GEORGETOWN, GUYANA (AP, 1.Mar.2025, Words: 164) — Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali on Saturday denounced an incursion by an armed Venezuelan naval vessel in disputed waters that are home to a mammoth offshore oil deposit being developed by ExxonMobil.
In a televised address, Ali said Guyana was hurriedly notifying all of its international allies, including the Trump administration, and had summoned Venezuela’s ambassador in the capital, Georgetown, to lodge a formal protest.
“This incursion is a matter of grave concern,” he said. “Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law. This is a serious development concerning our nation’s maritime territory. We will not tolerate threats to territorial integrity.”
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez disputed Ali’s claims and called ExxonMobil’s oil installations “illegal.”
“He’s telling bald-faced lies,” she said in a statement, referring to Guyana’s president.
The Trump administration, which this week took swift action to tighten sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’ss government, echoed Ali’s concerns.
“Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime,” the U.S. State Department said on X.
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