Guatemalan President Wants Belize/Guatemala Dispute Resolved Permanently
During his United Nations address in New York City, Guatemalan President Bernado Arevalo spoke of the Belize/Guatemala dispute.
The Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute has been ongoing for nearly two centuries. The conflict centres around Guatemala’s claim to more than half of Belize’s territory, based on historical treaties and agreements. Both countries have agreed to resolve the dispute through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Following national referendums in both countries, the case was officially submitted to the ICJ in 2019. Guatemala submitted its brief in 2020, and Belize submitted its counter-memorial in 2022.
During his speech, President Arevalo said, “I would like to reaffirm the commitment of Guatemala to permanently and in a lasting manner resolve before the International Court of Justice the insular, maritime, and territorial dispute with the brotherly country, a neighbourly country of Belize.”
He said, “By opting for dialogue and the international legal mechanism, we have demonstrated that peaceful means and respect for multilateral institutions are the most effective way to resolve disputes between countries. We are confident that this process will make it possible to bring about a just and balanced institution that respects the rights and dignity of both countries.”
And that “this act is an act of faith, of our faith in international law and our commitment to lasting peace, not only for Guatemala and Belize, but also as an example for the region and for the world.”
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