Brussels, 12/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 9 March, the European Union made the following declaration:
"Having considered recent developments in Belize/Guatemala relations; - the EU wishes to congratulate the Governments of Belize and Guatemala on their achievements in signing a list of confidence building measures in Washington on 8 November 2000, and agreeing a Plan of Action in Miami on 16-17 January to Implement the November 8, 2000 Agreement, and a process addressing the substantive aspects of the territorial dispute; - the EU recognises the important work being done under the auspices of the Organisation of American States by the Governments of Belize and Guatemala; - the EU therefore strongly encourages the Governments of Belize and Guatemala to continue this negotiating process, and to implement all agreed measures as quickly as practicably possible. The EU believes that nothing should distract them from that goal. The EU urges both Governments to refrain from any action which could jeopardise this process.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration.".