The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduroordered a defensive action in the Atlantic Ocean in response to the arrival of a British warship on the coast of Guyanawhich again triggered tension between South American countries that maintain a territorial dispute.
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“I have ordered the activation of a joint action of the entire Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) on the eastern Caribbean of Venezuela, on the Atlantic façade, a joint defensive action in response to provocation the threat of the United Kingdom against the peace and sovereignty of our country,” said the president.
The announcement was made in front of the military leadership, during a meeting what was obligatory transmitted on radio and television, in which communicated with a group of military personnel who completed “the first phase” of this operation, which It consisted of a deployment over land and waters of the state of Sucre.
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Ripe He did not give details about the scope and duration of this operation but He insisted that the arrival of the British HMS Trent is an “unacceptable threat” which is a “rupture” of the agreements he signed with his Guyanese counterpart, Irfaan Alion December 14, when they promised not to threaten each other and avoid incidents related to the dispute over the Essequibo.
“Venezuela You cannot sit idly in front of a threat“We are responding in a proportional measure,” he assured, after reiterating that he is committed to diplomacy and peace.
Maduro criticized that Guyana has ignored requests not to accept the arrival of the British ship to its coasts
Five thousand 682 troops participate in the military exercises ordered by Ripewho showed images of ships and planes of war patrolling the area with the radio command “combat role”.
Guyanaformer British colony, denied that the arrival of HSM Trent responds to “plans” for an attack.
“Are measures that were planned a long time and that they are routine and part of the construction of our defense capacity,” said the Guyanese vice president, Barrat Jagdeo.
“We do not plan to invade VenezuelaPresident Ripe knows it (…), we have no plan to take offensive action against Venezuela“he insisted Jagdeowho ruled out canceling “the scheduled activity” with the British.
A Guyana Foreign Ministry source said the ship will arrive at the coast of that country on Friday, where it will remain for “less than a week” for defense exercises in the open sea. It does not plan to dock in Georgetown.
However, his arrival breaks the fragile truce between both countries within a century-old struggle for the territory of the Essequibo, rich in oil and gas.
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The dispute escalated after Venezuela will approve on December 3, in a unilateral referendum, annexing the area under disputean area of almost 160 thousand square kilometers that is under the control of Guyana and whose controversy is in the hands of the International Court of Justice.