Belize and Guatemala are moving closer to a referendum on whether the
Belize Guatemala matter should be taken to the International Court of Justice.
We say that because the Prime Minister today announced that the so called compromise
will be presented to Cabinet next week. The final wording is being hammered
out by both sides. The Belizean experts are led by Ambassador Fred Martinez
with support from Assad Shoman, Eamon Courtenay, David Gibson, and a cast of
other diplomatic all-stars. This compromis is basically the declaration to be
put to the International Court of Justice. The Prime Minister discussed the
development today.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be bringing the draft to Cabinet
hopefully next Tuesday and thereafter it will be circulated publicly. The timeline
is of course that after the circulation and public discussion of that document,
we would go to the National Assembly for approval of the document and that would
then clear the way for the holding of the referendum which you will recall must
be done simultaneously with Guatemala. We operate always on the basis of the
fundamental safeguard that whatever is signed can only be ultimately put to
the ICJ if the people of this country agree.
Personally I am convinced that the Guatemalans have no case. I personally
am convinced that the ICJ will be obliged to rule in Belize’s favour.
I concede as a lawyer there is always a thing called litigation risk and that
is why it is not ultimately what I feel, it is what the Belizean people feel.”
And while the Prime Minister and Party Leader will endorse it for his
party, the body of the party will be under no compulsion to stick with his position;
it will be as he describes it, a conscience vote. The Prime Minister also expects
to meet with the leader of the opposition next week. Once the compromis is received,
the attendant issues will be ventilated in a series of public education consultations.
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