CARICOM, OAS backs Guyana against Venezuela’s latest aggressive behavior – Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana

Last updated on Tuesday, 12 January 2021, 15:47 by Denis Chabrol

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess

As Guyana relies heavily on diplomatic pressure to force Venezuela to once again withdraw a decree that unilaterally takes marine space and resources at sea in the Essequibo Region, Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess said is already a regional major and his country is supported by international organizations.

He noted that the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the 34-country American States Organization (OAS) have joined forces with the United States and Canada to condemn President Nicolas Maduro’s unilateral extension of the maritime border.

“Our view, the government’s position is that we use the diplomatic channel. As we speak, I am aware that the Heads of CARICOM governments are meeting and the CARICOM Community has denied the position that Venezuela has taken. The Secretary General of OAS has also denied that many of our bilateral partners, as you may have noticed, support our stance on the border issue, ”he told a news conference he shared with the US Southern Command Commander, Admiral Craig Faller .

Venezuela has left the OAS and its representative had been an associate member of Juan Guaido who until recently had been recognized by dozens of nations as the legally elected leader.

Back in 2015 after Mr. Maduro issued a similar decree, it had been withdrawn after Guyana conducted an intense diplomatic campaign that even forced Venezuelan officials to meet with CARICOM representatives in Barbados.

The head of the Guyanese army said since the decree was issued by President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, the GDF has intensified its warning. “We have changed our border post and we are more alert and, as I said, we are ready to constitutionally protect Guyana’s marriage,” he said.

Following a special meeting of CARICOM leaders earlier Tuesday, the organization expressed its deep disappointment and concern at Venezuela’s decree and subsequent statements in relation to that country’s border dispute with Guyana. Of particular concern to CARICOM is “a suggestion to create a strategic area of ​​national development called” Atlantic Surface Development Territory “.”

The decree provides for the creation of a strategic development zone for the country, called “territory for the development of the Atlantic facade” to provide “adequate protection and protection of Venezuela’s jurisdiction in continental spaces, marine areas, border areas, shipping submarine, island, lake, rivers and the territorial sea ”. Also covered are soil, subsoil, continental isolation and maritime airspace, including “the resources and elements of interest that are being discovered or discovered”.

The Stabroek Block offshore concession where ExxonMobil has discovered more than 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent extends to the Essequibo Region offshore as well. The Venezuela Navy has intercepted seismic research vessels that had been working there for US oil companies, Anadarko Petroleum and ExxonMobil, twice in recent years.

The Caribbean Community, like the United States and Canada, said it fully supports the impending judicial process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing debate between the two countries. .

“CARICOM reiterates in the strongest possible terms its firm and unwavering support for the maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. CARICOM condemns any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana, ”said CARICOM.

Meanwhile, the GDF Chief of Staff said the Sindicato gangs still pose a security threat to Guyanese because Venezuela is poorly governed. “Yes, the Sindicato threat: it’s still there because we’re all aware of the situation in Venezuela where the country is, its poor leadership, and their economic and social issues that force non-State actors to survive. Because of our border with Venezuela, we are definitely affected by that but I say that the Guyana Defense Forcer is never vigilant and we continue to work to make the citizens of Guyana safe, ”said Brigadier Bess.

Hours later, Guyana Police said Venezuelan thieves opened fire on civilian legal men in pursuit Monday night after the theft of a ALL $ 10 million Guyanese couple, guns, ammunition and jewelry.

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