OAS demands safe return of Guyanese fishermen, vessels in Venezuela

…says any attempt to derail ICJ process has no legal bearing or significance

The Organization of American States (OAS) has condemned the hijacking of two Guyanese fishing vessels by Venezuela in Guyanese territory and the illegal detention of Guyanese fishermen demanding that they be released safely to Guyana.

In a statement on its website on Wednesday, the OAS reiterated its support for the ongoing legal avenue for a resolution to the border controversy through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It stated that nothing less, including illegal detention, will be tolerated.

“The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) condemns the illegal detention by the Venezuelan dictatorship of two Guyanese registered fishing vessels and their crew who were located within the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The General Secretariat demands that the Guyanese citizens are released promptly and safely to Guyanese authorities, as well as the two detained vessels,” the statement read.

The OAS added: “Moreover, the General Secretariat reiterates its support for the rules and processes set by international law regarding ongoing territorial conflicts. The resolution of the territorial [controversy] between Venezuela and Guyana is a matter that lies under international jurisdiction, and cannot be settled by unilateral actions. Any attempt to derail this international legal process, such as the decree issued by the Maduro regime, is contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing or significance.”

Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro on January 7, 2021 once again claimed exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River by issuing a decree.

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali rejected a decree and Venezuela later rejected President Ali’s rebuttal. Since then the two countries have communicated via diplomatic channels with Guyana iterating its support for the ICJ ruling that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Then, on January 21, 2021, two Guyanese registered fishing vessels were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, while operating off the coast of Waini Point at a position of N 80 49’ 06”/ w 590 37’ 40” W.

In protest, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, summoned the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Moses Chavez to transfer a protest note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.

The protest note firmly condemns the illegal detention of the captains and crews of the Guyanese registered fishing vessels, the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf and calls for their immediate release. The Government of Guyana is using all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of the crew and vessels to Guyana.

Other countries such as France, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize have also condemned the actions of Venezuela urging the country to refrain from such acts as the ICJ prepares to rule on the matter.