7 News Belize

GOB Has Made No Concessions on Sarstoon
posted (September 19, 2018)
Reports from the eco challenge kayakers who were out at the mouth of the Sarstoon are that once again, the Guatemalan military asserted that the river is theirs, and that if Belizeans want to travel on it, they have to go all the way to Livingston to get immigration clearance to do so.

Today, the media asked the National Security Minister once again, if there is any such protocol that has been discussed or established between the two countries. He said that the Belize Government would never agree to such a resolution, which puts Belizeans at a disadvantage in their own territory:

Reporter
"Is there any concern about the movement of the GAF in that area? Because from the footage it was clear they were within Belizean waters. We are told that on the video the Guatemalan actually said that there is a protocol which states that Belizeans civilians are not allowed to navigate that area. Could you speak to us about the movement in that area, clearly Belizean waters and also is indeed such a protocol written or unwritten?"

Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"Clearly we are concerned activity in and on that river. It's a clear violation of international law with respect to observing our sovereignty and territorial integrity and that is the reason we have protested. At all times this has happened we have had the ministry of foreign send a note to the Guatemalans about their actions in the area. I think you are aware that we've been seeking a protocol with Guatemala for some time now have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement on a protocol. There is none that I am aware about and certainly there is none that we would agree to that would restrict the movement of Belizean civilians or military up that river."

Reporter
"You know if a protest note has been sent on this occasion?"

Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"Yes, I had sight of one."

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