Venezuela has said mobilization of troops on Guyana’s borders is aimed at curbing illegal mining operations.
A statement from the Guyana Government this afternoon said this was the explanation it received when it sought a response from Caracas’ ambassador here.
The Guyana Government statement followed concerns today from members of the public about unusual troop movements on Venezuela’s border with this country.
The Venezuelan troop movements have come amid rising tensions with Guyana over Caracas’ plans to hold a referendum on the question of its illicit claim to the county of Essequibo.
The referendum plan was announced after Georgetown rebuffed demands from Caracas for direct talks on the border controversy between the two countries. Guyana is holding to its position that the matter is now before the International Court of Justice for resolution.
The statement by the Government of Guyana follows:
Statement by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
The Government of Guyana has taken careful note of the various social media posts which have reported the mobilization of increased personnel and execution of military exercises by Venezuelan troops in close vicinity to our borders.
The Government wishes to advise that every piece of information is taken seriously and is being examined in detail. The Guyana Defence Force has also been reviewing these reports.
To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested today an explanation of the Venezuelan Ambassador who claimed that the mobilization of troops was geared towards curbing illegal mining operations.
The Government of Guyana remains on guard and has nevertheless shared the increased military activities by Venezuela taking place on its border with CARICOM Heads and other international partners.
