In a speech broadcast through its digital channels this Sunday, October 18, President Abelardo de la Espriella established the country’s official position regarding the territorial limits and the defense of the population in the Caribbean island region of San Andrés and all the islands that make up the archipelago.
The head of state emphasized strict surveillance in the maritime area and sent a direct message against illegal activities that interfere with the work of the local community.
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The president issued a warning against piracy in Colombian waters. Photo:Capture Transmission
During his speech, the president reaffirmed national jurisdiction over the island territory and surrounding waters, noting that the competent authorities maintain operational control over resources and navigation in the maritime zone.
“Colombia exercises full sovereignty” over “San Andrés, Providencia, Santa Catalina and over each of the islands of the archipelago”said De la Espriella in the presidential address. The president added that “here there is no meter in dispute, there is no discussion here” and specified the conditions for the use of nautical limits: “In the maritime spaces that correspond to Colombia, no one fishes, no one explores and no one investigates without the permission of the Republic.”
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The Government reiterated its support for the fishermen and the Raizal communities of San Andrés. Photo:Screenshot.
De la Espriella ordered vehement defense of the San Andrés sea
In his speech, the president stressed the willingness of the Public Force to guarantee the safety of sea workers and safeguard the country’s reefs and nautical miles. Likewise, he indicated that there are institutional mechanisms for dialogue, although he conditioned any action on strict compliance with the current legal framework.
“Colombia does not give up a nautical mile, it does not give up a reef and it does not abandon its fishermen. Whoever wants to discuss the future of this sea will find a table; whoever wants to violate the law in the Colombian sea will find the National Navy willing to defend sovereignty”stated the president.
Regarding the role of the naval institution in the maritime territory, the head of state highlighted the constitutional commitment of the military force in protecting the country’s legal system.
“Our Navy will always be ready to act under the rule of the Constitution and the law within the framework of the rule of law”pointed out Abelardo de la Espriella.
The president issued a specific warning against structures that engage in acts of piracy in Colombian waters, reiterating that the government response will be forceful to protect the inhabitants of the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina archipelago.
“And a clear and firm warning to piracy, to that scourge that plagues our fishermen: we are not going to admit it. Whoever messes with our compatriots again will know how this government acts”concluded the president.
*Article developed with AI support and reviewed by a journalist.
KATHERINE BRAVO HERNÁNDEZ
DIGITAL SCOPE EDITORIAL
THE TIME
