ACP-EU supports Belize's sovereignty

Amandala Online, 26 March 2000

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 23—Seventy-one member countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, forming the ACP Group, along with the European Union, today called on Guatemala to "respect Belize's long established and internationally recognized borders." The unanimous resolution of support for Belize's right to sovereignty was passed at a Joint Assembly convened in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 20 - 23, 2000.

The parliamentarians of the three ACP sub-regions and members of the European Parliament condemned the recent actions by Guatemala and called on both Belize and Guatemala to put into effect measures to ease tensions along their border. They also urge both parties "to establish a process for the early and definitive settlement of their differences in accordance with the principles and practices of the United Nations and with full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Belize."

In a statement made to the National Assembly last Friday, Prime Minister Said Musa said that "as we move into the next series of contacts and negotiations (with Guatemala), we are heartened by the strong, united international support we are receiving, exemplified by the recent statement by the CARICOM Heads."

CARICOM Heads of Government, following a meeting last week in St. Kitts/Nevis, issued a communiqué in which they expressed "unequivocal support for Belize's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with its long-established and internationally recognized borders."

Meanwhile, Musa informs that the delegation, which represented Belize at talks held at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. last Tuesday, emphasized the need for confidence building measures that would serve to reduce tensions and ensure peace and harmony between our two countries, Belize and Guatemala.