And while Belize did sign that memorandum of cooperation, what the US really wants this country to sign is a "safe third country agreement".
It's an agreement where the U.S. can return asylum seekers to a country other than their own, allowing them to pursue their asylum claim there instead of in the U.S. Many of our Central American neighbors have signed it - and Belize is under pressure to do the same: Reporter:
"Sir, now we know that you've signed this memorandum of cooperation, but we know the United States what they really want Belize to sign is sign on as a "safe third country." This had to have been, this had to have come up in your conversations with the undersecretary. Where are we with that? Is this on the table and what is Belize's precise position?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"They have raised it with us as a government. They have provided us with some draft documents. We are reviewing those documents. We are vetting them through our Attorney General's ministry. When that vetting process is completed, then the matter will be tabled at cabinet if the Prime Minister so deems appropriate. And we'll have a discussion about it then. So that's where we are with it. But yes, indeed, the United States government has raised that issue as they have with many different countries. I know they've concluded one with, with, with Guatemala, I believe, Mexico, with Honduras, with Guyana as well. So, you know, we are. Yeah, we, you know, we are looking at it, vetting it, reviewing it. We'll have a discussion at the appropriate time."
Reporter:
"Are you personally in favor of it?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"No. No, I don't want to get ahead of any discussion that cabinet will have. So we, let's just wait on cabinet, until cabinet has a discussion about it."
Reporter:
"What is the pressure like from the US? Is it something that is exerting a lot of energy to actively resist?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"No no no no no, I must say that that obviously is important to them, it's important to them, but they have been very respectful in the process. So no, no undue pressure on us. We have explained to them that, we understand the importance of the matter, but it has to go through our process here in Belize. When we have concluded that process, we're going to be happy to sit down and discuss it with them."
Reporter:
"But there comes a point in any negotiation where you have to show bona fides that we are a good partner to the United States. And if you don't show you're a good partner, then you start being treated like a bad actor. Are you concerned that we are walking that line where we have to show the US that we are your friend?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"No, no, no, not at all. Not at all. I think the United States government, whichever administration is in office, knows very well and that this, this administration, current administration knows very well that they have a friend in Belize. They are our largest trading partner. We cooperate on many, many important areas of mutual concern, especially security issues. So, I have no concern about that."
