The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela says it is interested in maintaining relations of respect, communication, and cooperation with Guyana. The statement came after Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd met with his Venezuelan counterpart to discuss the release of 12 fishermen who are being held captive in Venezuela. Venezuela is saying that the men are being held, legitimately. “The meeting discussed the legitimate custody activity of the Bolivarian National Navy, which led to the interception of two Guyanese ships, called “Nady Nayera” and “Sea Wolf” and the consequent apprehension of the crew.”
The fishermen were taken into custody by the Venezuelan military from Guyana’s water. Venezuela is claiming that the men were taken after being caught in Venezuelan waters, Guyana is denying the assertion.
“In this videoconference, the Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Relations conveyed to the Guyanese Minister the concerns of Venezuela regarding the handling that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana has done on the case, even showing him the evidence and location coordinates which show that the vessels were carrying out illegal fishing activities in jurisdictional waters of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”
Venezuela noted that is Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Relations Jorge Arreaza delivered a Protest Note to the Charge d’Affaires of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Robert McKenzie, in rejection of the Guyanese defamations and accusations after the unauthorized incursion of these ships.
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ratifies its repudiation of the false accusations and misrepresentations made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, considering that they are not based on good faith while qualifying as inadmissible the claim of Guyana to denominate said territory as its “Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf”.
Venezuela says it will continue to guard its jurisdictional waters in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
