The Prime Minister today said that he and President Morales have agreed to work on, quote, "an operational modality…to eliminate the possibility of conflict...especially on the Sarstoon."
That's the kind of OAS confidence building talk which makes many uncomfortable - because after its statement last week, the public confidence in the OAS on this side of the border is not very high. Their statement said the OAS quote, "repudiates the death of a minor." Now "repudiate" is a strong word, and it makes it seem like they are taking sides against Belize. Today the PM told us he too didn't like that word - but he's just fine with the OAS:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"That word stuck out like a sore thumb and I have to believe that there may have been some difficulty. I first I thought it was originally in Spanish and something may have been lost in translation. For me whatever slip up's occur, whatever mis-steps takes place and in the course of human endeavor slip ups and mis-steps are inevitable. I am very pleased that the OAS is involved in the way it is. All of us know how diplomacy operates, there is no way you are going to get the OAS to make a statement condemning either Belize or Guatemala. But it was clear that Secretary General Almagro appreciated the need for there to be an immediate de-escalation of tension. For those of you who have difficulties with the OAS, will forgive me for saying that I absolutely endorse and welcome the role the OAS is playing in this business."
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