Belize and Guatemala

HL Deb 25 March 2002 vol 633 c17WA

Lord Tomlinson

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there have been any recent negotiations between Belize and Guatemala to resolve their territorial dispute. [HL3398]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Governments of Belize and Guatemala are working closely under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to negotiate a settlement to their longstanding territorial dispute. Two facilitators appointed by Belize and Guatemala aim to present recommendations for an agreed settlement to both governments shortly.

We firmly support the OAS-facilitated process. We very much hope that Belize and Guatemala will be able to agree a settlement this year. Such an agreement would have great significance for both countries and the region more widely. We are in close touch with both countries and are actively helping the facilitators to secure a final and lasting settlement to the dispute.