France concerned about Venezuela’s military incursion in Guyana’s waters

Last Updated on Monday, 3 March 2025, 21:39 by Writer

France on Monday joined major segments of the international community in expressing concern about Venezuela’s military incursion of Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

France also urged Venezuela to avoid a repeat of such action in violation of the South American nation’s sovereignty and provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2023.

“France calls on Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the principles of international law and the order of the International Court of Justice of December 1, 2023 asking it to refrain from any unilateral action likely to change the situation that currently prevails off Essequibo,” the European Union (EU) member said in a statement.

The Venezuelan vessel arrived near the oil assets at about 7 a.m. on Saturday and left at about 11 a.m.

France’s solidarity with Guyana follows closely on the United States (US) warning to Venezuela that there would be “consequences for the Maduro regime” if Caracas continues to engage in further provocation by threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The US has also reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 Arbitral Award. Guyana and Venezuela are before the ICJ in a case brought by Georgetown seeking a declaration that that land boundary is full, final, perfect and valid.

The Venezuelan offshore patrol vessel contacted the FPSO Prosperity and other vessels in the Stabroek Block by radio messages informing that they were in Venezuelan waters that were subject to dispute with Guyana.

Guyana maintains full sovereignty over all of the waters offshore Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice and is in full possession and control of the Essequibo Region, except for Ankoko Island which Venezuelan troops have occupied in its entirety although a portion was demarcated for Guyana.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who met with President Irfaan Ali, is in full solidarity with the Guyana government and the Guyana Defence Force in the protection of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.