The Secretary-General took note of the decision of the people of Belize and Guatemala, through referenda held in each country on 8 May 2019 and 15 April 2018 respectively, to submit their border differendum to the International Court of Justice for a final settlement.  Established by the Charter as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the Court is an essential mechanism for the peaceful settlement of disputes. 
 
The Secretary-General welcomes the spirit of cooperation with which both countries have sought to resolve this matter.