UDP demands full investigation into reported Guatemalan military aircraft incursion

By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The United Democratic Party is demanding a full investigation into reports that a Guatemalan military aircraft may have entered Belizean airspace near Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Caye Caulker.

In a statement issued Thursday, September 25, the UDP said Belizeans deserve clear answers about the aircraft’s route, purpose and exact position during the reported September 24 flight.

The Opposition referred to comments attributed to Ministry of National Defence and Border Security CEO Francis Usher indicating that Belize had not authorized the flight.

The UDP also pointed to Guatemala’s subsequent response, saying the Guatemalan Ministry of National Defence stated that its military operations comply with national and international law, but did not directly answer whether the aircraft entered Belizean airspace.

The party is now calling on the Government to establish the aircraft’s route using available radar, air traffic and flight records and to make its findings public.

It also wants the Government to seek a direct explanation from Guatemala regarding the purpose of the flight and the aircraft’s location near Lighthouse Reef and Caye Caulker.

The UDP said that if evidence confirms the aircraft entered Belizean airspace without authorization, Belize should lodge a formal diplomatic protest and raise the incident with appropriate regional and international partners.

The reported incident comes amid the longstanding Belize Guatemala territorial dispute. Belize has described the peaceful resolution of that dispute as a major foreign policy priority, with the matter currently before the International Court of Justice. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The UDP said it would support lawful and peaceful measures to protect Belize’s sovereignty.

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