UN General Assembly
1982

neighbourliness to the Republic of Guatemala. As two sovereign nations, which must inevitably live together with shared borders, we are optimistic that, together, we can work out areas of co-operation for our mutual benefit. We stand ready to take steps to resolve, peacefully, a controversy born in another century. Belize must, however, insist on respect for its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-aligned character. 224. The refusal, to date, of the Republic of Guatemala to recognize the reality of Belize within its long-established and traditional borders, is in open defiance of-and shows a contemptuous disregard for-the overwhelming support we have received from States Members of the United Nations. For the Republic of Guatemala to assert that they have "legitimate rights over the territory of Belize" is to reveal a blatant expansionist policy devoid of any legal, historical, or political merit. 225. No part of the territory that is Belize has ever been possessed or occupied by Guatemala. Belize belongs to the Belizeans. The peace-loving and democratic people of Belize know this. Our other neighbours in Central America and the