Caracas, May 18 (RHC)-- The Venezuelan government has denounced the statements issued by the Guyana Defense Force, which seek to hold Venezuela responsible for alleged attacks against Guyanese troops on the Cuyuní River.
"All the records, reports, and evidence gathered by our Bolivarian National Armed Forces clearly demonstrate that such information is nothing more than part of a new false flag operation, orchestrated to victimize the Government of Guyana and fabricate artificial tensions along the de facto border," stated a statement from the Venezuelan government.
It also argued that these practices, which "are repudiated by the international community, are part of the repertoire of cheap propaganda designed in the laboratories of the United States Southern Command."
Furthermore, it emphasized that the "true interest is to perpetuate the transnational plundering of the territory of Essequibo."
In this regard, the statement assured that no action will distract from "the duty of the Venezuelan State and people to advance toward the elections on May 25, in which the authorities of the State of Guayana Esequiba will be democratically elected, in accordance with the popular will resoundingly expressed on December 3, 2023."
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will firmly and with dignity defend the historic rights bequeathed to us by our liberators. The Sun of Venezuela rises in the Essequibo!" the statement added.
During the event, the Chief of Defense Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, announced that Venezuelan citizens who participate in the regional and parliamentary elections in the Essequibo will be arrested and deported.
The Guyanese military is attempting to prevent participation in the gubernatorial and deputy elections to be held next Sunday, May 25, in Venezuela. The elections are limited to Guayana Esequiba, its 24th state and an area in dispute over Venezuela's historic rights to the region.
Meanwhile, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), together with the National Electoral Council (CNE), are deploying and safeguarding electoral materials throughout the country.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
