Guatemala-Belize: Shootings in Disputed Area

We are deeply concerned by reports today that a child was killed and two family members injured in the disputed area between Guatemala and Belize known as the Adjacency Zone.

We express our deepest condolences to the family.

We urge calm and restraint by both sides, and we call for a full investigation of the facts surrounding this tragedy.

Finally, we encourage both countries to cooperate fully with the OAS Adjacency Zone Office and to continue engaging in the confidence building measures agreed upon in 2005. We reiterate our support for both countries to continue efforts to hold referenda on referring the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice.