The Chancellor of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza, reported on Thursday that the Bolivarian National Guard carried out an inspection of a allegedly Colombian vessel named “Cejal I” in the Caño Guzmán sector, in Venezuelan territory, within the framework of Operation Bolivarian Shield.
In this regard, and through an official communiqué released through his social networks, Jorge Arreaza explained that these actions were carried out by the GNB to detect and combat paramilitary and mercenary incursions from Colombia, as well as the smuggling of fuel and strategic material.
Similarly, he explained that Venezuela is aware of a Communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, dated July 16, where they refer to the alleged “arbitrary retention” of three Colombian citizens by the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), while transporting alleged “humanitarian aid” donated by the “Norwegian Refugee Council” in the vicinity of Rio Negro.
Following, the full text:
“The inspection showed that the boat manned by three citizens of Colombian nationality, did not have any documentation that supported the cargo, among which were found, 47 bags of food, 45 kilos of metallic material, allegedly copper, and 38 drums for transportation of fuels that occupied 80% of the boat, among other supplies. Given this evidence, the boat and its crew were taken to the town of Maroa, in order to carry out additional inquiries.
It calls the attention of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Colombian Red Cross put at risk the possible humanitarian condition of a cargo by contracting transport that, due to the evidence, is undoubtedly used for criminal purposes.
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its willingness to deliver to the Colombian Red Cross or the Norwegian Refugee Council, the food planned to support indigenous communities in Colombia. However, by virtue of the alleged commission of crimes established in national laws, the vessel and the crew will remain under the orders of the national courts for the processes of law.
Jorge Arreaza M
@jaarreaza
“#COMMUNIQUÉ | Venezuela reports that during its patrol work the Colombian vessel “Cejal I” was intercepted in the Caño Guzmán sector, with criminal characteristics typical of fuel smuggling, being camouflaged as alleged humanitarian aid”.
