It Has to Be the I.C.J., Say Ministers

Both Foreign Ministers were asked about the positions in both countries concerning taking the claim to the I.C.J. It has been suggested that older Guatemalans are more predisposed to supporting the claim due to indoctrination at the height of tension between the countries; Jovel Polanco spoke on that aspect. Elrington emphasized that the I.C.J. route will clarify both countries’ legal rights and end what has been a sore point for centuries.

Sandra Jovel Polanco, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guatemala

“Our goal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as a government is to inform. Inform about what is correct so that the people can vote and decide the future of both countries.”

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Belize

“The I.C.J. is an imperative for all right-thinking persons, both in Belize and Guatemala, because we have a dispute – a dispute which none of us caused, but which we inherited. And the only place you can resolve it peacefully, and without harm being done to anybody, both territory or person, is by going to the I.C.J. The I.C.J. is important because the I.C.J. tells us what are our legal rights and entitlements. We may have a view as Belizeans; the Guatemalans may have a view [like] Belizeans; but when we go to the I.C.J., the I.C.J. is going to tell us what in fact is the proper position in law. And you have heard the Foreign Minister say that Guatemala is disposed to observing the decision of the I.C.J., and accepting it; and we certainly in Belize will do so as well.”

The ministers went for lunch in Melchor. Also accompanying Elrington were C.E.O. in the Ministry of Agriculture Jose Alpuche; Ambassador Alexis Rosado and Cayo Northeast area representative Orlando Habet, representing the Opposition.