Thursday 11 January 2001
11 Jan 2001 : Column: 601W
Belize and Guatemala

Dr. Marek: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the boundary between Belize and Guatemala; and what action he will take in the event of a threat to the territorial integrity of Belize. [144569]

Mr. Battle [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The UK continues to support Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We remain committed to the long-standing British undertaking to consult internationally in the event of a threat to Belize's security and to play an appropriate part in any response. This has been the UK's position since the withdrawal of the British garrison from Belize in 1994.

Settlement of the dispute is in the interests of all concerned. We are pleased that confidence-building measures have been agreed by Belize and Guatemala under the auspices of the Organisation of American States. We believe it is essential that these discussions continue and that there is early progress on implementation.