Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 May 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 May 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what role the UK Government has played in resolving the border disputes between Belize and Guatemala.- Inc figure.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role the UK Government have played in resolving the border disputes between Belize and Guatemala. [175240] Mr. Rammell: I have been asked to reply. The UK continues to support fully the Organisation of American States (OAS)-facilitated process between Belize and Guatemala as the best means to secure a permanent solution to their territorial dispute. I underlined this to both governments when I visited Belize and Guatemala from 14 to 17 January, and I have recently written to Vice-President Stein of Guatemala and Prime Minister Musa of Belize. We have also lobbied both countries to agree a long-term extension to the Confidence Building Measures Agreement, which is due to expire in June, at the next OAS meeting between Belize and Guatemala in Washington in June. We are also supporting the OAS-sponsored Confidence Building Measures in Belize and Guatemala through the FCO/DFID/MOD Global Conflict Prevention Pool. £1.5 million has been allocated this financial year. Our projects are aimed at reducing tensions, encouraging co-operation between security agencies and addressing the underlying causes of conflict.

Secondary information