Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Monday, 6 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 March 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Thursday, 9 March 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government has made to Guatamala, in support of the Government of Belize, in relation to the incursion into Belize territory and seizure of officials on 24th February; and what future action is proposed.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to Guatamala, in support of the Government of Belize, in relation to the incursion into Belize territory and seizure of officials on 24 February; and what future action is proposed. [113615] Mr. Battle: Following the detention by the Guatemalan Armed Forces on 24 February of three members of the Belizean Defence Force and a Belizean policeman, the British Ambassador in Guatemala City was instructed to call on the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry. He stressed our hope for an early and amicable resolution. I am pleased to report that the four Belizeans were conditionally released on 3 March. We shall continue to monitor developments closely.

Secondary information