Last week, we reported multiple times on the results of the OAS Independent Investigation Team which did a thorough inquiry into the shooting death of 14 year old Guatemalan Julio Ruano. The report has vindicated Belize, but the Guatemalan officials are not prepared to concede that at this time, and we'll get to their refusal shortly. But first, we tell you about a press conference which the OAS held at their Adjacency Zone Office at the Benque/Melchor border on Saturday. That's where the Secretary General's Special Representative, Magdalena Talamás, hosted a 7 minute press briefing.
Though she took questions from the press, she was unable to say anything that you the viewers don't already know. Here are those brief comments:
Magdalena Talamas, O.A.S. Representative
"I have traveled to Belize and to Guatemala at the request of the Secretary General to formally hand over the report of the independent commission that carried out the investigation of the incident that took place in the Adjacency Zone on April 20th. I would like to clarify that this report is technical report that was conducted, it was produced by forensic experts that are not OAS staff members. The governments of the United States and Mexico responded affirmatively and put at disposal two very high level experts."
"I want to take this opportunity to express, reiterate our thanks and appreciation to the governments of Mexico and the United States for their support and for providing these two very able experts Dr. Patricia Trujillo from Mexico and Dr. James Hamby of the United Sates."
"We are satisfied that the experts have conducted a thorough investigation."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"What is the OAS able to say the interpretation of the report? Has Belize been vindicated or they may posed there any fault?"
Magdalena Talamas, O.A.S. Representative
"The OAS cannot interpret the report. The OAS commissioned the report and that same report has been submitted to both countries, so that they can evaluate it and determine the pertinent actions that need to be taken from now forward."
Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Is there any recommendations that you would be able to share with us that related to the military on both sides, especially Belize that was involved in the shooting?"
Magdalena Talamas, O.A.S. Representative
"The recommendations that the OAS always makes are consistent, in the sense that it is important for both parties to respect the confidence building measures that were enforced and that were agreed upon by the parties."
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