Fonseca also explained the terms of the upcoming agreement with the US to act as a safe third country. As we reported, at the start of this year, the prime minister was dead set against having detainees from other countries come into the country. But now Belize is setting its own boundaries on the agreement. Here's how the minister explained it today:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Under this agreement, asylum seekers in Belize for the determination of their claim. The agreement we are finalizing contains multiple safeguards to protect the interest and security of Belize, including an unqualified veto over who is transferred over to Belize, restrictions on the nationalities that could be transferred, a cap on the total transferees per annum, considering of criminal records and professional skills. The agreement is for two years in the first instance and either party can terminate or suspend at an time by providing written notice. Government insisted on these safeguards. We felt they were necessary given capacity constraints to manage and support asylum seekers, given national security considerations and the unique characteristics of our small country. The agreement also provides upon request financial and technical support to strengthen institutional capacities of the government of Belize. We are satisfied that the agreement aligns with our international obligations and can be effectively implemented from an operational point of view. Adjustments will be required to relevant legislation."
