Border Tensions Resurface in Belize–Guatemala Talks

With repeated reports of Guatemalan Armed Forces crossing into Belizean territory, the issue of border incursions was impossible to ignore during today’s high‑level talks between the two countries. Tensions have been especially sharp in the Sarstoon, where Belize has documented several confrontations over the years, the latest just last September, when Guatemalan personnel planted their flag on Sarstoon Island, a spot Belize insists is unquestionably its own. So, we asked Minister Fonseca whether Guatemala’s foreign minister had offered any explanation for those actions.

 

Paul Lopez

“Did the Foreign Minister in this meeting give an explanation to the actions of its military elements involving these incidents?”

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“As you know we have an ongoing dialogue at the political level between Belize and Guatemala. So, it is an ongoing discussion and in every meeting we have at the bilateral level and even today we discussed these issues with a view to finding some mechanism, putting in place some mechanism, some structure to allow us to ensure that tensions are reduced between our two countries, especially the two militaries and that we are able to peacefully resolve these issues when they arise. For example, when the issues we discussed today, under the auspices of the OAS is how we can improve military to military engagement and communication and cooperation between the militaries, because that is where on the ground we have to ensure there are no mistakes made and that tensions are reduced on the ground. So, those are the things we have always discussed between ourselves and we will continue to dialogue and discuss because we both agree that it is important to reduce tensions and ensure there is always peace and stability between our two countries.”