Guyana has formally dispatched a protest note to the Government of Venezuela registering its condemnation of the violation of Guyana’s sovereignty with a flyover in the Eteringbang area by Venezuelan fighter jets.
The Venezuelan Ambassador was summoned to a meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and presented with the protest note.
On Tuesday, two Venezuelan fighter jets flew over the community of Eteringbang and the airstrip at a very low altitude. The fighter jets then circled the location once before proceeding in an easterly direction.
The Minister voiced the Government’s concerns on the act of aggression and stated that such an action was a clear violation of Guyana’s territorial space as well as International law and convention.
Foreign Minister Todd also noted that this act not only challenged the good neighbourly relations but, by extension peace and stability of the region.
He reiterated President Ali’s commitment to engaging with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest for the betterment and prosperity of the people of Guyana and Venezuela.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Venezuelan Ambassador registered his disappointment after hearing of the development and said that he is only aware of a reconnaissance mission within Venezuelan territory to monitor narco-trafficking and illegal activities.
The Ambassador said Venezuela was committed to peaceful relations with Guyana and committed to transmitting the information from the Foreign Minister to his Capital. He promised to provide feedback in a timely manner.
The latest actions by Venezuela come on the heels of the seizure and detention of two Guyanese fishing crews by the Venezuelan Navy in Guyana’s waters and the recent decree by Venezuela claiming Guyana’s maritime space.
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