Belize PM clears air on referendum on Guatemala issue
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| Published on Saturday, January 3, 2009 |
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By Oscar Ramjeet
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: oscar@caribbeannetnews.com
BELOMPAN, Belize: Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow sought to clear the air on his government's stand on the proposed referendum leading to the International Commission of Jurist (ICJ) intervention in the long-standing border dispute with Guatemala.
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Belize Prime Minister,
Dean Barrow |
Barrow told Parliament that his government is committed to put the issue to the people to decide by way of referendum if they wish to have the matter settled by the ICJ.
He made in clear that his government will not try to influence the populace one way or the other.
He explained that the signing of the Special Agreement does not mean that Belize is committed to an ICJ intervention.
He criticised those who are accusing the Foreign Affairs Minister and the government of betrayal. He said that the government has launched a public education campaign so that the people of Belize can make their own decision on the issue.
He told Parliament, “It is now a matter to be left completely in the hands of the Belizean people. He added that "if we get to the referendum, I will vote yes, but I will attempt to strong-arm no one to follow my lead. We have discussed this matter in the Cabinet. Our party will take a formal position, but I have said whichever way that position goes individual officials of the party, individual officials of the Cabinet will be free to follow their own conscience."
He concluded that the sovereign wisdom of the people of Belize will be maintained by the government. | | | | Reads : 1232 | | | |
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