7 News Belize

PM Was Curt When Discussing Istanbul Talks
posted (May 25, 2016)

Yesterday bilateral talks between the Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala concluded in Istanbul, Turkey. At the conclusion of that meeting, the Foreign Affairs Ministries of both Belize and Guatemala sent out a joint press release. Although it was lengthy, and mentioned that both parties recognized the need to avoid further incidents along the border, it did not give much specifics as to what was actually discussed. 

However, as a result of these talks, the Prime Minister, who sits as the chair of the National Security Council, saw it fit to revoke the Sarstoon SI. That was a surprising action, given that the Prime Minister ended the 30-day Sarstoon Ban a few days early. So, what did the Belize delegation relay back to give him that kind of confidence? That’s what we asked when we caught him Orange Walk Town after attending Elijio Joe Briceño’s funeral. Here’s how that very brief conversation actually went:

Rt. Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"I wasn't there so all I can tell you is that basically the press release captures the essence of it. There is an agreement now that we will negotiate a formal protocol for the Sarstoon and in the meantime clearly Belizeans can feel free to go to the Sarstoon; that is why we have revoked the statutory instrument that was in place."

Emanuel Pech
"Is there any time line for that?"

Rt. Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"For how soon the formal protocol.."

Emanuel Pech
"To be fleshed out."

Rt. Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"As quickly as can possibly be done but there is no fixed timeline."

Emanuel Pech
"Do you believe the PUP's failure to go to the Sarstoon played a role in progressing those talks?"

Rt. Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"I'm not going to get into that, I'm happy that Mr. Courtenay representing the PUP was part of the delegation that had the negotiations or the discussions with the Guatemalans."

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