Fox seems to backtrack on support for Belize

While Musa’s concept of a good relationship was based on a deepening friendship demonstrated by quantifiable deeds, his counterpart to the north was less specific. Whether he was poorly briefed or just chose to wait until he becomes president to get down to business, Vicente Fox had a lot of kind words…and some that may be interpreted otherwise, particularly on the always tender topic of Guatemala. While he did pay brief homage to Mexico’s traditional policy toward Belize–which has always been one of unqualified support for our territorial integrity–the rest of his remarks could easily be interpreted as a new attitude of neutrality.

Stewart Krohn

“What will be you government’s policy or position towards Guatemala’s territorial claim to Belize?”

Vicente Fox, Mexican President-elect

“Well, Mexico’s position has been clear in the past. We were told by
the Prime Minister that the negotiations are being carried out between
the two countries on that subject. That’s a matter that belongs to be
resolved by your own countries and we will only make sure that justice,
that history, that agreements are held and resolved properly.”

Until his “proper resolution” is made clearer, the jury may still be out on whether the democratic change in Mexico was a good one for Belize. Fox and a delegation including Governor of Quintana Roo Joaquin Hendricks departed Belize this evening.