UK welcomes Congress passage of referendum bill
The United Kingdom welcomes the Guatemalan Congress’ ratification of the Special Agreement’s Protocol between Guatemala and Belize which will permit both countries to submit their territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The October 27 passage of Decree 47-2016 will allow both countries to hold – jointly or separately – referenda to take their territorial dispute to the ICJ. The United Kingdom strongly supports this route to achieve an end to this long-running dispute, and the UK welcomes Congress’ endorsement of this proposal.
The United Kingdom commends the Guatemalan Government and Congress for their leadership in working to improve relations with Belize, and encourages both countries to maintain the momentum and implement fully the Special Agreement’s Protocol.