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Cables mirror and Afghan War Diary
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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04SANJOSE3369 |
COSTA RICA INCSR REPORT 2004 - 2005 PART I, DRUGS [...] (U) The text of Costa Rica's 2004-2005 INCSR Part I is below. Costa Rica I. Summary Costa Rica serves as a transshipment point for narcotics from South America to the United States and Europe. The bilateral Maritime Counterdrug Cooperation Agreement, which entered into force in late [...] |
2004-12-17 19:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR CS |
| 05CARACAS2404 |
REACTION TO IACHR VARGAS DECISION [...] (C) The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) passed a resolution accepting Venezuela's admission of responsibility for all charges in the case of Blanco Romero y Otros vs. Venezuela. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (the Commission) and representatives for the victims (th [...] |
2005-08-08 19:47:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI CS VE |
| 05PANAMA371 |
EMBASSY PANAMA WELCOMES CODEL TAYLOR [...] Embassy warmly welcomes Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), who will visit Panama during February 20-22, 2005. Embassy also welcomes HASC Cousel Henry J. Schweiter, and DOD escorts Col. Chris Perkins and Ltc. Mike Legg, U.S. Special Operations Command [...] |
2005-02-18 17:27:00 | Embassy Panama | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN HO CS PM |
| 05PANAMA702 |
PANAMA COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR PAIGH REPRESENTATIVE [...] Embassy grants country clearance for Ms. Jacqueline Klaver, Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Section, Pan American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH), United States Geological Survey, who will visit Panama during April 4-8, 2005. The purpose of this visit is to represent the [...] |
2005-03-29 22:28:00 | Embassy Panama | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC CS OTRA SOCI PM PAIGH |
| 05SANJOSE1627 |
PRIMER ON THE INTER-AMERICAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS [...] Summary: This cable briefly describes the organization, and procedures of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as the Court's relationship to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Reftel describes the progress of an actual recent case in the court brought against Venezue [...] |
2005-07-18 13:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM CS |
| 05SANJOSE1634 |
SAN JOSE FLASH REPORT - JULY 2005 [...] Embassy San Jose's cumulative allotments and obligations for current fiscal year INL funds are as follows: Project Number:011122101 Project Title: PD&S Cumulative Allotments: $21,384 Cumulative Obligations: $16,800 KAPLAN [...] |
2005-07-18 22:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR AFIN CS |
| 05SANJOSE1639 |
FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMISSION OF EMINENT PERSONS [...] (U) On July 17, 2005, President Pacheco met for the first time with all five members of the commission of eminent persons ("junta de notables") whom he tasked to review the text of the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). This meeting officially began the [...] |
2005-07-19 15:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1645 |
COSTA RICA OPPOSES G-4 FRAMEWORK [...] (SBU) PolOff discussed Costa Rica's views of the proposed G-4 resolution for expanding the UN Security Council with MFA Acting Director for Foreign Policy Edwin Arias on July 12, 2005. At that time, Arias said Costa Rica opposed permanent membership but had not yet finalized its position. Ar [...] |
2005-07-19 21:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OTRA CS UNGA |
| 05SANJOSE1671 |
COSTA RICAN REPRESENTATION AT WHTI MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-21 22:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC EAIR ELTN EWWT XM XL CS |
| 05SANJOSE1712 |
COSTA RICAN LABOR UNIONS LOOK FOR WAYS TO COMBAT [...] (SBU) Summary: Costa Rica's labor unions, flush from their earlier successes in intimidating President Abel Pacheco, recently fell back to earth when planned demonstrations against the Central American-U.S.-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) fizzled. Now, with possible adoptio [...] |
2005-07-28 21:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD CS |
| 05SANJOSE1713 |
COSTA RICAN REACTION TO CAFTA-DR APPROVAL IN THE [...] (U) Summary. After passage of the CAFTA-DR implementing legislation in the late evening hours (in Costa Rica) by the U.S. House of Representatives, GOCR officials, private business persons, and labor leaders offered their reactions. Local media coverage of the ratification process in the U.S [...] |
2005-07-28 22:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1720 |
CHORUS OF VOICES SINGING SEND CAFTA-DR TO THE [...] (U) Summary. The second day after the U.S. Congress approved the CAFTA-DR implementing legislation, many Costa Ricans are expressing the urgent need for President Pacheco to send the agreement to the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly for ratification (Ref A). Those asking the administration to [...] |
