Tensions on the Sarstoon River are not going away anytime soon. That is the warning from Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, who says Belizeans could continue facing confrontations with Guatemalan soldiers and civilians until the International Court of Justice settles the territorial dispute. His comments follow the Belize Territorial Volunteers’ latest civilian expedition to the area, where participants encountered fourteen Guatemalan vessels flying the Guatemalan flag. The volunteers viewed the show of force as an attempt to assert control over the river and Sarstoon Island. Today, we asked Fonseca what the encounter means for Belizeans traveling to the area and how government intends to respond.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“We continue to pursue as you know a peaceful resolution of the unfounded claim. That is why we have always insisted on a path to peace. Yesterday was a good example of the challenges we continue to have. That will not be resolved until we have a final judgment form the court. despite our best effort we have always tried to work with Guatemala on how we approach matters in the Sarstoon. We discussed that only last week, the challenges we face there. That is why we were talking to everyone. At the end of the day, nobody was hurt and there was no incidents. But yes there was a heavy presence of Guatemalan boats and civilians. But the BDF and Coast Guard was able to have a nice little flag raising ceremony at the FOB and the BTV participated in that ceremony.”
Reporter
“Was it always the plan to have the ceremony and not go to the island?”
Francis Fonseca
“As I understand it that was the plan that the BTV and the military agreed on.”
Reporter
“Are we still sending diplomatic notes about these incursions by the Guatemalans?”
Francis Fonseca
“Yes, it is important that the record reflects that we condemn these actions of aggression. So yes, the Belize government, the ministry of foreign affairs, every time we have one of these incidents we record it and send a diplomatic note recording our absolute objection to the behavior of the GAF and our condemnation of their exercise of illegal authority over the Sarstoon.”
Fonseca says the government has not limited its protest to diplomatic notes. Officials are also raising their concerns directly with Guatemala.
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