By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a strong condemnation of Guatemala following an incident on September 7 where Guatemalan military gun ships entered Belizean waters. The UDP described the move as an intentional violation of Belize’s territorial integrity, escalating tensions in the Sarstoon region.
This provocative act occurred just days after Belize dispatched a diplomatic Protest Note to Guatemala, following a prior incident in which Guatemalan Armed Forces allegedly rammed a Belizean vessel and threatened civilians navigating the Sarstoon. The UDP’s statement highlighted that this latest infringement serves as a clear message of Guatemala’s disregard for Belize’s sovereignty and the current administration’s resolve.
The timing of the incursion is noteworthy, coinciding with the deployment of Belize Defense Force (BDF) troops to Haiti as part of a regional security coalition. The UDP argued that the government’s focus should be shifted toward bolstering resources at Belize’s southern border to address these growing threats.
The Opposition also called on Prime Minister John Briceño’s administration to escalate diplomatic efforts, urging the involvement of the Organization of American States (OAS) and other international bodies to prevent further aggression. The UDP emphasized that the Guatemalan military’s actions are in violation of international law, pointing to a confidence-building agreement that prohibits the use of force in the disputed Sarstoon area.
As Belize prepares to commemorate the historic Battle of St. George’s Caye on September 10, the UDP urged the government to take decisive steps to protect the nation’s territorial integrity, including recalling the Belizean Ambassador to Guatemala and discouraging Belizeans from crossing into Guatemalan territory for commerce.
Belize, a nation rooted in peaceful coexistence, is once again called to defend its borders from external threats, the UDP reminded. “We are resilient, bold, and will not compromise our sovereignty.”
