Belmopan - 01 August, 2002.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation informs that on Monday 29 July Foreign Minister Assad Shoman and Ambassador Fred Martinez, who is an integral part of the Negotiating Team representing the United Democratic Party, travelled to Guatemala City to meet with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

The meeting was held at the initiative of Foreign Minister Shoman and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Gabriel Orellana to seek the support of the Vatican for the Facilitation Process to find a definitive, permanent and honourable settlement of the Guatemalan territorial claim.

The meeting with Cardinal Sodano, who is considered the second in line to the Pope in the Catholic Church's hierarchy, lasted about an hour. The Guatemalan and Belizean delegations briefed him on the progress being made in the Facilitation Process, and asked for the Vatican's blessing on this peace initiative that is vital to the well-being and development of both peoples.

Cardinal Sodano, who is credited with having helped to avoid a war between Argentina and Chile by brokering their border settlement, exhibited a great deal of knowledge and interest in the dispute, and questioned the two delegations about the details of the Process. He assured the delegations of the Pope's interest in reaching an equitable and definitive solution that is satisfactory to both countries, and promised that the Holy See as well as the Bishops and clergy of both countries would work to achieve the spirit of peace and reconciliation that is vital to the welfare of both peoples.

Shortly after the meeting ended, the delegations were informed that the Pope wished to meet with them, to hear a report of the meeting and to give his blessings to the encounter. When Foreign Minister Shoman and Ambassador Martinez greeted the Pope, he recalled his visit to Belize and he was assured that the people of Belize continue to cherish that visit in a spirit of love and hope.

Cardinal Sodano, responding to a direct request from Foreign Minister Shoman, agreed that the Vatican would contribute to the proposed Development Fund.

Both Shoman and Martinez returned to Belize on Tuesday, in the company of Prime Minister Musa and Auxiliary Bishop of Belize, the Most Reverend Dorick Wright, who had gone to Guatemala City to greet the Pope and partake in the ceremony canonizing Central America's first saint.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation also informs that on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th August, Foreign Minister Assad Shoman and Ambassador Fred Martinez will attend meetings in Washington at the request of the Facilitators, who have asked the Foreign Ministers of both countries to meet with them for consultations on the progress of the Facilitation Process.

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