Guat Prez Speaks at UN about Territorial Dispute with Belize

Jimmy Morales

The general debate of the United Nations opened this morning at the UN headquarters in New York. The Guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales was among the speakers on the first day of the debate. Morales spoke at length about the CICIG, which is the UN anti-corruption agency in Guatemala that is investigating acts of corruption which have resulted in the arrests of numerous politicians past and present.  But at the onset of his statement, Morales spoke of the territorial dispute with Belize.  Morales put it in the context of peace and cooperation.  He referred to the referendum already held in Guatemala in April saying that a resounding ninety-six percent voted YES to take the claim to the International Court of Justice.  The president is right to say that ninety-six percent voted yes, what he did not say was that twenty-six percent of voters went to the polls.  Morales also said he eagerly awaits the outcome of the referendum to be held here in Belize next year.

Jimmy Morales, President, Guatemala

“One example of this and a way of seeking peace on permanent basis is the will of Guatemala to finally and peacefully resolve the territorial dispute of an insular and maritime nature that we have had with Belize for over a century and a half now. I am pleased to share with this assembly that on fifteenth of April, 2018 in Guatemala a popular vote was held to bring this case to the International Court of Justice. In our country, this vote received a round yes; ninety-six percent of voters said yes in the most highly participated in vote in the history of our country. And we believe that the resolution of this dispute will bring about economic, social and political benefits to both countries. Therefore, we very much welcome also the decision of the Government of Belize to set a date for holding their vote on the tenth of April 2019 and we eagerly await the results of that.”