-Venezuela says it was “reconnaissance mission” to monitor narco-trafficking, illegal activities
The presence of two (2) Venezuelan Sukhoi SU 30 fighter jets in Guyana’s airspace on Tuesday afternoon in the Eteringbang, Region Seven (Potaro-Siparuni) is a violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and an act of aggression.
This is according to the Government of Guyana, who through its Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, made this clear when he summoned Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclus, to a meeting on Wednesday (yesterday).
According to a press statement on the matter, Minister Todd informed the Ambassador that on around 13:20h on Tuesday, the two (2) 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 Easternly 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 Ali’s commitment to engaging with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest for the betterment and prosperity of the people of Guyana and Venezuela.”
HGP Nightly News understands that while Ambassador Monclus registered his disappointment in hearing of this development, he noted that he was 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 in a timely manner. The meeting ended on a cordial note.”
