President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has directed the country's armed forces to conduct defensive exercises in response to the United Kingdom's dispatch of a warship to Guyana's territorial waters. This move comes as both South American nations are embroiled in a border dispute over a sizable region.
According to Maduro, approximately 6,000 Venezuelan troops, which include air and naval forces, will collaborate on joint operations near the eastern coast, adjacent to the border with Guyana. During a nationally televised address, he expressed concern over the "threat" posed by the imminent arrival of the British ship HMS Trent. Maduro contended that its deployment violates a recent agreement made between the two neighboring nations.
While Maduro emphasized his commitment to diplomatic resolutions and peaceful dialogue, he firmly asserted that no country would be permitted to threaten Venezuela. The President was accompanied by a group of military commanders as he made his remarks in a strongly-worded statement: "This represents an unacceptable threat to any sovereign nation in Latin America."
The long-standing border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana centers around the Essequibo, a sparsely populated region that spans an area comparable to that of Florida and boasts significant offshore oil reserves. Although Guyana has maintained control over the region for several decades, Venezuela reasserted its historical claim to the Essequibo through a national referendum held in December. The referendum sought to gauge public sentiment on whether the Essequibo should become part of Venezuelan territory.
In light of escalating tensions, the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana met in St. Vincent, a Caribbean island, and agreed to resolve their differences through peaceful means. However, during the talks, President Irfaan Ali of Guyana stated that his country reserved the right to collaborate with its partners in safeguarding its defense.
Meanwhile, officials from Guyana have described the visit of HMS Trent as a scheduled activity aimed at enhancing the nation's defense capabilities. They have affirmed that the ship will continue with its planned visitation as originally intended.
As the border dispute lingers, both nations remain engaged in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to their differences and work towards regional stability.
Guyana Denies Threatening Venezuela
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana reassured reporters in Georgetown, the nation's capital, that their actions do not pose a threat to Venezuela.
HMS Trent: A Versatile Ship
The HMS Trent, a patrol and rescue ship, has recently been involved in intercepting drug traffickers off the West Coast of Africa. With its capacity for up to 30 sailors and 18 marines, it's equipped with 30 mm cannons and a landing pad for helicopters and drones.
A Change in Mission
Joint Operations
The United Kingdom's Defense Ministry announced that the ship will be conducting joint operations with Guyana's defense forces.
The Military in Guyana
Guyana, with a population of 800,000, has a modest military comprising 3,000 soldiers, 200 sailors, and four small patrol boats named Barracudas.
Venezuela's Land Dispute
According to Venezuela, it fell victim to a conspired land theft in 1899 during its time as a British colony. Arbitrators from Britain, Russia, and the United States settled the boundary dispute at that time. The United States represented Venezuela since the Venezuelan government had severed diplomatic ties with Britain.
Venezuelan officials claim that Americans and Europeans colluded to defraud their country of the land. Furthermore, they argue that a 1966 agreement between Venezuela, Britain, and the colony of British Guiana invalidated the initial arbitration.
Guyana's Stance
Guyana maintains that the original accord remains legal and binding. In 2018, they sought a ruling from the United Nations' highest court to affirm its validity, although a decision is not expected for several years. The century-old dispute has resurfaced due to the recent discovery of oil in Guyana.
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