In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the Venezuelan government issued a formal condemnation on Thursday against Guyana’s authorization of a large-scale 3D seismic survey in offshore territories claimed by both nations. The controversial exploration initiative encompasses approximately 25,000 square kilometers within Guyana’s designated Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), targeting potential hydrocarbon reserves.
The Caracas administration asserted that Guyana’s unilateral actions violate fundamental principles of international law, particularly concerning undelimited maritime boundaries. While notably omitting direct reference to Venezuela’s historical claim over the Essequibo Region and adjacent Atlantic waters, the statement emphasized that no legal agreement exists between the nations regarding maritime jurisdiction.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry demanded immediate cessation of exploration activities, warning that such measures could aggravate diplomatic relations and contravene customary international law governing coastal states. The declaration specifically cautioned that Caracas would not recognize any licenses, concessions, or resource exploitation rights derived from what it termed ‘unilateral and illegal acts’ by Guyana.
The seismic operation would encompass eleven blocks auctioned during Guyana’s 2022 Licensing Round, situated south of the prolific Stabroek Block and extending to the maritime border with Suriname. According to technical specifications, the project includes reprocessing and integration of existing seismic datasets across three survey lots, representing a comprehensive geological assessment of the region’s hydrocarbon potential.
This development occurs against the backdrop of longstanding territorial disputes dating to the 19th century, with recent tensions escalating since ExxonMobil’s major discoveries in Guyana’s offshore basins beginning in 2015.