United States Belize sign agreement

The United States and Belize have signed a letter of agreement to combat organised crime, gangs, and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms.



Under the agreement, Belize is to benefit from a million US dollars in funding initially.



The US State Department said representatives of both countries will meet quarterly to review qualitative and quantitative progress towards achievement of the project goals and objectives.



The agency said Belize would also benefit from several regional educational exchange and other social programmes under the initiative.



The Merida initiative was announced by former US President George Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderón in October 2007.