What Does Pact of Bogota Mean to Belize’s I.C.J. Case?

Michael Peyrefitte

This afternoon, Lead U.D.P. Senator Michael Peyrefitte also opined on the issue, acknowledging that the argument that would be brought before the court does have value, based on the American Treaty on Pacific Settlement, also known as the Pact of Bogota.  This accord was signed by the independent republics of America gathered at the Ninth International Conference of American States in Bogota, Colombia in April 1948.

Michael Peyrefitte, Lead U.D.P. Senator

“I don’t say that there is no merit in that argument. When the Leader of Government Business presented the reason why they were bringing the Pact of Bogota to the senate, I even said to him that he was making a decent case as to why this should be done. My contention is this that is not a decision for thirteen people who nobody elected. Nobody elected the thirteen of us to make a decision on something that affects the Belize/Guatemala issue. That is unacceptable to me. That is unacceptable. I know the Leader of Government Business is the de facto prime minister, but come on man, this is something that you must put to the people. I’m not saying that the Pact of Bogota may be a good idea or not a good idea. I am saying, let’s flesh it out, let’s discuss it.  Let’s analyze it, have the people. Have the issues be explained to the people and have the people make a decision on it.”