And the Briceno Administration has another Foreign Affairs concern coming out of the lobbying effort in the US by the Feinstein Group.
Responding to questions about the negative public relations campaign by the Feinsteins against the Briceno Administration in US media - Foreign Minister Fonseca gave a candid if measured response:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Yeah, I think, you know, we've we've responded as you know, we put out a press release on the matter. We have also responded directly to both Chairman Mast, and to Secretary Rubio. You know, setting out in great detail our response to to the letter that was sent by Mast to Rubio. And we are following up on many different fronts, both through our embassy in Washington, and here with the US embassy here in Belize, providing information."
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"You know, the bottom line is, is that, you know, that whole campaign that's that's taking place, you know, is is grounded in a private sector matter that's before the court so we can't engage deeply into it. But as you all know, the the court, it's going through the court process. The court determined that the acquisition was legal. That is being appealed as Mr. Feinstein has the right to, that is being appealed. And that matter is now before the courts. So the courts will determine the outcome of that."
Reporter
"But this is part of a smear campaign against the Briceno administration orchestrated by the Feinstein group. What would you say in response to that?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"We understand that it's clear, obviously, that the Feinstein group has engaged lobbyists on their behalf. They are engaged in a very negative and, I think, dangerous campaign against their country, Belize. I find that very disappointing and, in many ways disgusting. But we understand we are dealing with it. We have to remain professional. We have to deal with it at a diplomatic level. And we're doing that. We're doing that in a responsible way."
