ICJ debate heats up in Guatemala

It was expected that like in Belize, Guatemalans would also be vocal and passionate about the territorial claim. Several articles have appeared in the local media in that country and one of those persons expressing his opinion is none other than former Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Gabriel Orellana, a known hardliner on the topic and influential in some circles. Orellana has written articles in the paper SIGLO Viente Uno questioning Congress’ handling of the issue and asking the government how it intends to ensure that information in relation to the case will not be hidden from the people of Guatemala? Meanwhile, in El Periodico, Asisclo Valladares, Ambassador to the Vatican, reminds the public that the process won’t make it to the I.C.J. if it is rejected by the people of either country in the referendum. Prensa Libre also reports that preparations for the possible referendum have already begun, although Congress has yet to make the request to the Electoral Tribunal. The Special Agreement, signed on December eighth, still has to be taken to Congress in Guatemala and the National Assembly in Belize. It should be noted that December marked a hundred and fifty years since Guatemala claimed Belize.