Government Defends Rosado’s Place on Belize’s ICJ Team

As Belize heads into the most critical phase of its territorial case before the International Court of Justice, the government says experience and continuity remain essential to defending the country’s interests. That is why Alexis Rosado continues to serve as co-agent on Belize’s ICJ team, despite ongoing public scrutiny over his role. According to Francis Fonseca, Belize is relying heavily on the guidance of veteran agent Assad Shoman, who has spent decades working on the territorial dispute with Guatemala. Fonseca says Shoman has made it clear that Rosado’s knowledge, preparation, and involvement in the case remain vital as Belize prepares to respond to Guatemala’s arguments and navigate the legal challenges that could emerge in the months ahead. Fonseca says removing Rosado now could weaken Belize’s preparation for the ICJ. He argues that Rosado brings crucial knowledge and continuity as the legal battle advances.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The government, on this issue, is guided by the advice of the agent, Assad Shoman. He has worked, as you all know, for decades on this issue. So we are guided his advice and he has made it clear to us that his co-agent, Mr. Rosado, is, in his view, vital to the ongoing work of this case. So, we are guided by that. I think we would be irresponsible not to be guided by the agent who has worked on this case for decades. Remember, there’s a lot of work still, in terms of Guatemala making their arguments, preparing for the case. We have to be able to respond to that. There are likely to be some motions that are put forward. We don’t know what will take place over the next few months, but with legal cases, you always have to be prepared, you have to be flexible, you have to be doing ongoing research, look at different points and they believe that his continued presence on the team is very important for that ongoing work.”

 

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