By Zoila Palma: Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled unanimously in favor of Guatemala’s application to intervene in the case between Belize and Honduras.
Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a statement announcing the decision in the case of “Sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes (Belize v. Honduras).
“In this regard, the Court decided to admit Guatemala’s intervention, in accordance with Article 62 of its Statute. Guatemala’s participation in this case will be as a third party. The operative part of the Judgment states: “The Court unanimously decides that the Republic of Guatemala is permitted to intervene as a non-party in the case, in accordance with Article 62 of the Statute of the Court…”.
In light of this decision, the Court set May 19, 2026, as the deadline for Guatemala to submit its written statement, in which it will inform the Court of its legal interests regarding the Sapodilla Cayes in defense of national sovereignty,” the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained.
The statement also added that “ intervention of a third party under Article 62 is very rare, and its strict requirements are difficult to meet. In its eighty-year history, today’s ruling marks the fourth time the Court has authorized this type of intervention. It is the second time it has done so despite objections from the Parties. In this regard, the Court concluded that Guatemala’s Petition meets all the substantive conditions established in this provision.”
On December 1, 2023, Guatemala requested permission to intervene pursuant to Article 62 of the Statute of the Court. This provision empowers a State to request the Court to allow it to intervene in a case when it considers that the decision could affect a legally protected interest.
However, Honduras had objected to Guatemala’s Petition so the Court held public hearings from November 24 to 26, 2025, to hear from the three States concerned.
The Court rejected Honduras’s objections.
“This case is independent of the “Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim of Guatemala (Guatemala/Belize),” as it involves different legal issues,” the Guatemalan MFA said.
Guatemala further reaffirmed its commitment to continue defending its territory and sovereignty before the highest international court.
The post International News: Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announces ICJ’s decision; reaffirms commitment to defending territory appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled unanimously in favor of Guatemala’s application to intervene in the case between Belize and Honduras. Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a statement announcing the decision in the case of “Sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes (Belize v. Honduras). “In this regard, the
The post International News: Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announces ICJ’s decision; reaffirms commitment to defending territory appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.