Briceño Challenges Guatemala at UN Stage

In a powerful address to the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister John Briceño delivered a firm message to the international community, Belize will not back down. Speaking from the UN Headquarters in New York, the Prime Minister took a bold stand against Guatemala, accusing its neighbor of repeated aggressive actions along Belize’s southern border. Briceño told world leaders that these provocations violate Guatemala’s obligation to avoid escalating tensions while the territorial dispute remains before the International Court of Justice. He emphasized that Belize, though tested and threatened, will remain resolute in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Here’s more from Prime Minister Briceño, speaking from the UN podium in New York.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Over the last two weeks my country has chosen to act with restraint and caution on the face of repeated aggression and provocative actions by our neighbor Guatemala at our southern boundary, actions which seek to challenge Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, actions that do not accord with the obligations of states not to exacerbate our extend a dispute before the International Court of Justice. Belize took its seat in this assembly in 1981, less than half a century ago. Our membership was a milestone for our sovereignty. Global recognition of Belizean sovereignty also meant full recognition of our territory. We stand firm in the conviction that the boundaries of that territory were agreed in 1859, more than a century and a half ago. Our anthem proclaims it, from the proud Rio Hondo to the old Sarstoon, Coral Isles over blue lagoon. Though our territory is contested, we remain firm, not belligerent, tested but not subdued, threatened but not deterred, because the rule of law is on our side. Together with Guatemala we submitted our dispute to the ICJ in 2019. We await the court’s decision. We trust that justice will prevail. In the meantime we reiterate our demand that Guatemala desist from any provocative behavior which has the potential to affect our otherwise friendly bilateral relations. We reiterate our invitation to Guatemala to work with Belize to design confidence building measures for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces.”