By Belize Live News Staff: The UDP is pressing the Government to publicly establish whether a Guatemalan military aircraft crossed into Belizean airspace during a reported flight near Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Caye Caulker.
In a strongly worded statement Thursday, the Opposition said the Government should use radar, air traffic and flight records to reconstruct the aircraft’s route and release its findings promptly.
The call follows preliminary reports surrounding a Guatemalan military aircraft in the area on September 24.
According to the UDP, the key unanswered question is whether the aircraft actually entered Belizean airspace.
The party is also demanding that the Government seek an explanation from Guatemala about the purpose of the flight and the aircraft’s exact position.
Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defence has responded to the controversy by stating that its military activities are conducted in accordance with national and international law. However, its statement did not directly confirm or deny that the aircraft crossed into Belizean airspace.
The UDP said that if an unauthorized incursion is established, Belize should pursue a formal diplomatic protest and raise the matter internationally.
The Opposition also linked the incident to wider sovereignty concerns involving Belize and Guatemala, whose territorial dispute remains before the International Court of Justice. Belize’s Foreign Ministry has previously identified the protection of Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as central to its handling of the dispute. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The UDP ended its statement by saying Belizeans deserve the facts and Guatemala should provide a direct answer.
