Guatemala Raises ICJ Case at UN Amid Tensions With Belize

It is day two of the U.N. General Assembly debate in New York, where leaders are addressing global conflicts, climate change, A.I., and food security. For Belize, the session is especially significant. Recent tensions with Guatemala, its military planting a flag on Sarstoon Island and later entering Belize’s territory on Independence Day, have pushed the dispute back into the spotlight. Today, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the forthcoming I.C.J. ruling on the matter.

 

Bernardo Arévalo, President, Guatemala

“This is how Guatemala participates in this great mosaic of the United Nations, Madam President. The fourth coming judgment of the International Court of Justice will bring an end to the territorial, insular, and maritime dispute with our neighbor Belize. The written phase has now been concluded and the oral hearings are scheduled for next year. We now stand before a historical opportunity to open a new chapter in relations between the two countries. Resolving this dispute peacefully is an example of how even the most complex differences can lead to peace and cooperation. Guatemala reiterates its commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Belize. On the basis of mutual respect, peaceful co corporation, and the observance of international law,”