The 1992 Joint Statement – Fact Check #2

Published by BBN Staff at January 28, 2019

Introduction

In the lead up to April 10^th, there have been a lot of misconceptions and lies floating around. Recently a lot of them have been surrounding the 1992 Joint Statement. In this article, we’ll go over what the Joint Statement is, what is says, and clear up a few misconceptions.

The 1992 Joint Statement

What is the Joint Statement?

After Belize and Guatemala established diplomatic relations, the two countries signed a document saying that they want to improve relations. That document was the 1992 Joint Statement.

What does it say?

First Paragraph

The first paragraph says that even though the two countries recognize each other, a dispute still exists. It says that while the dispute exists, they’ll work on solving it, bearing in mind that any final resolution will have to go to referendum in both countries.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph acknowledges that both countries are convinced that this dispute shouldn’t get in the way of strengthening relations between the two countries.

Third Paragraph

This paragraph says that both countries are confident that bilateral committees can strengthen cooperation.

Fourth Paragraph

This paragraph points out hat INDEPENDENT Belize and Guatemala have not signed a treaty establishing land and maritime boundaries but hope to do so. This is, by definition, true because the 1859 Treaty and 1931 Exchange of Notes were signed before Belize became independent and don’t deal with maritime areas.

Fifth Paragraph

They note that the dispute might make it difficult to improve relations, because any agreement might be seen as giving up rights.

Sixth Paragraph

This is the only paragraph in the document that deals with anything substantive. It says that the existing border monuments from the 1859 Treaty will serve as the basis for any future agreements.

Summary

In summary, the Statement says that even though both countries established diplomatic relations, a dispute exists. This may cause problems when trying to make bilateral agreements, so both parties agree to use the existing border monuments from the 1859 Treaty until the dispute is over.

Misconceptions

Does it rubbish the 1859 Treaty?

No. It says we’ll use border monuments from the 1859 Treaty as the basis of any future agreement with Guatemala.

Does it say no borders exist?

No. It say a dispute exists, which is true because Guatemala still claims our land.

Does it say that we’re willing to vary the border?

It says that a dispute still exists, so we’ll continue to try to find a way to solve it. In the meantime, though, we’ll use the existing border monuments to make life easier.

Does it say we’re willing to give up a piece of Belize?

No.

Conclusion

To the people using this document to fear monger: STOP.

To the people telling lies about this document: STOP.

To the people who are getting confused by the liars and politicians who are fear mongering in a vicious and contemptuous attempt to win votes, read the document. The document is short and simple. Reading it for yourself will show you just how boring and harmless it really is.

If anything, reading it will show you how this document benefits Belize. We used it in the Facilitation process in the 2000s, in order to convince the Facilitators that we have good title to all our land. In this document, we also got Guatemala to accept that border monuments exist.

– A Concerned Belizean

Source:

JointStatement1992

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