U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a decisive U.S. response to any Venezuelan aggression against Guyana during his visit, amidst ongoing territorial disputes over valuable oil reserves. He emphasized serious consequences for Venezuela and detailed enhanced military cooperation with Guyana to ensure territorial integrity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted a strong response from the United States in the event of an attack by Venezuela on Guyana, amidst escalating territorial disputes exacerbated by significant oil and gas reserves. Rubio warned that such an action would lead to dire consequences for Venezuela, branding it a “very bad day” for the regime.
During his visit to Georgetown, Guyana, where he held discussions with President Irfaan Ali, Rubio emphasized the serious regional threats posed by what he described as an “illegitimate territorial claim by a narco-trafficking regime.” He urged that aggressive actions would be met with repercussions from the United States.
President Ali expressed his gratitude for Rubio’s reassurances regarding the protection of Guyana’s territorial integrity. The discussions also revolved around recent Venezuelan actions that have threatened stability, with Ali expressing pleasure at U.S. support amid contentious relations with Venezuela.
Guyana, rich in offshore oil reserves, plays a pivotal role in U.S. strategies aimed at reducing dependency on Venezuelan energy sources. The deterioration of relations intensified after an armed Venezuelan naval vessel encroached upon disputed waters where ExxonMobil is currently developing significant oil deposits.
In light of these developments, Rubio underscored the escalation of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, including tariffs on goods from nations importing Venezuelan oil. To enhance security cooperation, Rubio enacted a security agreement with Guyana’s foreign minister, fostering increased military collaboration and intelligence sharing, which coincided with U.S.-Guyanese naval exercises in preparation for safeguarding territorial waters.
The historical territorial dispute, reignited following ExxonMobil’s oil discoveries in 2015, sees Venezuela claiming about two-thirds of Guyana’s land. President Maduro has condemned Guyana’s oil exploration efforts as “illegal,” intensifying the urgency of U.S. support for Guyana.
In conclusion, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana underscores a robust determination to confront potential aggression from Venezuela amid ongoing territorial disputes over valuable oil reserves. Strong statements from both Rubio and President Ali reflect a commitment to safeguard national sovereignty. The responsive measures, including enhanced military cooperation and stringent sanctions, highlight the deepening U.S.-Guyana relationship amid regional instability.
Original Source: www.kob.com
