REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBRASILIA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Brazil "has intensified defensive actions" along its northern border as it monitors a territorial dispute between its neighbors, Guyana and Venezuela, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday.
Defensive actions have been intensified in the northern border region of the country, promoting a greater military presence," it said in a statement.
Venezuela's claims on the Esequiba, which have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute, were reignited in recent years after Guyana's discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border.
On Dec. 3, Venezuelans will vote in a referendum on "the rights" to the Esequiba.
The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Brazil's actions.
Persons:
Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Ricardo Brito, Peter Frontini, Vivian Sequera, Gabriel Stargardter, Diane Craft, Sandra Maler
Organizations:
National Bolivarian Armed Forces, REUTERS, Rights, Ministry of Defense, Court of Justice, Thomson
Locations:
Venezuela, Esequiba, Guyana, Caracas, Rights BRASILIA, Brazil, Venezuelan