Foreign Minister Fonseca Reaffirms Belize’s Commitment to Peace as ICJ Ruling on Guatemala Dispute Approaches

Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Fonseca, delivered a 20-minute address to the United Nations on Saturday.  His delivery was at the UN’s General Assembly in New York, USA, where global leaders came together to share the struggles, challenges and needs of their respective countries.  These appeals by state leaders are referenced for resolutions, conventions and international treaties.  Last week’s meetings at the UN saw a keen focus on climate change, the barriers in limiting global warming to one point five degrees Celsius and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent by 2030.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Belize is a member of the Alliance of Small Island States, AOSIS, one of 39 countries that have been on the front lines of the climate crisis. The genesis of this crisis lies with the industrialized nations. Its perpetuation and acceleration rest with the wider membership of the Group of 20. Currently, the G20 accounts for some 80% of global emissions. AOSIS members contribute less than 1% of global emissions. This is a tale of two worlds, but we only have one planet to share. Opportunities to equitably share in global prosperity are diminishing. The right of SIDS to define their own future must be protected and secured. The severe impacts of sea level rise have irreversible consequences for SIDS.”

Minister Fonseca also spoke on the global wars and its ramifications on the all nations.  He also spoke on the turmoil in Haiti and the lack of support from other nations to end the tragedy.  Cuba was another country that Belize lobbied for at the UN as it relates to the economic embargo.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Conflicts should not be allowed to fester. The war in Ukraine is now two years running, and we are concerned that the end is still not near. Haiti has seized our attention once again. For Belize, the international response must be enduring for long-lasting peace and security of our sister country. We are working through the Caribbean community to reinforce and strengthen Haiti, and we commend the Haitian people in their resolve to define their own pathway forward. We are pleased to be contributing personnel to the multi-national security support mission. Belize is extremely worried that up to now the international community has not fully delivered on its commitments for the MSS nor the UN humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti. Cuba should no longer be subject to an unjust and illegal economic embargo imposed by the United States. This arbitrary and unilateral designation has created an unnecessary barrier to global cooperation, constructive engagement, and the promotion of peace and stability in our region.”

An appeal was also sent out on the war in the Gaza, the inclusion of Taiwan as a nation as well as the referendum for the people in Western Sahara.  It is a referendum that would determine the independence of Western Sahara.  Additionally, Minister Fonseca called for more to be done to end the wars and for other leaders to stand up.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “As Belize stated to the International Court of Justice in the recent advisory opinion, Israel cannot be permitted to continue flouting one of the most fundamental principles of international law with impunity. Impunity breeds inhumanity. Just two weeks ago, this Assembly approved a resolution proposed by Palestine affirming the ICJ’s advisory opinion and called on members to act to reinforce the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The war, the oppression, and the inhumanity must end. The challenges we are tackling as an international community requires Taiwan’s full inclusion and participation in the international system. Belize calls for this to be done immediately.”

Minister Fonseca also spoke on the Belize/Guatemala differendum reiterating Belize’s commitment in maintaining peace and defending its sovereignty whilst the ICJ makes a ruling on the matter.  He also welcomed Guatemala’s stated commitment to respecting and abiding by the ruling of the International Court of Justice.  Prime Minister John Briceno also welcomed the presentation made by Guatemala’s President, Bernardo Arévalo, who expresssed confidence that the process will ensure the rights and dignity of both countries. On Friday, Briceno weighed on the statement and explained that he anticipated mention of the territorial dispute. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I was there, I stayed deliberately to listen to that address and I think it was historic what he said. Basically challenged the rest of the world. He said look at what Guatemala and Belize that we’re doing. We have this border dispute but we are going to the International Court of Justice for them to settle it. If other countries could only do what we’re doing the world would be a much better place. I was very pleased with his statement and it filled me with a sense of optimism that we will be able to work together as two nations and to be able to cooperate and to help one another. After the speech I made, I took the opportunity to go there and meet him and to thank him and congratulate him for the statement that he did.”

Prime Minister Briceno had also addressed global leaders at the UN last week in New York.