By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Governments of Belize and Guatemala have issued a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to resolving their long-standing differendum peacefully, and to honouring the eventual ruling of the International Court of Justice.
The declaration was signed on June 24, 2026, in Panama City, on the sidelines of the Fifty-Sixth Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). Belize was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, Science and Technology, while Guatemala was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For decades, Guatemala has maintained a territorial, insular, and maritime claim against Belize. Both countries agreed, through a Special Agreement signed in 2008, to submit that claim to the ICJ in The Hague for a final and binding decision. In their declaration, the Parties reiterated their full respect for international law and their obligation to accept the Court’s decision as final and binding, and to comply with and implement it in full and in good faith.
The two governments reaffirmed their respect for the principles of the United Nations and OAS Charters, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, non-intervention, the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The declaration also recognised the important role played by the OAS over more than two decades, particularly through its Office in the Adjacency Zone, in helping to preserve peace and build confidence between the two nations. The Parties likewise acknowledged the support of the international community and the Group of Friends of Belize and Guatemala, including the European Union and other donors.
Looking ahead, the two governments called on the OAS General Secretariat to continue supporting the peace process. Among the areas highlighted were the continued operation of the Adjacency Zone office until the ICJ delivers its judgment, support for conflict prevention and the verification of incidents, the implementation of the Placencia Agreements, and the strengthening of capacities for the eventual implementation of the ruling, including matters such as territorial demarcation.
The declaration signals a continued commitment by both Belize and Guatemala to a peaceful, orderly path as they await the Court’s decision, and to working together, with the support of the OAS and the international community, on whatever steps follow.
The post Belize and Guatemala renew commitment ahead of ICJ judgment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Governments of Belize and Guatemala have issued a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to resolving their long-standing differendum peacefully, and to honouring the eventual ruling of the International Court of Justice. The declaration was signed on June 24, 2026, in Panama City, on the sidelines of the Fifty-Sixth
The post Belize and Guatemala renew commitment ahead of ICJ judgment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
