Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 3:34 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX) issued a statement reiterating “its firm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Belize, based on mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, and observance of international law.”
However, MINEX noted that “on September 10, 12, and 13, 2025, units of the Belize Defense Forces entered national territory through the Sarstoon River without authorization, in violation of Guatemala’s territorial integrity. These illegal entries pose a serious risk to the Guatemalan civilian population living or traveling along the river and its banks, which is unacceptable. It is especially regrettable that these incidents occurred on the eve of Guatemala’s Independence Day celebrations.”
Guatemala’s MINEX noted that the GAF “in compliance with its constitutional mandate, firmly defended sovereignty over the Sarstoon River, acting prudently and responsibly to avoid confrontation and ensure the situation did not escalate. The provocations by the Belize Defense Forces were contained through dialogue, without resorting to the use of force, thus reaffirming the peaceful vocation and professionalism of the Guatemalan armed forces.”
In addition, the Guatemalan Government noted that it is aware of Belize’s statement on September 11 and “strongly rejects the attempt to exercise sovereignty over Sarstoon Island, which is part of Guatemalan sovereign territory, as well as any accusations that seek to attribute intentions outside the constitutional mandate of the Guatemalan armed forces.”
Guatemala reminded that both countries submitted to the International Court of Justice, “so that, in accordance with international law, Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular, and Maritime Claim may be resolved.”
“The Government of Guatemala regrets that Belize has resorted to exaggerating the situation in international media and before third countries, an attitude that reflects an intention to destabilize and unnecessarily magnify the incidents. Guatemala calls on the Government of Belize to exercise prudence and responsibility, to refrain from such confrontational and unnecessary incursions, which will do nothing to improve its position in the judicial process. Guatemala categorically denies that there exists, or could exist, an agreed-upon “Sarstoon protocol or joint mechanism,” the statement said.
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The post Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says “BDF violated Guatemala’s territorial integrity” following incidents at Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 3:34 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: Today, Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX) issued a statement reiterating “its firm commitment to
The post Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says “BDF violated Guatemala’s territorial integrity” following incidents at Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
