Posted: June 18, 2016. 9:35 p.m. CST.
By Aaron Humes: Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party John Briceno told reporters on Friday that the country has made no progress in the international front in stopping Guatemala from advancing its territorial claim. 
The PUP is also irked that their political rivals appear to have frozen them out of the Guatemala process – and now, it appears, they have taken themselves out. Briceno announced that the PUP would now not participate in the planned June 21 Washington talks on a protocol for the Sarstoon.
Briceno says the PUP want a role in the talks but in a mode of mutual respect, not as junior partner or a partner of convenience.
Briceno also attacked the OAS resolution as too much of a concession to the Guatemalans, particularly citing no mention of the current aggressive acts in taking over the Sarstoon River.
However, Briceno says taking the matter to the United Nations Security Council, according to his foreign affairs team, may not be feasible and the OAS does have a role in helping to settle the dispute.
Briceno also called for the removal of Foreign minister Wilfred Elrington and strengthen the equipment capacity of Belize’s security forces in the Sarstoon, to help them stand their ground.
Briceno says he will meet with the PUP’s team of foreign ministers and then the National Executive to plan the way forward.
© 2016, www.breakingbelizenews.com. This article is the copyrighted property of Belize Media Group. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.