Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BELMOPAN358
2007-05-24 21:17:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Belmopan
Cable title:  

BELIZE: GOVERNMENT FACES ANOTHER TOUGH

Tags:  PGOV ASEC BH 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5992
PP RUEHGR
DE RUEHBE #0358 1442117
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 242117Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0566
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICA COLLECTIVE
RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000358 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CEN//JASON MACK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC BH
SUBJECT: BELIZE: GOVERNMENT FACES ANOTHER TOUGH
FRIDAY

REF: BELMOPAN 342

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000358

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CEN//JASON MACK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC BH
SUBJECT: BELIZE: GOVERNMENT FACES ANOTHER TOUGH
FRIDAY

REF: BELMOPAN 342


1. Prime Minister Musa struggled to hold his
cabinet in line following a large demonstration
held on May 18 against his decision to provide a
government guarantee of a BZ$ 33 million (US
$16.5 million) private debt (Reftel). He put off
a House of Representatives vote to authorize his
commitment to Belize Bank until Friday May 25.


2. On May 22 the Defense Minister and the
Minister of National Development were both
fired. Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister,
the Foreign Minister, and the Minister of Health
have all indicated they would resign rather than
support the vote.


3. The opposition has again called for a rally
to be held outside the parliament building in
Belmopan on May 25. Police initially denied the
application for a demonstration permit, but a
judge issued an injunction allowing the protest
to go forward. The May 18 protest had an
estimated crowd of as many as 3500 anti-
government demonstrators who threw rocks and
bottles at police and government buildings.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the
crowd.


4. In the run up to the May 25 House session
police told the RSO that they are expecting the
crowd to get unruly early in the day. Several
unions are joining the protest and the Chamber
of Commerce has urged businesses to close. We
also understand that people have begun a silent
prayer vigil at the Prime Minister?s house in
Belize City. (Comment: He?ll need all the help
he can get. End Comment.)

HILL