Guyana yesterday rejected Venezuela’s objections to this country’s auction on September 12 of offshore blocks for the purposes of oil exploration.
In a statement yesterday, Caracas maintained its established line of intransigence by claiming that Guyana did not have sovereign rights over the areas auctioned.
Guyana has maintained that these areas fall within its internationally recognised boundaries.
Responding to the Venezuelan statement, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali said: “The Government of Guyana reserves the right to pursue economic development activities in any portion of its sovereign territory or any appurtenant maritime territories. Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly inconsistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of international law”.
Guyana is currently before the International Court of Justice seeking a ruling on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award as a full and final settlement of the boundary with Venezuela.
Six companies bid on September 12 for eight of the fourteen available oil blocks. ExxonMobil, French oil company Total and the state of Qatar were among the bidders.
