France has expressed concerns over Venezuela’s military actions in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging respect for international law and the ICJ’s directives. The U.S. and other organizations have supported Guyana’s sovereignty and warned Venezuela against further escalations. In response, Venezuela has dismissed allegations about territorial violations, claiming that the waters are disputed. The ICJ is currently addressing this territorial dispute, following the Argyle Agreement aimed at preventing conflicts between the two countries.

France has joined other nations expressing concern over Venezuela’s military actions within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, urging Caracas to adhere to the provisional measures set by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from 2023. In a statement from Paris, the French government emphasized the importance of respecting Guyana’s sovereignty and the principles of international law, particularly regarding the order issued by the ICJ which requests Venezuela to refrain from unilateral actions that could alter the current situation near Essequibo.

The international community was alerted over the weekend following the presence of a Venezuelan naval vessel that approached Guyana’s oil assets for approximately four hours. In response, the United States, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Commonwealth nations, and the Organization of American States (OAS) have urged Venezuela to exercise restraint and avoid further provocation against ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel. Washington has cautioned Caracas of potential consequences should these actions persist, reiterating its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Venezuela, however, has dismissed statements from Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, labeling them as “baseless remarks” and accusing him of dishonesty regarding claims of maritime territorial violations. They contend that the waters in question do not belong to Guyana, as they are part of a maritime zone awaiting delimitation per international law. Venezuelan naval communications with the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels insisted they were in disputed Venezuelan waters.

The territories in dispute are presently under consideration by the ICJ, which is reviewing the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award determining the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The case, initiated by Guyana in March 2018, has resulted in the Court asserting its jurisdiction and willingness to adjudicate the matter. In January, the Guyanese government expressed grave concern regarding actions by the Venezuelan government that they believe breach both the Argyle Agreement and the ICJ’s binding order, which took effect in December 2023.

The Argyle Agreement, signed in December 2023 with the involvement of regional and international stakeholders, obligates both countries to abstain from escalating conflicts related to their territorial dispute. The agreement specifically calls for measures that prevent any actions which could exacerbate tensions or alter the existing situation in the contested area, pending resolution through legal avenues in accordance with international law.

France’s intervention highlights international apprehension regarding Venezuela’s actions in the disputed Guyana region. Multiple nations and organizations echo the call for adherence to international law and established agreements, underlining the necessity for diplomatic intervention to preserve regional stability. The situation remains complex, with both diplomatic measures and legal proceedings ongoing at the ICJ, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com

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