however, doesnotsubscribe toanydoctrine ofgeographic determinism. Thefactof ourbeinglocated withintheso-called sphereofinfluence ofaworldPowercannot dictate thatBelize's freedomofactioninitsinternational relations shouldbe circumscribed byanyneedforanexternal imprimatur. Belize's relations withneighbouring statesonourCentlal American mainland arebasedonrespectfornational self-determination, sovereignty andtherightof allpeoples tochoosetheirownpolitical, socialandeconomic systems freefrom external threats andpressures. Wehaveofourownaccord, however, chosento subscribe fUllytotheprinciples ofparliamentary democracy, andwenotewith satisfaction themarkedtrendtowards thedemocratization, orperhaps redemocratization, ofourAmerica. Theviolence thatcontinues toconsume Central America andcausewrenching dislocations ofpeoplefromtheirhomelands isregrettable andweighsheavily on ourability aspeace-loving nationstocreatetheconditions forareturnto normalcy inourregion. MyGovernment hasaparticular concern inthismatterbecause thetransborder migration ofthosefleeing theconflicts hasproduced aninfluxofrefugees into Belizewhichstrains ouralready thinlystretched socialandeconomic resources and threatens toproduce serious ethnicanddemographic tensions.RHI A/40/PV.27 43 (Mr.Barrow, Belize) Furthermore, Belizeans, withourhistory ofpeaceful andstabledevelopment, cannotforever remainimmunetotheinherent hostility andmistrust that characterize theevolution oftheconflict inthisregion. Wecannotignorethe attempts beingmadebyoutside Powerstoexploithistorical andprevailing conditions in~nefforttogainadvantage intheglobalEast-West confrontational struggle. Wemaintain theviewthataregional political solution isimperative. We holdtothethesisthattheContadora processisthebestmeanstodealwiththe situation. Duringthe10monthsofthenewadministration inBelize, thePrimeMinister andmembers ofhiscabinet havehadanopportunity tobegindiscussions and exchange viewswithmembersoftheContadora countries ondevelopments inCentral America. Throughout thesediscussions, onethemehasbeenrecurring, andthatis theneedfinallytoputinplacethemechanisms whichwillensurealasting solution totheregional problem. Thereisnowanurgentneedfortheprotagonists intheconflict tosummonup theactofpolitical ~~llnecessary forthesigning ofthefinaldraftofthe Contadora Actonpeaceandco-operation inCentral America. Foronlythenwill therebeanelimination ofthedistances thathavebeencreated betweenpolities andgroupsby~rtificial political andeconomic philosophies. Andonlythenwill thesovereignty andindependence ofthestatesofCentral America bestrengthened andthecreative energies ofourpeoplefreedtoconcentrate onthedevelopmental activities necessary toassureusprosperous, well-ordered societies. MyGovernment hasnodesiretocomplicate further theproblems oftheregion, butinviewofthestillunresolved claimbytheRepublic ofGuatemala tothe territory ofBelize, weconsider thesecurity anddefence ofourhomeland tobeour highest foreignpolicypriority.RHI A/40/PV.27 44 (Mr.Barrow, Belize) ThenewGovernment ofBelize ~DScommitted itselftoshowing realism and flexibility sothatapeaceful, diplomatic solution canbefound. Tothatendwe participated ininformal discussions withofficials oftheGuatemalan Government earlierthisyearinordertoexplore waysofarriving atasolution which recognize~ Belizean solidarity andourrighttomaintain andpreserve intactour present andcons~itutional borders, asolution thatwilldothisevenasitseeks tosatisfy someoftherelevant security concerns ofGuatemala. However,itmustbemadeclearthattheindependence ofBelizeis irreversible. Itisapractical andlegalfactofinternational life.Toseekto maintain otherwise iscounter-productive andcounter-historical. Inorderforany realprogress tobemade,discussions andnegotiations withGuatemala mustreflect thisreality. Belizeans applaud thes~gnalsofareturntodemocracy andcivilian rulein Guatemala andfullyexpectunderstanding andflexibility infuturediscussioils with acivilian administration. Apreludetoharmonious relations between BelizeandGuatemala, then,isthe recognition thattwoseparate, sovereign entities shareacommonborder. Bothare involved inthesearchforbetterconditions oflifefortheircitizens. This searchcanbestbeconducted inanatmosphere ofpeace,stability andinternal security. Good-neighbourliness between ourtwocountries, aswellasmutual
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement by the Prime Minister of Belize, addressing the country's international relations, security concerns, and diplomatic efforts. The focus is on the country's sovereignty, independence, and the need for peaceful and stable relations with neighboring states, particularly Guatemala. The text mentions economic and social issues, such as the influx of refugees and the strain on Belize's resources, but these are secondary to the main themes of international relations and diplomacy.

**Category**
International relations, Politics