Espat denies Guat. charges of BDF intimidation

The fact that emergency negotiations with Guatemala have become necessary demonstrates the wide gulf in perception that exists between both sides. The Guatemalan press, for example, constantly refers to provocative incidents in which BDF patrols are said to intimidate Guatemalan farmers inside Guatemala. Minister of National Security Jorge Espat today flatly denied the accusations.

Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security

“All of those reports and all the media hype are totally false. We have a professional army, we emphasize training and they have their rules of engagement and in fact Guatemala cannot maintain its position that the Rio Blanco settlement, the Machaquila, settlement are inside of Guatemala when they are clearly inside of Belize’s territory. And the BDF is out there preserving the rule of law, maintaining the presence and the world will soon tell Guatemala that her position is untenable. The BDF has never been an aggressor, the BDF cannot possibly be an aggressive army, it is a defensive force and we are very proud of the record of the Belize Defence Force and very proud of their conduct and their professionalism.”

In related news Prime Minister Said Musa leaves tomorrow for Montego Bay, Jamaica and the CARICOM-Canada summit. The P.M. will be accompanied by Ambassador James Murphy. As they pass through Miami they will be briefed on the progress of the negotiations with Guatemala.