COPPPAL Calls for Respect for Belize's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL) has issued an alert regarding the recent escalation of the border conflict between Belize and Guatemala. This follows the illegal placement of a Guatemalan flag on Sarstoon Island and the presence of Guatemalan naval forces in Belizean waters. These actions have heightened tensions between the armed forces of both nations.

In a message to the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honourable John Briceño, COPPPAL President Alejandro Moreno conveyed the solidarity of the political parties that make up COPPPAL and called on the Government of Guatemala to fully respect Belize’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further urged the withdrawal of Guatemalan naval forces from Belizean waters.

Mr. Moreno stated that the territorial dispute—currently before the International Court of Justice—must be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with international law. He noted the importance of Prime Minister Briceño's call for a peaceful bilateral engagement with President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala in recent talks.

The COPPPAL President also appealed to the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. António Guterres, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), H.E. Albert Ramdin, to take note of the situation and to support peaceful resolutions between Belize and Guatemala.

This comes on the heels of heightened tensions at Sarstoon just days after the Guatemalan Armed Forces illegally installed a Guatemalan flag on the island on September 11.

On Sunday the Belize Territorial Volunteers were stalked by the Guatemalan military around Sarstoon Island—Belize's southernmost border. In a show of strength, the Territorial Volunteers deployed five boats with around 100 people, marking one of their largest demonstrations yet. Despite this significant turnout, the Guatemalan military displayed its usual audacity on Belizean territory, escalating tensions.

The confrontation culminated in a showdown where the volunteers planted four flags on Sarstoon Island, only to have the Guatemalan Armed Forces remove all four, further inflaming the already tense situation.

As the international community watches closely, COPPPAL continues to advocate for peace and respect for Belize's sovereignty, urging all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.