Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean call for respect for Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

Posted: Monday, September 15, 2025. 11:01 am CST.

By Zoila Palma:  On September 14, 2025, the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL) issued an alert regarding the recent escalation of the border conflict between Belize and Guatemala, following the illegal hoisting of a Guatemalan flag on Sarstoon Island and the presence of Guatemalan naval forces in Belizean waters.

“These acts have provoked heightened tensions between the armed forces of both nations,” COPPPAL noted.

In a message to Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño, COPPPAL President Alejandro Moreno conveyed the full solidarity of the political parties that make up COPPPAL and called on the Government of Guatemala to fully respect Belize’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“He further urged the withdrawal of Guatemalan naval forces from Belizean waters,” COPPPAL said.

“Mr. Moreno underscored that the territorial dispute currently before the International Court of Justice must be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with international law. He echoed Prime Minister Briceño’s call for a peaceful bilateral engagement and encouraged President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala to accept Belize’s invitation to meet, as a means of reducing tensions and finding a peaceful path forward,” the statement expressed.

In addition, the COPPPAL President also appealed to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Albert Ramdin, to use their good offices to help establish a table for dialogue between Belize and Guatemala, with the goal of restoring stability and preventing further escalation.

COPPPAL, which played a significant role in supporting Guatemala’s peace process and Belize’s independence in 1981-including close collaboration with Belize’s founding father George Price reaffirmed its historical commitment to peace and dialogue in the region.

“We are an organization that has always worked to promote peace in the region,” said Moreno. “We are deeply concerned about the worsening of this conflict between two sister nations, and we will make every effort to support the construction of agreements that can help overcome this dispute.”

COPPPAL also recalled their role -alongside then-President José López Portillo and Belizean leaders Rt. Hon. George Price and Hon. Florencio Marín-in preventing armed conflict between Belize and Guatemala during the critical period following Belize’s independence.

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The post Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean call for respect for Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Monday, September 15, 2025. 11:01 am CST. By Zoila Palma:  On September 14, 2025, the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the
The post Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean call for respect for Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.