European Union to provide further support for Confidence Building Measures in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala ahead of the International Court of Justice ruling
On 19th May 2023 a delegation comprised of the European Union Ambassador to Belize Marianne Van Steen, European Union Ambassador to Guatemala Thomas Peyker, six Ambassadors of European Union Member States, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, and Spain, and other representatives of EU diplomatic missions, visited the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala with the Organization of American States (OAS) to view the activities financed by the European Union and announce new support from the EU.
The European Union has provided financial support towards the implementation of the special international mandate of the OAS in the area since 2012 and recently signed a new agreement with the OAS in the amount of 1, 5 Million Euro for a period of eighteen months. The new EU funded project seeks to support the political-diplomatic process and the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone in implementing conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy activities.
In addition to the ongoing EU support, European Union Member States, including Italy and Spain are also providing financial support to the OAS operations in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala.
“We recognize that peace and security are essential for sustainable development and regional stability, this is why we remain committed to continuing our support for the implementation of Confidence Building Measures in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala, while awaiting the outcome of the International Court of Justice ruling”, said Ambassador Van Steen.
“The OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone has played a key role in strengthening dialogue and coordination between institutions and communities in Guatemala and Belize. Working towards a common goal is the best way to prevent conflicts and build peace together. The EU will continue supporting the important work of the OAS in this area”, said Ambassador Peyker.
Belize Technical Office
During the visit, the delegation met with Ambassador Agustín Espinosa, Special Representative of the OAS Secretary General for Belize and Guatemala Affairs and Dr. Juan Carlos Amador Hernández, Director of the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, toured the office facilities and visited the "Ta’Amay” Centres for Training and Promotion of Peace Headquarters at Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize, and Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala.
The EU upholds a Peaceful Resolution of the Belize-Guatemala Territorial Differendum to help the economies, trade and cooperation in both countries and as a way to enhance security and development in the region.