Prime Minister Said Musa was in Georgetown Guyana last week for a meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank's board of governors. While his trip didn't make news locally, mainly because it wasn't publicized, Prime Minister Musa did make headlines internationally. He told the Associated Press that Belize might be ready to take Guatemala to an International Court sooner rather than later.
Musa was responding to a question about the upcoming round of talks between the two countries this summer. He told the AP, "we may be forced, if this kind of intransigence continues on the part of Guatemala, to go to the International Court and we believe we have a very strong case." Musa went on to say that there is no solution in sight and that Guatemala is really scared of taking on this issue. Sounds like fighting words to us and today Attorney General Francis Fonseca told us that what the Prime Minister said stands, but, actually, the matter hasn't even been taken to Cabinet.
Francis Fonseca, Attorney General
"None of that has been discussed or decided upon. I think I will have to leave it at what the Prime Minister said. Obviously those are very sensitive matters that will require a lot of discussions and consultations and dialogue so no decision has been taken as to a specific timetable as yet."
Keith Swift,
Who will make the final decision on whether we go to the international court?
Francis Fonseca,
"Obviously that would have to be a decision in the first instance of Cabinet and then after that whatever happens after will be determined by what Cabinet felt was necessary."
Keith Swift,
You don't think this should be taken to the people in a referendum?
Francis Fonseca,
"I don't want to get into the realm of speculation Keith, I have to stick with what the Prime Minister has said but obviously that, as I pointed out, can be a part of the decision of the Cabinet to say its best for this matter to be taken to the people in a referendum."
Keith Swift,
When can we look to hear anything definitive from government about this issue?
Francis Fonseca,
"At this point I can't give out any more information than what has been said."
Keith Swift,
Is it a decision that's imminent?
Francis Fonseca,
"No, as I said we haven't even discussed this in Cabinet."
Those OAS mediated talks again will resume this summer. According to the article, quoted in the Jamaican Observer, Guatemalan officials had no response to the Prime Minister's comments.