CARICOM yesterday deplored threats by Venezuela against Guyana following its auctioning of offshore oil blocks.
In a statement yesterday, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said it had noted with grave concern a communique from Venezuela in relation to Guyana’s intention to open bids for oil blocks in waters adjacent to Guyana’s coast.
“CARICOM views the stated intention of Venezuela to `apply all the necessary measures’ to prevent the operations licensed by Guyana in its waters, as a threat of the use of force contrary to international law. It is also not in keeping with the long-standing position of the Latin American and Caribbean countries that our Region must remain a Zone of Peace.
“CARICOM has also taken note of the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a popular referendum on defending Venezuela’s claim. CARICOM expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in the process before the International Court of Justice, which has determined that it has the jurisdiction in the case brought before it. The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law”, the regional body said.
The Georgetown-headquartered CARICOM reiterated its full and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana including its right to peacefully develop the resources of its territory, the statement said.
Ever since Guyana discovered oil in 2015, Caracas has sought to apply pressure on Georgetown. It issued decrees claiming the waters in which the lucrative Stabroek Block is located.
On September 19, Guyana rejected Venezuela’s objections to this country’s auction on September 12 of offshore blocks for the purposes of oil exploration.
In a statement on September 19, 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.
Alerted
On September 20, Ali alerted the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) to threats by Venezuela over Guyana’s auctioning of the offshore oil blocks and called on Caracas to adhere to its obligations under the UN Charter.
The President told the UN General Assembly that Guyana considers Venezuela’s stance to be a threat to regional and international peace and security, as well as to this country’s investment partners.
“We demand that Venezuela honours its obligation under the Charter to pursue only peaceful means to settle any disputes it may have with Guyana, including adjudication before the International Court of Justice”, he said.
The Head of State maintained that the court must be given the opportunity to bring this controversy to an amicable resolution that will promote peace, equity and moreso fall in accordance with international law.
“Guyana will spare no effort in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity”, he declared.
“When I addressed the Organization of American States last Friday, I recalled to that hemispheric body how Guyana was excluded from the OAS for 25 years from its birth as a nation, on account of a spurious territorial claim to two-thirds of our homeland, by Venezuela.
“But justice prevailed, and Guyana was ultimately admitted. It is sad, however, that fifty-seven years after Guyana’s Independence we remain threatened.
“Venezuela’s efforts to undermine our freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity is today before the International Court of Justice, as decided by the UN Secretary General under the Geneva Agreement of 1966. The ICJ’s jurisdiction in the matter has been twice affirmed by the Court. We are confident that Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will also be affirmed when the Court issues its final judgment”, Ali said.
He opined that international law is being undermined by threats and naked acts of aggression against sovereign states and by the perpetuation of old conflicts and disputes between states.
On September 20, the United States expressed support for Guyana’s sovereignty. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols called on Venezuela to respect international law including the 1899 arbitral tribunal ruling and the ongoing International Court of Justice process between Guyana and Venezuela.
