By Zoila Palma: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is calling on the Government of Belize to provide answers following reports that a Guatemalan military aircraft flew near Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Caye Caulker on September 24.
In a statement, the UDP said Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security Francis Usher confirmed that Belize did not authorize the flight.
Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defense has maintained that its military operations comply with national and international law, without directly addressing the aircraft’s location, the UDP said.
The UDP is urging the Government to establish the aircraft’s route using radar, air traffic and flight records and to make the findings public.
“Belize needs a specific account of the flight, not a general assurance,” the party said.
It is also calling for a direct explanation from Guatemala regarding the purpose of the flight and the aircraft’s position near Lighthouse Reef and Caye Caulker.
The UDP further stated that if evidence confirms the aircraft entered Belizean airspace without authorization, “the absence of authorization makes a formal diplomatic protest necessary.”
The call comes as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is working with the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security to officially confirm the details of the reported incident, while stating that any incursion by a foreign military aircraft would constitute a violation of Belize’s sovereignty.
The UDP also linked the incident to Belize’s recent protest over the reported obstruction of Belizean nationals near Sarstoon Island.
“Belizeans deserve the facts, and Guatemala must provide a direct answer,” the UDP said.
The post UDP says “Guatemala must provide a direct answer” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is calling on the Government of Belize to provide answers following reports that a Guatemalan military aircraft flew near Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Caye Caulker on September 24. In a statement, the UDP said Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security Francis
The post UDP says “Guatemala must provide a direct answer” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
