HC Deb 07 November 2000 vol 356 c182W
31. Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's position regarding the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize. [135192]

Mr. Battle

The United Kingdom continues to support Belize's Sovereignty and Territorial integrity and will continue to provide legal assistance in Belize's efforts to demarcate its land and maritime boundaries. We are pleased that constructive discussions between the two sides have taken place in the presence of the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States and that further talks are planned. We believe it essential that these discussions continue, and that there is early progress on confidence building measures. We continue to make our views clear to both sides.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving to(a) Belize and (b) Guatemala to resolve problems relating to their common border. [137061]

Mr. Battle

In helping Belize to resolve its border dispute with Guatemala the UKhas provided financial support for talks between Belize and Guatemala being held under the auspices of the Organisation of American States; and is helping Belize in its efforts to demarcate its land and maritime boundaries by providing them with legal and hydrographic assistance.

The UK strongly encourages both parties to resolve the dispute through bilateral negotiation. We are pleased that the OAS-facilitated talks between Belize and Guatemala have made encouraging progress. We hope this will be taken forward in talks in Washington this week.

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