Commonwealth restates support for Guyana’s territorial integrity

The Commonwealth Sec-retariat yesterday said that the Secretariat had received an update from Guyana on recent developments concerning the challenge to petroleum exploration by Venezuela within what Guyana maintains to be its exclusive economic zone.

A spokesperson for the Secretariat recalled the Commonwealth’s “consistent and unequivocal support for the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and said that Guyana’s concerns had been brought to the attention of all Commonwealth member states.”

The spokesperson added that the Com-monwealth – a grouping of former British colonies – has remained engaged with the issue and looked forward to the settlement of differences bilaterally through dialogue and cooperation.

Venezuela earlier this month objected to drilling by ExxonMobil off the Demerara coast.

The company is however proceeding with drilling. Venezuela argues that part of the concession stretches into its waters. Guyana denies this.