While some statements have remained as verbal threats, others have taken on a sinister pattern of indicating aggressive intentions. It would be recalled that Guyana had taken issue with the decision of the state of Venezuela to include reference to the Essequibo in its new constitution. The announcement never materialised. The commercial rocket launch site in Guyana, in the area subject to a long standing territorial dispute, could be used for military purposes. These were granted before the contract with Beal was signed.
Venezuelan people have to stand up with their armed forces.
The Venezuelan Navy has moved its base of operations in the Delta Amacuro to the North of Guyana from where it has already initiated exercises or war games - The Tal Cual newspaper in report dated 28 th July, 2000. The Security Adviser to President William Clinton and the Under Secretary of State for Hemispheric Affairs were informed of Venezuela s opposition to the Beal investment in Guyana. The country has to prepare itself to give an adequate response to these actions by Guyana which is granting concessions in a zone that is in reclamation and that was snatched away from Venezuela during the British Rule. The option is Guyana s. The situation with regard to Venezuela and the Essequibo is comparable to that of the People s Republic of China and Taiwan.