The Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has expressed its "full and decisive support for the constitutional government of Belize, led by Prime Minister Said W. Musa, and for the democratic institutions in Belize."
A mid-week statement from the OAS said Ambassador of Belize, Lisa Shoman, communicated to the council the political and social developments affecting her country and its constitutional government, including the interruption of electricity and telecommunication services, resulting in millions of dollars in economic losses to both the public and private sectors.
rejection
Following that presentation, the council stressed its "categoric rejection" of any action that disrupts the democratic order, and condemned the use of violence and "any actions that threaten democracy, governance and the rule of law in Belize."
The council's resolution further reaffirmed, as essential
elements of democracy, the principle of "the constitutional subordination of all state institutions to the legally constituted civilian authority" as well as respect for the constitution and the rule of law by all institutions and sectors of society.
Ambassador Shoman informed the council that "there is a clear, serious and mounting threat to democracy in Belize." She explained the unfolding of events since April 14, marked by protest against the government. "The protest has evolved into acts of public disorder and of sabotage directed at essential services in Belize, resulting in the interruption of international and local telecommunications, electricity and water," said Shoman.
National dialogue
In a resolution passed this week the OAS supported the call for a national dialogue in Belize to strengthen the democratic institutions and foster the economic and social development of the Belizean people. It called on all sectors of Belizean society to engage in that dialogue.
