By Zoila Palma: Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that this morning, a Belize Defence Force (BDF) patrol conducting a routine patrol around Sarstoon Island was aggressively approached by two Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) vessels that had crossed into Belizean waters, in an evident attempt at intimidation.
“The BDF patrol acted with professionalism and restraint and returned safely to the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base after concluding its patrol. The Sarstoon Forward Operating Base has since been reinforced by additional BDF and Belize Coast Guard vessels,” the Ministry said.
The Government of Belize condemned the acts of aggression and the incursion into Belizean waters.
“Under the 1859 Treaty, the boundary is the mid-channel of the Sarstoon River, and Sarstoon Island lies within Belize’s sovereign territory. With Guatemala’s claim pending before the International Court of Justice, both countries are obliged to refrain from any action that may aggravate the dispute,” the Ministry added.
Belize will lodge a formal protest with the Government of Guatemala and report the incident to the Organization of American States.
The Government commended the BDF for its discipline and composure and calls on Guatemala to respect Belize’s sovereignty and refrain from further provocation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Belize remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The post Belize to lodge formal protest following aggressive acts of intimidation by Guatemalan Armed Forces in Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that this morning, a Belize Defence Force (BDF) patrol conducting a routine patrol around Sarstoon Island was aggressively approached by two Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) vessels that had crossed into Belizean waters, in an evident attempt at intimidation. “The BDF patrol acted with professionalism and
The post Belize to lodge formal protest following aggressive acts of intimidation by Guatemalan Armed Forces in Sarstoon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.