Five centuries ago, the new world was carved up according to papal decree, and while those days are done, the Vatican still does carry considerable influence in territorial matters. That's why Belize's chief negotiator Assad Shoman and Amabassador Fred Martinez met with the man who is second to the Pope, Cardinal Sordano on Tuesday in Guatemala City. In a one hour meeting, the Cardinal assured the delegation of the Pope's interest in having an equitable and definitive solution. Sordano also committed to making a contribution to the proposed development fund. At the end of that meeting Pope John Paul himself requested an audience with Shoman and Martinez to hear a report of the meeting and give his blessings to the process. Next for Shoman and Martinez is a trip to Washington on Monday where they will join their Guatemalan counterparts in a meeting with the facilitators.

Tags Assad Shoman Fred Martinez Guatemala City