in question are lawfully situated within Guyana’s EEZ, emphasising that the Venezuelan vessel’s actions were in violation of Guyana’s sovereignty.

The vessel, according to the President, had issued a radio message claiming it was operating in what it described as “disputed international waters” before continuing its south-westerly course toward other offshore facilities.

In his address, President Ali firmly rejected the Venezuelan claim, stating: “Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and this is a matter of grave concern.” He assured the nation that the Guyanese government was handling the situation with utmost seriousness and responsibility.