2005-07-29 22:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1721 |
COALITIONS ATTEMPT TO CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL [...] Voters, disappointment with the two traditional political parties may give several newly-formed parties the opportunity to capture a significant number of votes in the 2006 Presidential and Legislative Assembly elections. While these newly-formed parties are organizing coalitions to exploit [...] |
2005-07-29 23:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1722 |
COSTA RICAN MEDIA POSITIVE ON CAFTA-DR PASSAGE IN [...] (U) Summary: Costa Rican media attention to CAFTA-DR, always strong, intensified with the recent passage of the agreement in the U.S. House of Representatives (San Jose 01713, 01720). General reporting was heavy, with five Costa Rican dailies on 7/29 publishing more than 11 pages on CAFTA-DR [...] |
2005-07-29 23:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OPRC ETRD ECON PREL SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1739 |
SAN JOSE: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DEMARCHE [...] (SBU) Charge d'Affaires delivered the demarche to Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar on August 1. Poloff also sent talking points by fax to Carlos Cordero, Deputy Director for Multilateral Affairs. In the meeting with the Charge, Minister Tovar expressed his belief that the Human Rights Commissi [...] |
2005-08-03 21:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL CS UNGA |
| 05SANJOSE1740 |
PRESIDENT PACHECO COMMENTS ON CAFTA-DR [...] (U) On August 3, 2005, during his first weekly press conference held since CAFTA-DR was approved and signed by President Bush, Costa Rican President Abel Pacheco officially congratulated the U.S. government for ratifying the United States-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement [...] |
2005-08-03 22:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1746 |
BORDER DISPUTE WITH NICARAGUA THREATENS TO FLARE [...] (C) In an August 1 meeting with Charge and acting DCM, Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar said that the dispute over the navigational rights of Costa Rican police on the San Juan River threatens again to disrupt relations between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Tovar noted that the three-year "truce" o [...] |
2005-08-04 14:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PREL PINR ETRD CS NU |
| 05SANJOSE1748 |
LETTER FROM EX-PRESIDENT MIGUEL ANGEL RODRIGUEZ [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-04 17:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ETRD PGOV PREL |
| 05SANJOSE1753 |
PRO-CAFTA-DR COSTA RICAN OFFICIAL FIRED [...] (U) Summary. On August 3, 2005, "El Financiero" reported that Amparo Pacheco, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) was fired, effective August 2, 2005, due to a lack of confidence from President Pacheco (no relation to the ex-Vice Minister) and COMEX Minister Manuel Gonzalez [...] |
2005-08-04 21:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1757 |
TOURISM SNAPSHOT IN COSTA RICA [...] Summary. The tourism industry is king in Costa Rica, having been the nation's top revenue generator since 2001. The number of tourists coming to Costa Rica continues to increase, with hundreds of thousands of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans flocking to the beaches, volcanoes, and adventu [...] |
2005-08-05 14:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND CASC EINV PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE1772 |
NEW HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN ELECTED [...] Summary: The Legislative Assembly elected Lisbeth Quesada Tristan to the 4-year independent post of human rights ombudsman (Defensor de los Habitantes) on August 4, 2005. Quesada, 53, is a medical doctor unaffiliated with any political party. The Ombudsman's position had been vacant since Jun [...] |
2005-08-05 22:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR CS |
| 05SANJOSE1774 |
SECRET MEETINGS, DEAL-MAKING, TAXES, AND CAFTA-DR [...] (U) Summary. On August 3, 2005 Costa Rican dailies "La Prensa Libre" and "Diario Extra" reported that members of President Pacheco's Social Christian Union Party (PUSC) and the National Liberation Party (PLN) met in secret on July 29, 2005 to discuss overcoming difficulties in passing the Fis [...] |
2005-08-08 15:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1785 |
SPEAKING OUT IN COSTA RICA ON GITMO AND DETAINEES [...] (SBU) Per reftel instructions, Charge and A/DCM discussed reftel points at length with Foreign Minster Tovar on August 1, and left a copy with him as a non-paper. We will follow up with other officials at the Foreign Ministry as well as with the Ministry of Public Security where our common i [...] |
2005-08-08 21:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPAO CS |
| 05SANJOSE1787 |
UNIMER POLL SHOWS STEADY SUPPORT FOR CAFTA-DR IN [...] Summary. As compared to a June 2005 poll conducted by UNIMER (Ref A), a similarly conducted August 2005 poll shows knowledge of and support for the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) remains strong and steady. UNIMER has been conducting similar polls si [...] |
