Belize Monitoring Venezuela’s Chaos

Wilfred Elrington

When we sat with the Foreign Minister Elrington today, we asked him about developments in Venezuela where the Opposition leader, Juan Guaido, has installed himself as the interim president though Nicolas Maduro is the elected president. For Belize, it is a very sensitive matter because the country has benefited from the Venezuelan largesse through the Petrocaribe programme. At the Organization of American States, the issue was discussed today and Belize walked a fine line. While the U.S. and other big countries are supporting Guaido, there are others who call the matter a coup. Elrington provided his personal view today on the situation.

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Personally to my mind the whole thing seems to come in serious conflict with established international law principals. This is a matter heavy and weighty and lower functionary like myself have to be guided by top leadership in the region. My personal opinion is of no importance. What is important is the position that is taken by the government, the official position and so we will await that position. But simply as a lawyer and politician the position Venezuela seem to be contrary to international law principles. That is my personal view.”