GOB congratulates Guatemala; says Belize referendum will be after re-registration

Published by BBN Staff at April 16, 2018

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Posted: Monday, April 16, 2018. 10:03 am CST.

Posted: Monday, April 16, 2018. 9:53 a.m. CST .

By BBN Staff: The Government of Belize (GOB) issued a statement today congratulating the Government and people of the Republic of Guatemala for conducting its referendum yesterday on the question of going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in accordance with the Special Agreement of 2008.

The Government acknowledges the results as a step further toward permanently settling the age-old dispute.

“This act of civic expression in Guatemala was conducted smoothly and efficiently in a way that contributes further to the strengthening of democracy, peace, and security in Guatemala as well as in the region,” GOB said.

At the recommendation of the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States in 2007, the Governments of Belize and Guatemala were asked to consider going to the ICJ to settle finally and definitively their dispute arising from Guatemala’s claim on Belize’s continental and insular territories and the maritime areas pertaining to them.

Both countries agreed to do this subject to the will of their respective peoples as expressed in a national referendum.

In accordance with the Special Agreement, Government said that it is committed to conducting its own referendum for the electorate to decide whether we should submit Guatemala’s claim to the ICJ for a final settlement.

A date for the Belize referendum will be set after the national re-registration exercise has produced a new and robust electoral roll.

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