CARICOM urges Guatemala to stop incursions into Belize’s Sarstoon River

CARICOM said on Tuesday it had been informed by Belize that members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) entered Belizean territory in the Sarstoon River several times between Sept. 10 and 13, hoisting a Guatemalan flag, attempting to ram a Belizean military vessel, and obstructing Belizeans from navigating the river.

The regional bloc said the actions violated Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Belizean officers, it added, asserted the country’s sovereignty but acted with restraint to prevent escalation.

“CARICOM calls on Guatemala to ensure that its military forces desist from illegally entering Belizean territory and from aggressive actions which will raise tensions between the countries, escalate into a military conflict, and endanger the safety of persons who use the Sarstoon River,” the statement said.

The grouping reminded both countries of their obligation to avoid actions that could worsen the dispute, which is before the International Court of Justice, and urged them to move forward with a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River and maritime areas, with help from the Organisation of American States.

CARICOM reaffirmed its “unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize” and recalled the regional commitment to maintain the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.