Venezuela’s incursions ‘not acceptable’ – French Senator affirms, offers more support to Guyana

As it opened its embassy in Georgetown, France reiterated support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and denounced threats from Venezuela. 

These sentiments were expressed by the Chair of France’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces, Senator Cédric Perrin, at a press conference held before the opening of the new French embassy on Friday night. 

On the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy, France has repeatedly condemned provocative and unilateral actions from Caracas. 

Venezuela claims the Essequibo region, which has been internationally recognised as Guyana’s. The border controversy is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Guyana hopes for a final, binding ruling reaffirming the 1899 Arbitral Award that settled the boundary between the two countries. However, Venezuela has engaged in provocative actions, including an incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone earlier this year. 

On Friday, the French Senator said, “On the question of Essequibo, the incursions of Venezuela are not acceptable.”

Beyond condemning those actions, the senator told reporters that France can provide greater support to Guyana as it seeks to improve surveillance and defence capabilities. In fact, Perrin pointed out that France is the closest country to Guyana with a military base and has the capacity to train ranks here and “exchange intelligence.” 

The senator also hinted that France could supply more military equipment to Guyana should the country express that need. However, Perrin clarified that his presence in Guyana on this trip was not to sell equipment but to better understand the country’s needs.