On August 25 the Government of Guatemala advised the Organization of American States (OAS) General Secretariat that it had encountered difficulties with certain aspects of the Proposals for a just, equitable and permanent solution to the territorial disputes between Belize and Guatemala, presented by the Panel of Facilitators in September, 2002. The Guatemalan Government also reiterated its commitment to complying with the Confidence Building Measures agreed to by both Governments on February 7, 2003.

The OAS has been working at promoting cooperation and understanding between the communities in the Adjacency Zone and respect for human rights of the settlers through the Office which it opened in that Zone on July 1. Indeed a report on the generally satisfactory compliance over the past six months, by Belize and Guatemala with the confidence building measures, is in the final stages of preparation.

Secretary General Gaviria indicated that the OAS would continue to assist Belize and Guatemala, that he will consult with the Parties on a mutually convenient meeting and that he is appealing to the leaders of political organizations to leave this topic out of electoral campaigning, with a view to finding a consensual solution.

Reference: E-168/03