Guatemala/Belize Defence Ministerial Concluded

14 August, 2000 - Belmopan
The Minister of National Security and Economic Development, Hon. Jorge
Espat, announces the successful conclusion of the First Defence/Ministerial Meeting between Belize and Guatemala.

The meeting and related events were held at the Coral Sand Center - Belize Yacht Club in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye on the 11th and 12th August 2000 and are a direct result of the recent round of talks held in Washington, D.C. between Belize and Guatemala.

The Guatemalan delegation was hosted by Minister Espat at a reception
and dinner which was attended by the Area Representative, Hon. Patricia
Arceo, the Mayor of San Pedro Town, Mr. Alberto Nuñez Sr., several other Belizean citizens and the six representatives of the Costa Maya pageant.

Agreements arising from the discussion included the exchange of military
attaches' by October 15th, 2000, clear lines of communication between
the two Defence Ministers, high level military-to-military meetings every six months and other aspects of military confidence-building measures.

Further information or queries may be obtained from the Chief Executive
Officer, Ministry of National Security, Alan Usher, tel: 08-22225.