Candidate Solis

Editorial Note: This is a communication by a politician who is a candidate in the upcoming elections in Costa Rica to succeed President Laura Chinchilla. Being informed about political intention is an important part of the democratic process that Costa Rica holds dear; however, this content shall not be construed as an endorsement by the Costa Rica Star.

Position by Luis Guillermo Solis in Response to Statements Made by Daniel Ortega about Guanacaste.

The statements made by President Daniel Ortega with regard to potentially taking back Guanacaste are unacceptable. Still, the adequate response to these kinds of statements, which will surely continue to be made in the future, shall not be displays of bravado. Our country draws strength from international law and peaceful conflict resolution. In this case, the Canas-Jerez Treaty, international law and history rule in our favor.

Let there be no doubt that, should it be necessary, we will prove our position in a convincing fashion when the moment calls for it. However, it is also true that the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica should be capable of developing a common agenda that should go beyond their differences in border affairs.

We should be able to move on and give priority to matters that benefit our communities, including the strengthening of cultural and economic exchanges, among other matters. We will work on this during the 2014-2018 administration.

Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera

Presidential Candidate

Partido Accion Ciudadana (Citizens’ Action Party)

Author’s Note: Mr. Solis is responding to statements made by President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua at an event commemorating the 33rd anniversary of that country’s Naval Forces, which are being augmented with light missile frigates and heavily armed patrol boats donated by Russia. President Ortega clearly stated that he would “reclaim Guanacaste.”

The Canas-Jerez Treaty of 1858 effectively recognizes Costa Rica’s sovereign claim to the Nicoya region and the province of Guanacaste. Historically, Nicaragua has challenged this treaty since about 1870, and at one point United States President Grover Cleveland was appointed arbitrator. He ruled in favor of Costa Rica in 1888.

President Laura Chinchilla plans to take this matter before the United Nations. She called the statements made by her Nicaraguan counterpart as affronts to history, sovereign rights and fraternity between the neighboring countries. President Chinchilla has also reminded the public about the embarrassing Google Maps Invasion of 2010, when Nicaraguan soldiers entered Isla Calero in Costa Rica, hoisted their country’s flag and set up camp.