BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government Monday said it has always been, and remains, committed to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, which it believes are fundamental to maintaining global peace and security.
In a statement regarding the United States military action in Venezuela last Saturday that led to the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro on drug-related charges, Belmopan said that in the previous four months, it has been monitoring closely and has consistently expressed its concern about the buildup of military assets in the southern Caribbean.
The 25-page indictment made public Saturday accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.
In its statement, the Belize government said it “aligns itself with the statement issued by the Bureau of CARICOM Heads of Government on January 3, and that “Belize will continue to engage with CARICOM and other states in the hemisphere on the implications for the region.
“We call on all parties to exercise restraint, to respect international law, and to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis in Venezuela within the framework of international law.
“Belize and Venezuela have historically shared friendly and cooperative bilateral relations, and, as such, we would like to see a return to constitutional order as soon as possible. Respect for the Venezuelan constitution and the will of the Venezuelan people should guide future actions. “
Belize said it “reiterates its commitment to our region as a Zone of Peace.”
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