Statement by Belize in Support of Guyana
The Belize Government has registered its grave concern about the official reports of 12 Guyanese nationals and their ships, the “Lady Nayera” and the “Sea Wolf,” which were intercepted by the Venezuelan Lynges of the “Commando Hugo Chavez GC 24” in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and subsequently in custody in Port Guiria, Venezuela on Thursday, January 21, 2021
Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, met with the Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize, AU Gerardo Argote, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 24, 2021 for an explanation of his Government’s action.
Minister Courtenay took the opportunity to condemn this latest progressive offensive of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela. Belize called for the immediate release of illegally detained Guyanese nationals and their shipping and urged the Venezuela Government to respect international law and secure a peaceful resolution of this incident.
Minister Courtenay has remained in close contact with his colleague Hon. Hugh Todd, Guyana’s Foreign Minister, on this issue.
Belize reiterates its unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the process before the International Court of Justice to finally and peacefully resolve the dispute between the two countries.