The million dollar referendum question revealed

The P.U.P.’s were not the only ones to receive a copy of the special agreement. After weeks of speculation by Belizeans as to what was contained in the document, the secrecy came to an end with the nine-article document that was finally emailed to press this afternoon. The four-page document begins with a preamble stating that (quote) “Wishing to finally put an end to any and all differences regarding their respective land and insular territories and their maritime areas; bearing in mind the recommendation of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States of November nineteenth, 2007, based on article five of the “Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures between Belize and Guatemala” of September seventh, 2005, that the Parties submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice.” (end quote) In the articles following, the court is being asked to determine any and all legal claims of Guatemala against Belize to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas, to declare the rights of both countries, and to determine the boundaries between their two countries. Article Five, states that the decision of the court is final, binding and will be complied with and implemented in full and in good faith by the countries. Within three months after the judgment, Belize and Guatemala agreed to decide on the composition and terms of reference of a bi-national commission to carry out the demarcation. If they are not able to come to an agreement, they may request that the O.A.S. Secretary General appoints the commission. And as for the million dollar referendum question, according to article seven, it will be worded as follows: “Do you agree that any legal claim to Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the parties?” If the referenda are successful, the parties must notify the Registrar of the I.C.J. within one month, that both countries have approved submission of the dispute to the court. To view the compromis in its entirety, visit Channel Five Belize dot com.