| Last week we broke the story that Belize had left the Hague Group, that's 9 countries from the global south that took a stand against Israel and for Palestine - demanding that the rulings of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court against Israel be upheld.
Well, according to best reports, Belize left that group in mid February - even though the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister have refused to confirm what the world knows to be a fact.
Today, the former Foreign Minister - who first suspended ties with Israel in November of 2023 took a realpolitik approach, telling us that when the realities on the diplomatic landscape change, nations have to adjust:
Jules Vasquez
"Do you think that leaving the Hague Group would be advisable in light of the fact that the United States is staunchly pro-Israeli at this time?"
Eamon Courtenay, SC, Attorney for the AG
"I would say that like every country in the world, particularly those in this part of the world, Belize is undergoing a review of its foreign policy in relation to changes not only in the United States, but changes in Europe as well."
"I know the foreign minister is actively looking at different aspects, different issues, looking at the position of Belize. He and I have spoken about it from time to time, so I know that the ministry is deeply looking at analyzing the position."
"All I would say to those and I would say no more about this. There are people who are saying quite a lot right now about certain decisions that the government is taking in foreign affairs. And if you look at things in isolation, you may say, I think we should do X."
"But if you look at that very same issue and you ask, well, what is the consequence of doing X on Y, Z, A, B, C? Other things that the government is doing or the government is pursuing. We, when I was at the ministry, and I'm sure it is the same now, you have to start first with your principles."
"Secondly, what is your national interest? And that requires careful calibration. where you have a world that is in turmoil. I have, based on my experience, full confidence in our foreign service officers, our minister, our CEO, in the ability to analyze the different issues and implications for Belize, consult with regional governments, consult with friends of Belize when coming to make decisions in the interests of Belize."
"So I am not at all worried, and I am also not at all concerned if we take a new and different position on a particular issue because circumstances have changed."
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