U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Addresses Venezuela’s Territorial Claims
On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that there would be serious “consequences” if Venezuela resorts to aggressive measures in its pursuit of resource-rich territories currently under the jurisdiction of its neighbor, Guyana. Speaking at a news conference held in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, Mr. Rubio firmly stated that the U.S. government would consistently oppose “regional threats stemming from illegitimate territorial claims made by a narco-trafficking regime.”
In his remarks, Mr. Rubio declared, “There will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive actions, and that’s why our partnership in that regard will be important.”
The backdrop of this warning involves Venezuela’s escalating assertions over the Essequibo region, which comprises nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. This area is particularly significant due to its oil-rich offshore waters, where extensive oil production activities led by ExxonMobil are currently taking place.
While Mr. Rubio refrained from detailing the specific actions the Trump administration might consider, he did note the formidable capabilities of the U.S. Navy, suggesting that military intervention could be on the table. He stated, “I’m very pleased at the reassurance of the U.S. at ensuring the safeguard of our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” echoed by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, who stood alongside him during the press conference.
