Ambassador Luis Almagro Says More Discussion is Needed for Sarstoon Protocol

Luis Almagro

As we’ve said, Guatemala has rejected all eleven proposal put forward by Belize at a recent round of discussions held between Foreign Ministers Wilfred Elrington and Carlos Raul Morales on April eighth. The sudden turn of events is not lost on Secretary General Almagro. In responding to a question asked about the unexpected breakdown in negotiations, Almagro reiterated that the atmosphere between Belize and Guatemala must be one of peace and tranquility if both countries are to agree on taking the matter to the ICJ.

Reporter

“While this is happening here and the main objective of this program is to promote peace, there are several issues at the borders.  Sir, the recent news is that Guatemala has rejected Belize’s eleven-point proposal.  Can you first of all confirm that it has been rejected?”

Luis Almagro, Secretary General, O.A.S.

“Look, you’re asking now a question that I think both countries still have to work [on].  It’s like what I was saying, they have to work on building confidence and about building trust.  We need to move forward in order to move in the direction of settling down on a solution that can bring the case to the International Court of Justice and that should be the top priority these days.  And then to promote trust and measures between both countries to avoid accidents, to avoid any incidents, to keep them in the mood of tranquility and relaxation and that is the main task that we should have in hands and everything should be diplomacy around that and with that purpose.”