Many eyebrows were raised today when news went out that Belize had abstained from the vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. This is in wake of what are being called war crimes committed in Ukraine.

The vote went 93 in favor of suspension, 24 against and 58 abstentions, Belize being one of them.

The suspension passed and the opponents of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are calling it a major victory.

But, what does Belize say? Today, the Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay told KREM news, quote, "Belize has repeatedly condemned the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, and we have condemned the clear breaches of international humanitarian law by Russia. We have called for a ceasefire and for an end to this unnecessary and very damaging war. In our view, the negotiations should be encouraged and facilitated. The suspension of Russia from the HRC does not help with the overarching objective of a return to peace," end quote.

Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow took no comfort in that; he said the Opposition condemns GOB's abstention on the vote. He added, quote, "There is zero room for flexibility on the matter where thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being slaughtered by Russian military everyday Belize faces her own existential threat with an unfounded claim to our land by a neighboring Nation who may very well be inspired to follow the diabolical actions of the Russians if the world does not respond forcefully and unequivocally to deter this kind unlawful behavior. Thus we must not waiver on this issue of human rights, international law and war crimes." End quote.

Channel 7