By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly condemned a recent incident where the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) intruded into Belizean territory at Sarstoon Island, threatening Belizean citizens. This follows a video circulating on social media showcasing the GAF’s hostile actions, which included intimidating and endangering Belizeans visiting the island.
The UDP expressed concern that this incident occurred shortly after Prime Minister Briceno’s visit to Guatemala to discuss a Partial Scope Agreement. They criticized the government for seeking concessions for Guatemalan businesses while the Guatemalan government refuses to agree on a long-delayed Sarstoon Protocol. They emphasized that Belize shouldn’t conduct business with any nation that disrespects its borders and infringes on Belizeans’ right to free movement.
The Opposition called on Prime Minister Briceno and Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca to urgently summon the Guatemalan Ambassador to address this breach. They further urged the government to protest the GAF’s actions to the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Group of Friends for immediate intervention, highlighting that the GAF’s ramming of a civilian vessel in Belizean waters is a flagrant use of force that violates international law and established protocols.
The UDP also urged the Briceno Administration to support the Belize Defense Force in protecting the nation from external threats and reminded the public of Belize’s history of defending its territory, underscoring the nation’s commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity. Finally, they called on the Guatemalan Government, the OAS, and the Group of Friends to ensure that the GAF ceases its violations of Belizean territory and respects Belize’s national integrity.
