Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd disclosed moments that the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclu, was summoned earlier today to hand over a protest note to Venezuela and to ensure he registers the government’s condemnation of its most recent act of aggression.
Minister Todd informed the Ambassador that at approximately 13:20 hrs yesterday, two Venezuelan Sukhoi SU 30 fighter jets, flew over the community of Eteringbang and the airstrip at a very low altitude. The fighter jets then circled the location once before proceeding in an easterly direction.
The Minister voiced the Government’s concerns on the act of aggression and stated that such an action was a clear violation of Guyana’s territorial space as well as International law and convention.
Further, the Foreign Minister noted that this act not only challenged the good neighbourly relations but, by extension peace and stability of the region. He reiterated President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to engage with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest for the betterment and prosperity of the people of Guyana and Venezuela.
In turn, Ambassador Monclus registered his disappointment in hearing of this development. The Ambassador mentioned that he is only aware of a reconnaissance mission within Venezuelan territory to monitor narco-trafficking and illegal activities. He said that Venezuela was committed to peaceful relations with Guyana and committed to transmitting the information from the Foreign Minister to his Capital. He promised to provide feedback promptly.
