BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) – The Belize government has ‘forthrightly’ rejected a statement issued by Guatemala in which it sought to present ‘alterntive facts’ following an incident at the Sarstoon River last Wednesday.

In a statement, Belmopan said that it is aware of a press release issued by the Guatemala government concerning the events that occurred at the Sarstoon River over September 10 – 13 this year.

“The government forthrightly rejects the bold attempt of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala to present alternative facts in order to seek to distort the narrative of what transpired at the Sarstoon,” said the statement.

Belize has already indicated that it would be lodging a formal protest “at the highest level” after a contingent from the Guatemalan Armed Forces(GAF) planted a Guatemalan flag on Belizean soil.

But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guatemala in a statement while expressing “deep regret” at the incursion, said nonetheless that “these illegal incursions pose a serious risk to Guatemalan civilians living along or travelling through the river and its banks, which is unacceptable”.

It said also that the incidents took place just before its Independence Day celebrations and that the Guatemalan Army acted within its constitutional mandate to defend sovereignty “with prudence and responsibility, preventing escalation and avoiding confrontation”.

It claimed that Belize Defence Force (BDDF) “provocations” were contained through dialogue rather than force, underscoring the Guatemalan military’s professionalism and commitment to peace.

The Guatemalan government also rejected Belize’s claim of sovereignty over Sarstoon Island, which it insists is part of Guatemalan territory and accused Belize of exaggerating the situation in international forums in an attempt to destabilize relations.

The Belize-Guatemala border dispute dates back to Guatemala’s claim of significant portions of Belizean territory, based on historical Spanish colonial rights, while Belize maintains its sovereignty.

The dispute originated from a 1859 treaty between Britain and Guatemala, which Guatemala claims was violated by Britain. After decades of failed negotiations and tensions, both countries agreed in 2008 to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final decision, a process confirmed by referendums in both countries.

In its statement, Belize said that it has no doubt about its sovereignty over its side of the Sarstoon River and that “the unalterable fact is that the boundary between Belize and Guatemala was established in the 1859 Treaty as the mid-channel of the Sarstoon River.

“The Sarstoon Island lies squarely within Belize’s sovereign territory. Furthermore, the 1859 Treaty provides that the channels of the river are equally free and open to the vessels of both countries.

“In any case, Guatemala’s claim is before the International Court of Justice for adjudication and final settlement. The Government of Belize looks forward to the vindication of its position. In the meantime, both Belize and Guatemala are obligated to refrain from any action that may exacerbate the dispute.”

Belize said that it further refutes Guatemala’s “assertions that the Belize Defence Force acted in any provocative manner,” adding “publicly available videos clearly show the professional, calm, and restrained conduct of Belize’s military personnel, of which Belize is proud.

“The tensions of the past week underscore the urgency of a mechanism for cooperation in the Sarstoon and maritime spaces. Finalising such a mechanism would be a clear demonstration of the commitment of the two countries to peace and security in the area.

“Belize is committed to continuing to work with Guatemala to strengthen and expand bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our countries,” the statement said.

On Tuesday, the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping called on Guatemala to ensure that its military forces “desist from illegally entering Belizean territory” .

The regional grouping, of which Belize is a member, said it is calling on “Guatemala to ensure that its military forces desist from illegally entering Belizean territory and from aggressive actions which will raise tensions between the countries, escalate into a military conflict, and endanger the safety of persons who use the Sarstoon River.

”Caricom recalls the duty of Belize and Guatemala to refrain from any action which may exacerbate the dispute while Guatemala’s Claim is before the International Court of Justice, and reiterates its call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design an effective mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces, with the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS).”

The regional grouping said that it further recalls the commitment of Belize, Guatemala and all states of the region to maintain the Caribbean region as a zone of peace, adding “Caricom reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize”.