Belize's Stance On Venezuela: Allies Or Adversaries?

Belize and Venezuela have shared political ties, with Venezuela providing funding and debt relief to Belize. However, the relationship between the two countries has been complex and influenced by external factors, such as the involvement of the United States and Venezuela's border dispute with Guyana. Belize has maintained a neutral stance on Venezuela's internal affairs and elections, abstaining from voting in the Organization of American States' (OAS) efforts to release Venezuelan election data. Belize has also expressed support for the peaceful resolution of the Venezuela-Guyana border dispute through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Additionally, Venezuela has offered to support baseball and softball development in Belize.

Belize does not support US interference in Venezuela

Belize has a history of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, dating back to 1989. The two countries have been members of several regional organisations and agreements together, including the Caracas Energy Agreement, the Central American Integration System, the Association of Caribbean States, and the Organization of American States. However, in recent years, there have been some tensions in the relationship. In 2017, Belize suspended its participation in Petrocaribe due to issues with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, failing to maintain a continuous supply of petroleum. Additionally, Belize has abstained from voting on resolutions denouncing Venezuela's political situation, indicating a neutral stance on the matter.

Despite these complexities, Belize has been clear in its opposition to external interference in Venezuela. Acting Prime Minister Faber emphasised the right of Venezuela to self-determination, stating that the country has the right to "determine their own government without interference from a larger power". This position aligns with Belize's broader foreign policy, which prioritises strengthening ties with neighbouring countries and maintaining a neutral stance on international disputes.

Belize's stance on non-interference in Venezuela is also reflected in its approach to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Belize has expressed deep concern over Venezuela's claims of administrative sovereignty over the Essequibo region, which is recognised as part of Guyana's territory. Belize has reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to this dispute through the International Court of Justice, emphasising the importance of respecting international law and the sovereignty of nations.

Belize reiterates support for ICJ to resolve Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Belize has expressed its strong support for the ongoing judicial process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. In a statement issued by the Government of Belize, the country reiterated its commitment to the peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute between the two nations.

The Belizean government raised concerns about Venezuela's recent decisions regarding the Essequibo region, which is an integral part of Guyana's territory. Venezuela's actions challenge Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity and violate international law and the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ on December 1, 2023. The ICJ directed Venezuela to refrain from any actions that might "aggravate or extend" the dispute or make it more challenging to resolve.

Belize emphasized its unwavering support for Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity and stood in solidarity with the Guyanese people. It stressed the importance of Latin America and the Caribbean remaining a zone of peace. Belize's stance aligns with the ICJ's ruling, which ordered Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would alter the situation on the ground in the disputed territory.

The border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has been a long-standing issue, with Venezuela reactivating its claim on the area in recent years after the discovery of offshore oil and gas resources. The ICJ's ruling is a significant development, as it seeks to maintain the status quo and prevent any escalation of tensions between the two countries.

Belize's support for the ICJ process demonstrates its commitment to international law, peaceful conflict resolution, and the maintenance of regional peace and stability. By endorsing the ICJ's role in resolving the border controversy, Belize reinforces the importance of a diplomatic and peaceful approach to addressing territorial disputes.

Venezuela to support baseball and softball development in Belize

Belize and Venezuela have shared political ties, with Venezuela providing funding and debt relief to Belize. Belize has also received support from the US, which opposes Venezuela's President, in the form of a $125 million grant. Despite this, Belize has stated that it does not support US interference in Venezuela, valuing the latter country's right to self-determination.

Belize has also expressed support for the peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, reiterating its support for the ongoing judicial process at the International Court of Justice.

In terms of baseball and softball, Venezuela has offered to support the development of these sports in Belize. Venezuela is the top baseball power in South America, and is willing to send instructors to Belize to help develop players and coaches. Belize's Minister of Sports, Kevin Bernard, welcomed the proposal and planned a meeting with the Ministry of Sports of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. According to the latest WBSC World Rankings, Belize is unranked in baseball, 67th in women's softball, and 42nd in men's softball, while Venezuela is ranked 8th. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has also distributed softball equipment to Belize, along with other Central American countries, as part of its development plan to accelerate the globalization of the game. Venezuela has also launched a Baseball5 league to develop talent for future international competitions.

