Guatemalan diplomat seeks to calm border tensions

For his part the Guatemalan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs told journalists that a major concern of his government is the easing of tensions along the border.

Ramiro Ordonez, Guatemalan Vice Foreign Minister

“We believe that it is the objective of the military of both nations to maintain the peace, tranquility and security of the people of Guatemala and Belize; whether they be farmers or labourers, who, due to necessity or destiny live in that area. We sincerely believe that no life needs to be lost or one drop of blood needs to be shed simply because there is no border or military extension. It is now up to the military authorities of both countries to determine how the frontier will be patrolled in fulfilling this objective.”

The Guatemalan and Belizean teams will get a chance to observe the situation at the border first hand when they will travel by helicopter–one British, one Guatemalan–for a tour leaving at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The itinerary for today was packed with scheduled meetings with Opposition Leader Dean Barrow, Prime Minister Said Musa and the National Advisory Commission.