2005-08-08 21:07:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1819 |
COMMISSION OF EMINENT PERSONS MEETS WITH PRESIDENT [...] Summary. On August 8, 2005 the five-member Commission of Eminent Persons met with President Pacheco to discuss the status of their review of the text of the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA- DR). Franklin Chang, head of the Commission, stated that they ha [...] |
2005-08-10 17:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1822 |
PRO-CAFTA-DR MARCH DRAWS THOUSANDS IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) On August 9, 2005, workers from more than 60 companies marched to the President's offices to show their support for the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). While estimates of the number of participants ranged from 4,000 to 8,000, most media [...] |
2005-08-10 22:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1828 |
PRESIDENT'S PARTY PUBLICLY SUPPORTS CAFTA-DR, BUT [...] (U) Summary. Members of President Pacheco's Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) are publicly urging him to send the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to the Legislative Assembly as soon as possible, despite the continued failure to pass the Fis [...] |
2005-08-11 13:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1875 |
POLL SHOWS A MAJORITY OF COSTA RICANS CONTINUE TO [...] Summary. A July 2005 CID/GALLUP poll contracted by the daily newspaper "La Republica" and local television network Repretel reveals a slightly decreasing majority of Costa Ricans support the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and believe the agreement wi [...] |
2005-08-17 19:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1904 |
COSTA RICA SCENESETTER FOR SENATOR ARLEN SPECTOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes Senator Arlen Spector. Your trip comes in the heat of the campaign for the February 2006 general election. The political establishment is still struggling to recover from large scandals that resulted in two ex-Presidents awaiting trial under h [...] |
2005-08-17 23:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CS ECON OVIP PGOV PREL VE |
| 05SANJOSE1940 |
COSTA RICA AND ASIA TRADE ISSUES IN THE MEDIA [...] (U) Summary. In the midst of President Pacheco's 12- day trip to Taiwan and Japan, issues surrounding trade between Costa Rica and several Asian countries have been recent topics in the local press. While in Taipei, President Pacheco discussed his intentions to pursue a free trade agreement [...] |
2005-08-19 21:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE1995 |
SENATOR SPECTER BRIEFED ON COUNTER-DRUG EFFORTS, [...] Summary: Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) visited the Guanacaste Province of Northern Costa Rica from August 18-20. The Charge and other Embassy Officers briefed the Senator in advance of a meeting with the Director of Costa Rica's Counter-Drug Police. On August 19, the Senator discussed NIH-fu [...] |
2005-08-24 15:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL SNAR CS |
| 05SANJOSE2008 |
THE PROCESS OF RATIFYING FTAs IN COSTA RICA [...] (SBU) Summary. The process to ratify free trade agreements such as the United States-Central American- Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) in Costa Rica is not simple. It is not even clear whether the agreement must be passed by a simple or a two-thirds majority. The Assembl [...] |
2005-08-26 14:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2019 |
CHAVEZ SOCIAL CHARTER EVENT [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-26 22:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL AORC KSUM SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2020 |
CHINESE ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA [...] (C) Summary. Costa Rica officially established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1959 and is one of only 26 countries to officially recognize Taiwan. Costa Rica has no official diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (China or PRC). (Note: Post will follow WTO naming convent [...] |
2005-08-26 22:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL ETRD ETTC EINV ENRG EAGR EFIN PHUM EMIN CH CS ESENV |
| 05SANJOSE2037 |
ANOTHER POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF COSTA RICANS SUPPORT [...] According to a poll conducted in August 2005 by UNIMER for the daily "La Nacion," 54 percent of the 1,413 persons polled supported the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), up from 43 percent in a similar poll conducted for "La Nacion" in November 2004. Tw [...] |
2005-08-31 14:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2038 |
COALITION OF DEPUTIES URGE PRESIDENT TO MOVE [...] (U) Summary. On August 29, 2005, thirty-eight of the 57 members (deputies) of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly signed a letter to President Pacheco urging him to send the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to the legislative body immediately [...] |
2005-08-31 14:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2047 |
