Facilitators want more info on Guat. incursion

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the text of a letter written by facilitators Sir Shridath Ramphal and Paul Reichler to O.A.S. Secretary General Cesar Gaviria, which–if nothing else– demonstrates that they are attempting to resolve the problem of a Guatemalan housing estate that has spilled over across the Belize border. The letter refers to the visit last month of O.A.S. official Sergio Caramagna to the area known as Nueva Juda on the outskirts of Melchor de Mencos, and his report dated September twenty-fourth. While that report has not been made public, the facilitators have requested additional information about the settlement, including:

The number of dwellings in Juda and how many are east of the border line.

Of those on Belizean territory are any occupied, and if so, by whom and for how long?

Is there still any construction actively taking place on the Belize side or has it halted?

What effort would be required to remove any items erected on the Belize side?

And finally, will the Alcalde of Melchor confirm that all construction and development on the Belize side has stopped and will he promise that no more activity will be undertaken?

The facilitators go on to state that the matter is an urgent one and the O.A.S. should answer these questions as soon as possible. The Guatemalan construction on Belizean territory has been explained as a political ploy by a rogue mayor intent on hindering plans for peace. For now it appears that Belizeans are not allowing themselves to fall into that trap…and for the time being will let the facilitation process slowly work its diplomatic magic.