Regardless of one’s position on Exxon, every Guyanese, at home and abroad, and Guyana’s allies in the region and globally, every peace-loving democratic person, must stand behind the government and Exxon in condemning Venezuelan threatening action against the oil giant vessel. Venezuela military on Friday threatened the crew and Exxon oil vessel in Guyana’s waters in what our western neighbor claims as its (disputed) territory. Exxon has been operating legally under licensing and permit since 1999 in Guyana’s waters. The company has the support of USA and the world community to search and drill for fossil energy and produce oil and gas.
The territory where Exxon has been operating has been under Guyana’s jurisdiction for two hundred years. The controversy is before the World Court in Den Hague for a final resolution. Guyana, de jure and de facto, has been governing the territory, has been exercising sovereignty over it, thereby having legal jurisdiction over it. In International Law, while the matter is before the ICJ, the status quo holds, giving Guyana the right to administer it and to enter into agreements including granting permits for economic development. Such international rule of law has given Guyana the right to sign a lease agreement with Exxon and other investors. Venezuela has no legal right to harass and intimidate crew of any vessel and or block vessels from operating in the waters claimed by our hostile neighbor.
Venezuela has no de facto or de jure control over the territory. Thus, according to international law, its sovereignty, as it claimed, is not being violated as lacks jurisdiction over the territory. Its military bullyism will not work; and it is rejected by regional and international organizations. Venezuela was instructed by the ICJ not to disrupt the status quo and normal activity in the area. Venezuela has defied the ICJ in engaging in aggressive military action against Exxon’s right to drill, produce, and load and off load oil. If Venezuela has any respect for international law (legal principle), it must cease and desist from such adventurous military actions, allowing Exxon and other investors to continue with its (their) production. In addition, the area in which Exxon is operating is in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, the revenues from which have sustained Guyana’s development over the last five years.
Exxon should not be cowered from Venezuelan military action. Exxon need not fear a repeat of what Venezuela did to it twenty years ago under Hugo Chavez by confiscating its assets. It is operating under Guyana’s rightful jurisdiction. The international community accepts and respects Guyana’s sovereignty over the territory. Thus, Exxon (and other investors), in accordance with international law, has the protection of the World Court and moral suasion of the world community that has condemned Venezuelan behavior. The USA has also recognized Guyana’s sovereignty over the territory and Exxon’s operations in the waters. Washington has warned Venezuela about its action against an American registered multinational. The consequences for Venezuela would be serious (disastrous) if its military aggression against Exxon or any American company continues. Guyana must only seek assistance from its allies against Venezuela but also enter into a friendship and defense treaty with Washington against Venezuelan threat.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram