UDP condemns Guatemalan Armed Forces’ Attack on Belizeans at Sarstoon

Published by BBNTEAM at September 5, 2024

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Posted: Thursday, September 5, 2024. 4:54 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a statement condemning a recent incident involving the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF), who breached Belizean territory at Sarstoon Island, posing a threat to Belizean citizens.

The UDP’s statement follows a video that made its rounds on social media showing the GAF’s aggressive actions, which included the intimidation and endangerment of Belizeans visiting the island.

“We note that this latest video documented hostile act comes one week after Prime Minister Briceno led a delegation to Guatemala to discuss a Partial Scope Agreement with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo. It is extremely concerning that the Government is seeking to make concessions for Guatemalan businessmen while the Guatemalan government refuses to agree on a long delayed Sarstoon Protocol. Belize should not be seeking to conduct business with any nation that does not respect our borders and constantly encroach to infringe upon Belizeans right of free movement,” the UDP said.

The Opposition further called on Prime Minister Briceno and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca to urgently summon the Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize to address this breach.

“The Opposition calls on the Briceno Administration to protest the actions of the GAF to the Organization of American States (OAS) and group of friends for immediate intervention. The Guatemalan Armed Forces ramming of a civilian vessel in the Belize side of the Sarstoon River is a flagrant use of force which is an unacceptable act that is against international law and established protocols of the confidence building measures agreement which explicitly states that “neither nation shall use force or the threat of force to pursue their position with respect to the Territorial Differendum,” the UDP added.

The UDP further urged the Briceno Administration to support the Belize Defense Force in fulfilling its role of protecting the nation from external threats.

Reflecting on Belize’s history, the UDP reminded the public of the nation’s resolute defense against Spain 226 years ago, underscoring Belize’s enduring spirit and commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity.

The UDP also called on the Guatemalan Government, the OAS, and the Group of Friends to ensure that the GAF ceases its violations of Belizean territory and respects Belize’s national integrity.

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