FM Working Diplomatic Channels for GAF to Respect Belize’s Territorial Integrity

During a recent visit by the Belize Territorial Volunteers to the Sarstoon, there was a confrontation with the Guatemalan Armed Forces – who were clearly in Belizean waters and agitating the situation on the ground.  This escalation comes ahead of both countries preparing for a hearing at the International Court of Justice on the longstanding territorial dispute. The date for that hearing in 2024 is yet to be determined. Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay says that there is serious concern about the position being taken by the GAF to become more aggressive. 

Eamon Courtenay

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The position is that Belizeans are entitled to traverse any part of Belize. That’s the first point and so the fact that people want to go into the Sarstoon, as long as they stay on the Belize side; that is their right. Secondly, I have expressed repeatedly – publicly and privately – our very serious concern about the posture that has been adopted by the Guatemalan Armed Forces. I think from the media reports, you would have seen that they have become more aggressive, you will see that they have become – the tone in which they speak to Belizeans has been heightened and we think that that is unnecessary and we think that that’s an escalation intention. We have been working the diplomatic channels. I have spoken with the Secretary General of the O.A.S., I’ve spoken with the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, I have spoken with other friendly countries seeking to try to get the Guatemalans and the Belizean security forces to at least start communicating to try to ensure that no incident occurs when Belizeans want to go into the Sarstoon. That process is unfolding, we are in constant contact with each other and I am hoping first of all that there is no incident and secondly that there will be respect for Belize’s territorial integrity; that we will insist on. We are dealing with a situation in the Sarstoon right now that can lead to an incident, let me put it that way. I am spending every working hour, speaking to our friends and allies and speaking to Guatemala to say let us deescalate and understand that Belizeans are free to move there and that must be respected and let us work together to ensure that there is no incident. As you said earlier, this is all going to be resolved in the ICJ, but in the meantime, we should live like neighbours and we do not want this issue to escalate any further.”