The Venezuelan government reiterated this Tuesday, through an official statement, its interest in maintaining relations of respect, communication and cooperation with Guyana, and also ratifies Caracas’ attachment to international law.
The official text informs that yesterday Chancellor Jorge Arreaza held a video-conference with his Guyanese counterpart, Hugh Todd, in order to address the recent contradictions regarding the legitimate actions of the Bolivarian Navy in the custody of Venezuelan territorial waters.
Arreaza presented Todd with evidence indicating that the fishing vessels detained by the Bolivarian Navy were undoubtedly located in Venezuelan territorial waters.
Read here the full Communiqué:
Venezuela reiterates its interest in maintaining relations of respect, communication and cooperation with Guyana
“The Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that, on January 25, the Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Jorge Arreaza, held a video-conference with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Hugh Todd. In the meeting was addressed the legitimate custody activity carried out by the Bolivarian National Navy, which resulted in the interception of two Guyanese vessels, named “Nady Nayera” and “Sea Wolf” and the consequent apprehension of the crew members.
In this video-conference, the Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs conveyed to the Guyanese Minister Venezuela’s concerns regarding the handling of the case by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, even showing him the evidence and location coordinates that prove that the vessels were carrying out illegal fishing activities in the jurisdictional waters of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
In the same spirit, Minister Jorge Arreaza delivered today a Note of Protest to the Chargé d’Affaires of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Robert McKenzie, in rejection of the defamations and accusations made by Guyana, following the unauthorized incursion of these vessels.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ratifies its repudiation of the false accusations and misrepresentations made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, considering that they are not based on good faith, while qualifying as inadmissible Guyana’s claim to call said territory as its “Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf”. Venezuela will continue to guard its jurisdictional waters in protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Venezuela, in accordance with the principles of International Law, reaffirms its disposition to sincere dialogue to jointly address any situation that could affect regional peace and stability. In this regard, it reiterates its interest in maintaining relations of respect, communication and cooperation with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”
