So, will this weekend's Chiquibul shooting cause any difficulties for the negotiations between Belize and Guatemala? As you are aware, the Governments of both countries have been engaged in talks about a peace keeping protocol for the Sarstoon River.
Well, tonight, we can finally report that there is meaningful progress. In a midday press release, Government announced that talks between both countries for a Sarstoon agreement will take place on this coming Saturday, May 21.
They will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, where Elrington will be travelling, after he attends the Inauguration ceremonies for the new President of Taiwan. Ambassador Alexis Rosado, and who ever the Leader of the Opposition names as his representative, most likely Eamon Courtenay will represent him. Guatemala's Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, is expected to head his country's delegation.
Today's release also stressed the commitment that both countries gave to the OAS Secretary General in the Washington meetings which happened 2 weeks ago May 4. That comment is to, quote, "find a way forward regarding the Sarstoon", end quote, which will "eliminate the military tension at the Sarstoon created by the maintenance of the respective positions of Belize and Guatemala regarding rights over the river…"
The Government of Belize is expecting that if the Istanbul, Turkey meetings don't proceed toward any immediate final agreement, the OAS will host follow-up meetings in Washington.
On Saturday - before the announcement was made - when we asked Elrington if the latest Chiquibul incident will affect these talks - he was very cagey:
Daniel Ortiz
"The 30-day ban is fast closing and the last time we spoke with the Prime Minister he seemed fatigue that nothing, no measurable progress has been made towards that protocol being finalized. Can you give us an update on that and is there any further negotiations to be taking place between you and the Guatemalan foreign ministry?"
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"I will simply repeat that we have the matter under control. You take it from me, we have the matters under control. It's a responsibility which we have and which we take very seriously. So we do have it under control."
Daniel Ortiz
"Is there to your mind something tangible for us to hold on to that it will take place, because the Prime Minister has indicated that if there is no show of goodwill, he is minded to repeal the 30-day ban before it's closed?"
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"The Prime Minister is very mature, sound, sensible. He knows what is going on and he is going to do the right thing. I won't say more than that. I think you could rest assure that he will do the right thing."
The Sarstoon Statutory Instrument, which enforces the Barrow Government's 30-day ban on the river, expires in less than two weeks.
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