Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Belmopan, Belize, Central America

Belmopan - 11 April, 2000.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Movement of Non aligned Countries met in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia on the 8th and 9th of April 2000 to review recent international developments.

Belize's delegation to the Cartagena meeting was led by Deputy Prime Minister John Briceno and included Lawrence A. Sylvester of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In their discussions at Cartagena Ministers from the 134 member Movement addressed a range of issues of global concern including the role of the Non Aligned Movement, the ongoing work on strengthening and democratizing the United Nations System, Disarmament and International Security, the Peaceful
Settlement of Disputes and the new challenges facing developing nations in a globalized economy.

The Ministerial meeting also heard discussion on issues such as the situation of children, the advancement of women, efforts to alleviate poverty and eradicate disease, measures to address transnational crime and international drug control.

During their analysis of the current international situation, the Foreign Ministers received an update on recent developments in the Belize Guatemala border dispute.

The Minister recalled the Non aligned Movement's consistent support to Belize's position on the border dispute with Guatemala and issued a call encouraging Guatemala to continue the process of direct talks aimed at an early and peaceful settlement to the dispute.

The full text of the statement included in the final document issued from the XIII Ministerial Meeting of the Movement of Non aligned Countries appears below.

Belize Guatemala

Recalling that the Movement has closely followed the developments in the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute and the Movement's consistent expressions of support to Belize in this regard,

Mindful of the fundamental principles of the Movement which uphold respect for the Independence, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of states. Aware of the resumption of bilateral talks on this issue.

The Ministers called on both parties to continue the process of dialogue aimed at the early and peaceful resolution of their differences, in accordance with International Law.