LONDON, United Kingdom (CMC)-Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchway on Wednesday said she is “deeply disturbed” at the recent incursion by members of the Guatemalan military into Belize.

“I am deeply disturbed by recent reports that the Guatemalan Army hoisted their flag on Belizean territory, attempted to intercept a Belizean military vessel, and obstructed Belizeans from using the Sarstoon River’.

“Such actions threaten regional stability and risk undermining the growth of stronger ties between these neighbouring countries. They are unacceptable. I unequivocally condemn them. I commend the Belizean military for responding with professionalism and restraint on each occasion to avoid further escalation, while asserting Belize’s legal position,” Botchway said.

The Belize government has ‘forthrightly’ rejected a statement issued by Guatemala in which it sought to present ‘alternative 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.”

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”.

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.

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”.

The Commonwealth Secretary General said that she was joining regional partners, including Caricom, to urge restraint, and respect for international law and state sovereignty.

“I call for peaceful dialogue to resolve this territorial dispute. I also appeal to Guatemala to choose peace for the benefit of both nations and to refrain from actions which escalate tensions, particularly in the Sarstoon River area.

“I encourage both countries to continue to seek a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to promptly fulfil their commitment to creating a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River and maritime areas with the support of the Organization of American States,” she said, adding “I urge all parties to intensify efforts towards constructive dialogue, respect for international agreements and lasting peace”.

The Commonwealth Secretary General said that she was reaffirming the position of Commonwealth heads of government and the Ministerial Committee on Belize, which includes support for the ICJ process, the development of the cooperation mechanism, and full adherence to confidence-building measures by the parties.

“The region and the world are watching. The Commonwealth continues to affirm the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize, a treasured member of our 56-nation Commonwealth family,” she added.