Belize submits counter-memorial to the ICJ

Belize has delivered its counter-memorial to the Registrar of the Worldwide Court docket of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague with Prime Minister John Briceño indicating that the Caribbean Group (CARICOM) nation will do all the pieces potential to keep up its land that’s being claimed by Guatemala.

“Belizeans can relaxation assured {that a} sturdy, clear, and highly effective case has been made for our sovereignty over all…in addition to the maritime areas as decided by worldwide regulation,” he mentioned.

A authorities assertion mentioned the nation’s counter-memorial “makes a sturdy protection of Belize’s sovereignty over its complete territory together with islands and the pertaining maritime areas in accordance with worldwide regulation.

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“In accordance with the timetable introduced by the Court docket, which was amended because of the pandemic, Guatemala submitted its memorial on December 8, 2020, and is because of submit its reply to Belize’s counter-memorial in December 2022. Belize will then have till June 2023 to submit its rejoinder, after which the Court docket will set a date for the oral hearings,” the assertion mentioned.

Briceño mentioned the nation’s counter-memorial gives for a ‘sturdy protection to Guatemala’s memorial…and resolutely defends the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Belize.”

CARICOM leaders at their inter-sessional summit in March reiterated help for Belize’s place, reiterating “the significance of Belize, Guatemala, and the OAS (Group of American States) persevering with to totally implement the prevailing Confidence Constructing Measures.

“Additionally they reiterated their name for each nations and the OAS to lastly fulfill their dedication to design a mechanism of co-operation for the Sarstoon River,” and “expressed appreciation for the position of the OAS in accompanying the method and referred to as on the worldwide group to extend help for the OAS Workplace within the Adjacency Zone.

“Heads of Authorities reaffirmed their steadfast help for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and safety of Belize,” the communique added.

In a dispute stretching again to the daybreak of the colonial period within the Americas, Guatemala acknowledged the independence of Belize in the beginning of the Nineteen Nineties. However it by no means accepted the borders and continues to say about 11,000 sq. km (4,250 sq. miles) of Belize, about half of its territory.

Guatemala and Belize have agreed to simply accept the courtroom’s determination on any and all authorized claims of Guatemala towards Belize to land and insular territories.

Belize grew to become impartial in 1981.

CMC/