France to condemn Venezuela hijacking of Guyanese fishing vessels

Soon, France will be issuing a statement supporting Guyana and the responsible position taken by its Government to deal with the latest act of aggression by Venezuelan authorities.

On Tuesday, Non-Resident Ambassador of the French Republic to the Cooperative Republic

of Guyana, His Excellency Antoine Joly met with Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Nandlall, informing him of the intention.
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.

In his interaction with the AG, the French Ambassador condemned the use of force by that country including their latest incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters and arrest and detention of two of the vessels and men.

“He recognized the support Guyana has received from the Caricom Community (CARICOM) and the global community and commits to lend a voice to the same,” a release from AG’s Chambers stated.

The two officials also discussed the need for mutual, enhanced legal assistance on criminal matters and continuous cooperation in the Criminal Justice sector because of the large number of Guyanese who are in the French Guiana prison system.

The Ambassador raised with the Attorney General, the large number of Haitians who are using Guyana as a transhipment point en route to French Guiana, describing it as a growing problem which must be addressed.

In turn, Nandlall was congratulated for the central role he played in the struggle for democracy in Guyana recently. Joly was also thanked for his country’s support, individually and at the level of the European Union (EU).