PRESIDENT MEETS WITH COMMISSION OF EMINENT PERSONS [...] (SBU) Summary. On August 29, 2005, President Pacheco met with four of the five members of the Commission of Eminent Persons regarding their progress on reviewing the text of the U.S.-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Franklin Chang, head of the Commission, [...] |
2005-09-01 14:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2051 |
SECURITY OFFICIALS' CONFIDENCE GROWING AS CAFTA-DR [...] (C) During an official call August 31 on President Pacheco by General Craddock of U.S. Southern Command, the head of Costa Rica's national police said that as a result of growing public support for the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), police officials a [...] |
2005-09-01 20:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECON PREL SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2052 |
COSTA RICA'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CODEX TASK FORCE [...] On August 22, 2005 AgAtt conveyed reftel demarche to Isabel Cristina Araya, Technical Secretary of the National CODEX Committee. 2. By means of a letter dated August 29, 2005, Ms. Araya indicated that Costa Rica would not be represented at the CODEX Intergovernmental Task Force on Biotechno [...] |
2005-09-02 13:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR CS ECON TBIO |
| 05SANJOSE2068 |
COSTA RICA: SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS DEMARCHE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-02 21:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | KSUM ECON PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2071 |
COSTA RICA: FOOD AID AND THE WTO [...] On August 29, 2005, Econoff delivered non-paper to Doris Osterlof, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade (COMEX), Melissa Delgado, Advisor to the Minister, and Ronald Obaldia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. COMEX is the lead GOCR organization on this issue and shared the information with other [...] |
2005-09-02 21:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ETRD ECPS ECON CS WTO AID |
| 05SANJOSE2072 |
COSTA RICA UPDATE ON CHILD LABOR [...] The Government of Costa Rica is committed to the elimination of child labor in Costa Rica by 2010. According to the most recent survey, conducted in 2002, approximately 114,000 children between ages 5 and 17 were working, a figure which represents just over ten percent of the country's youth [...] |
2005-09-02 22:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ETRD PGOV PHUM SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2086 |
HURRICANE KATRINA: COSTA RICA OFFER OF ASSISTANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-07 20:07:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AEMR EAID PREL US CS |
| 05SANJOSE2090 |
STATUS OF FISCAL REFORM [...] (SBU) Summary. Three years after starting discussion of the fiscal reform bill and 3 months after voting to utilize a "fast-track" review, the Legislative Assembly members remain far away from approving the bill. Disagreements about the bill between political parties and also between the Pre [...] |
2005-09-08 15:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2096 |
HURRICANE KATRINA: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM [...] On September 8, Embassy San Jose received a signed letter addressed to President Bush from President Pacheco extending his condolences to the Government and people of the United States and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Informal Embassy translation of letter follows: San Jose, September [...] |
2005-09-09 16:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC CS |
| 05SANJOSE2098 |
COSTA RICA: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ON AVIAN AND [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-09 21:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON KSCA PREL SOCI TBIO CS |
| 05SANJOSE2100 |
EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA ON COSTA RICAN [...] Summary. While Costa Rica lies far south of the devastating path that Hurricane Katrina took, some Costa Rican businesses are being impacted by its effects on the operations of the port of New Orleans. Many Costa Rican companies rely on the port as the primary doorway for importing and expo [...] |
2005-09-09 22:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2104 |
STATUS OF THE PROPOSED LAW TO STRENGTHEN AND [...] (SBU) Summary. The Legislative Assembly,s Special Mixed Commission to review the Law to Strengthen and Modernize the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) ended its 28-month tenure without coming to agreement on how to proceed with the proposed telecommunications reform law. The content [...] |
2005-09-09 23:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2105 |
COSTA RICA: SIGNALS OF MORE FLEXIBILITY ON CAFTA-DR [...] (C) Summary. After attending a meeting on September 8, 2005 with various business representatives who are in favor of the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), President Pacheco and Minister of Foreign Trade (COMEX) Manuel Gonzalez have alluded to [...] |
2005-09-09 23:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2106 |
ARTICLE 98 WORRIES REKINDLED IN COSTA RICA [...] (C) Foreign Minister Tovar told Charge that an Article 98 agreement would not be approved in Costa Rica. He was concerned, however, about the impact of the American Servicemembers' Protection Act (ASPA) and the Nethercutt Amendment on important U.S. assistance that Costa Rica had been receivi [...] |
