Opposition Leader Moses Shyne Barrow Criticizes Belize’s Suspension of Diplomatic Ties with Israel

Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, has written a 7-page letter regarding the stance of Belize’s past leaders and foreign ministers on the matter of the Middle East war.  The letter opens, saying, quote, “I write to confess my utter dismay to read your statement declaring “unwavering support” for the Government of Belize’s wrongheaded decision to suspend diplomatic ties with Israel.” End of quote.  Barrow goes on to say to the leaders that he is perplexed and alarmed at the message of extremism and selective outrage that the leaders are sending to the new generation of leaders that must shepherd Belize domestically and globally.  Essentially, Barrow says that he does not agree with the suspension of diplomatic ties with any member of the United Nations, and that he would never encourage the government to suspend diplomatic ties with Russia in an attempt to, as they claim “pressure” Russia, as much as I want to save the Ukrainian people from the massacre that has been taking place in Ukraine by the bloodstained hands of Russian forces.  The opposition leader brought on another analogy, coinciding with the Prime Minister’s current visit to Saudi Arabia.  He noted, quote, “In fact Prime Minister Briceno is in Saudi Arabia now soliciting investment funds from the Saudi’s, thus it begs the question my elder statesmen, according to your statement “as a nation that depends for its very existence on the principles and laws being violated” by the Saudis on the children, women and men in Yemen, should Belizeans say now not in our name to Saudi Arabia or do we take the money and ignore our obligations under the Geneva Convention on international humanitarian law?” End of quote.  In the end, Barrow has asked the former Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers to heed the call of the leaders of the clergy in Belize and do more to foster a climate for diplomatic dialogue that will bring about peace with the State of Israel and Palestine living together in security and harmony.