Trinidad and Tobago supports Guyana’s sovereignty amid its territorial dispute with Venezuela, following recent violations in the disputed waters. The US, Caricom, and the Commonwealth have condemned Venezuelan actions, urging respect for international law and commitment to diplomatic dialogue. Guyana’s President has mobilized forces in response to provocation while advocating for peaceful resolution through international legal means.
Acting Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Stuart Young, reaffirmed support for Guyana regarding its territorial sovereignty from Venezuela. In a recent WhatsApp communication, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the Argyle Accord, which advocates for respectful dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. This statement follows the signing of the Joint Declaration of Argyle by Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on December 14, 2023, aimed at fostering dialogue and peace between the two nations.
Tensions escalated when President Ali reported the intrusion of a Venezuelan coast guard vessel into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where it unlawfully claimed the waters were disputed. The area has significant offshore oil reserves under development by ExxonMobil, heightening the stakes of the territorial dispute. Ali has mobilized air and sea assets to secure the region amidst these claims.
The recent incident follows an earlier attack attributed to suspected Venezuelan pirates in the Cuyuni River that resulted in injuries to six Guyanese soldiers. In response, Venezuela’s government dismissed Ali’s assertions as false and claimed that its naval operations were within legally unclaimed waters pending delimitation. The Venezuelan administration accused Ali of inciting regional conflict, asserting his statements are riddled with inaccuracies.
The United States State Department condemned Venezuela’s provocative actions, calling them unacceptable violations of international law, while the Organisation of American States and Caricom urged Venezuela to withdraw its naval vessel to adhere to international legal obligations. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland echoed these sentiments, calling for international diplomatic support for Guyana and denouncing Venezuela’s actions as contradictory to the spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle.
Scotland commended Guyana’s measured response to Venezuela’s provocation, highlighting the nation’s commitment to diplomatic solutions. She reminded Venezuela to respect international law and comply with a December 1, 2023, Order from the International Court of Justice that mandates no alterations to the current administration of the disputed territory until the court reaches a definitive ruling.
Moreover, she referenced the unanimous support for Guyana’s sovereignty from Commonwealth leaders, as articulated in the October 2024 Samoa Communiqué, reaffirming commitment to resolving territorial disputes lawfully. The Secretary-General concluded by calling on both nations to prioritize peace and stability in the Caribbean region while delivering a renewed message of advocacy for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In conclusion, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed its support for Guyana in the ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela. The situation, marked by recent maritime tensions and military incidents, underscores the necessity of diplomatic solutions grounded in international law. With backing from regional and international organizations, there is a collective call for peaceful resolution and respect for Guyana’s sovereignty.
Original Source: trinidadexpress.com
