Facilitators will present by end of August

What impact, if any, Ambassador Cal’s alleged problems will have on the sensitive Belize Guatemala negotiations is uncertain, but tonight the news out of the Organisation of American States on the progress of those talks is upbeat. According to a press release from the O.A.S., the meetings held earlier this week in Washington, D.C. between Foreign Ministers Assad Shoman and Gabriel Orellana, and facilitators Sir Shridath Ramphal and Paul Reichler, have produced some progress. While the release is not specific, it states that there now appears to be a way forward on issues that had once stumped both governments. A release from Belize’s Foreign Ministry indicates that the facilitators met independently today and will release a statement on those consultations. As to a date for the final presentation of the proposals of the facilitators, they appear to be confident that they can produce a set of recommendations both countries can live with by the end of August. When those final proposals are in hand, Belize and Guatemala will simultaneously hold referenda so their citizens may vote thumbs up or down. In addition to Minister Shoman, Ambassadors Fred Martinez, Eamon Courtenay and Lisa Shoman, along with legal advisor Janine Coye-Felson, represented Belize in Washington.