Guyana says Exxon to begin offshore drilling, Venezuela irked

Exxon Mobil will start exploration drilling at the large Stabroek Block off the coast of Guyana on Friday, the government said, in a move that could inflame a long-running territorial row with neighboring Venezuela. "They are doing the preparatory work, and actual drilling is expected to commence tomorrow morning," Guyana's Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud told Reuters on Thursday. Guyanese officials said President Donald Ramotar met Exxon Mobil officials in Georgetown this week and the company's exploration rig ship, Deepwater Champion, was now in position at the concession area. The waters lie off a border region claimed by Venezuela in a territorial controversy dating back more than a century. More…