Belize to continue abstaining in OAS vote on Venezuela election data release

Belize will continue to abstain from voting in the Organization of American States' (OAS) efforts to force the Venezuelan government to release data from the recent election. The OAS had moved to table a resolution to force President Nikolas Maduro's hand, but Belize chose to abstain, and, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca, the country will continue to abstain when a second round of voting is called.

In comments to local media, Fonseca explained that Belize had abstained because it wanted more information. He said, "We're not satisfied that we've been provided with sufficient, reliable information, so we join with those who are saying we need more transparency, we need more information provided, more data provided."

While Venezuelan authorities have declared Maduro the winner of the elections, they have yet to produce voting tallies to prove it. Meanwhile, thousands of Venezuelans have been protesting in support of the opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, who they believe won the presidential elections by a landslide.

The OAS has condemned the elections as fraudulent, stating that the results "cannot be recognized" due to a lack of impartiality and transparency, the lack of participation of all political actors and citizens, and the lack of independent international electoral observation. The OAS report concluded that without public documentary support for the election results, they could not be trusted and should not be recognized.

Belize's decision to abstain from the OAS vote has been criticized by the opposition, which has called on the government to support the OAS in preserving the integrity of the election results and protecting against election fraud. However, Belize's foreign policy has been consistent in maintaining a principled approach, and the country is committed to ensuring free and fair elections in Venezuela.

Fonseca explained that Belize would work through regional blocs such as CARICOM and SICA to avoid making a unilateral declaration on the matter. He also noted that Venezuela's decision to be transparent and provide data openly would guide their future diplomatic relations.

Belize's stance on Venezuela despite US influence

Belize and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in 1989. Belize has maintained a stance of solidarity with Venezuela, despite the US's opposition to Venezuela's president.

Belize has a history of strong political ties with Venezuela, dating back to the Esquivel and Musa Administrations. Venezuela has provided funding and debt relief to Belize. In 2000, Belize was among the ten Central American and Caribbean countries that signed the Caracas Energy Agreement, in which Venezuela agreed to sell oil under preferential payment conditions. In 2016, Belize also joined 14 other OAS member countries in calling for a "frank dialogue" in Venezuela and the holding of a presidential recall referendum "without delay".

However, in 2017, Belize abstained from voting on an OAS resolution to denounce a "violation of the constitutional order" in Venezuela. This resolution was approved by consensus at a special session just days after Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice took control of the legislative branch. In the same year, Belize suspended its participation in Petrocaribe due to problems with the continuous supply of petroleum from Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). In 2018, Belize again abstained from an OAS resolution that rejected the results of Venezuela's presidential elections, in which Nicolás Maduro was proclaimed the winner.

Belize's stance on Venezuela has been called into question due to US influence in the region. The US strongly opposes Venezuela's president and has provided Belize with $125 million through its Millennium Challenge Corporation. However, Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, stated that the country's stance on Venezuela has not shifted due to US influence. He emphasised that discussions with the MCC group were held in "absolute good faith" and that the grant money would be used to improve the country's education and energy sectors.

Belize continues to face similar challenges to other Central American countries, including the harmful activities of criminal organisations, insecurity, poverty, gang violence, and the increasing effects of climate change. The US has been working closely with Belize to address these issues, providing military assistance and supporting initiatives to strengthen border security, combat transnational crime, and manage migration. As the largest trading partner and source of investment funds for Belize, the US certainly holds significant influence in the region.

Despite US influence and opposition to Venezuela's president, Belize maintains its diplomatic relations with Venezuela and has expressed support for the peaceful settlement of territorial disputes between Venezuela and Guyana through the ICJ process.

Frequently asked questions