OAS Says Belize–Guatemala Incursions are Manageable

As we mentioned earlier, today’s high‑level meeting was put together by the OAS Office, and while we were there, News Five also pressed OAS officials about what’s actually happening on the ground in the Adjacency Zone, especially when it comes to those border incursions we keep hearing about. According to the OAS, incidents between Belize and Guatemala are likely to continue for now, but they say newer mechanisms are making those encounters easier to manage. Officials pointed to stronger verification procedures and more direct dialogue between both sides, steps they believe are helping to ease tensions and build confidence, even though incursions haven’t completely stopped.

 

Antonia Urrejola, Secretary General Representative, OAS

“The zone is there because of a reason and it is precisely because you have communities from both countries and there will always be incidents. I think if you think there wont be any incidents it is something that we would be lying if we said they wont be any incidents. I think what is important are two things, first of all the commitment both countries have in when we have these incidents ot give a solution to them specifically, which is something really important and requires dialogue. Secondly is the role of the office. The office does verifications each time there is an incident which is being denounced by any of the parties. The office goes and verifies the incidents and that is working and what we have seen in the meeting today and Sergio can give you some of the numbers on that, the office is much more effective than what it use to be with the incidents.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What concrete consequences exist for either Guatemala or Belize when either of the countries violates these agreements or understand, beyond diplomatic notes or consequences?”

 

Sebastian Kralijevich, Secretary of Democracy, OAS

“The consequence of the work of the office here is to increase confidence between both sides, but we are doing it in a way like the meetings we did today to reduce those incidents so that we have a more collaborative environment here and that is why we are all here.”