In the case of Belize, the recommendation will be subjected to comprehensive consultations to give it careful analysis and consideration, at the end of which a referendum will be held so that the people of Belize decide whether or not to adopt the recommendation and submit the long-standing territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice.

In early 2006 the Secretary General recommended that the Parties attempt to reach agreement on maritime issues, and negotiations were carried on for eighteen months by a technical group. For much of this time Belize’s technical team was led by Ambassador Alfredo Martinez and included a representative of the Leader of the Opposition, as well as diplomats and public officers. The technical group reported on 22 October 2007 that it could not reach agreement on any of the fundamental aspects of a maritime settlement, which triggered the Secretary General’s recommendation.

For several years, Belize’s policies on the Guatemalan claim, and any negotiations relating to it, have been carried out jointly by the Government and Opposition, and an advisory group composed of political and civic group representatives has been kept closely informed and has made known its views.

The consultations on the Secretary General’s recommendation will not be undertaken until after the upcoming national elections, and consequently the referendum will not be held until some time after those elections.

Meanwhile, the process of relocating the settlers at Santa Rosa, to land in Guatemala purchased by the OAS is proceeding, and we expect all settlers will be removed within a short time.

In accordance with our Constitution and laws, all persons that are within Belizean territory are required to abide by and respect our laws and law enforcement authorities. We will continue to cooperate with our neighbors to control and prosecute all illegal cross border activities, including the illegal harvesting of Xate leaves.