2005-09-09 23:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID MASS CS KICC |
| 05SANJOSE2131 |
COSTA RICA TO ATTEMPT TWO-YEAR STOPGAP ACCORD ON [...] (C) As the clock ticks down on a three-year "truce" on the San Juan River dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar on September 8 told Charge that he will propose a new two-year stopgap agreement. He said Costa Rica, however, will demand in the new agreement so [...] |
2005-09-12 23:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PREL PINR ETRD CS NU |
| 05SANJOSE2158 |
COSTA RICA: TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY [...] Summary: The textile industry in Costa Rica is regarded as efficient and productive. However, the low labor costs of China and the preferential treatment Mexico was granted under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) put the Costa Rican textile industry at a disadvantage. As a res [...] |
2005-09-15 00:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON KTEX PGOV PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2181 |
COMMISSION OF EMINENT PERSONS DELIVERS REPORT ON [...] (U) On September 16, 2005, the five-member Commission of Eminent Persons delivered its final report on the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to President Pacheco. According to a Presidential press release of the same day, the only copy of the 6 [...] |
2005-09-19 21:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2186 |
GOCR REQUESTS AND EMBASSY SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF [...] Summary: Embassy supports GOCR request to extend project of U.S. Treasury Department Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) Tax Team beyond December 31, 2005 projected termination date. End summary. 2. Charge d'Affaires received the following letter from Minister of Finance on August 26, [...] |
2005-09-19 22:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2199 |
COSTA RICA: UNESCO DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-20 21:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL SCUL ETRD CS UNESCO |
| 05SANJOSE2202 |
COSTA RICA: PRESIDENT PACHECO AND COMMISSION OF [...] (U) Summary. On September 20, 2005, after meeting with his cabinet and the five-member Commission of Eminent Persons, President Pacheco held a press conference to discuss the Commission's report on the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The Pre [...] |
2005-09-21 00:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2215 |
STUDENTS, LABOR UNIONS STAGE ANTI-CAFTA MARCHES [...] Summary: Labor unions and student groups took to the streets of San Jose on Tuesday, September 20, to protest the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), as President Pacheco's "Commission of Eminent Persons" made the findings of its study on the agreement publ [...] |
2005-09-22 21:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ETRD CS |
| 05SANJOSE2227 |
FINANCE MINISTER WANTS PRESIDENT PACHECO TO SUBMIT [...] (C) Summary. On September 21, 2005, Charge met with GOCR Finance Minister Federico Carrillo, in part, to discuss the status of the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Carrillo was buoyed by the Commission of Eminent Persons' report on CAFTA-DR [...] |
2005-09-23 20:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2231 |
COSTA RICA: THE COMMISSION OF EMINENT PERSONS [...] (SBU) Summary: On September 20 the presidential-appointed Commission of Eminent Persons (the Notables) exited the stage in a notable way; after 60 days of analyzing CAFTA-DR, they made no judgment about whether or not the treaty should be approved. The Commission, however, appeared to be unc [...] |
2005-09-24 00:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2249 |
COSTA RICA'S POSITION PAPER ON THE BORDER DISPUTE [...] (C) While Costa Rican Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar and Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Norman Caldera met in San Jose September 27 to discuss the San Juan River border dispute, the Costa Rican MFA sent the following position paper to the U.S. and British (as current EU president) embassies. The [...] |
2005-09-28 10:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PREL PINR ETRD CS NU |
| 05SANJOSE2265 |
FOREIGN MINISTER TOVAR BRIEFS DIPLOMATIC CORPS ON [...] (C) Summary: Foreign Minsiter Tovar told diplomats in San Jose that Costa Rica had no alternative to filing a case in the ICJ to vindicate its rights to free navigation on the San Juan River. He said that going to the court was not a hostile or unfriendly act and that retaliation on the part o [...] |
2005-09-29 23:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PREL PINR ETRD CS NU |
| 05SANJOSE2386 |
ELECTION SEASON IN COSTA RICA OFFICIALLY BEGINS [...] Summary: The GOCR officially launched its 2006 election cycle on Saturday, October 1. The February 5 ballot will be a crowded one: fourteen presidential candidates have been certified by the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE). The field of candidates for the Legislative Assembly is similarly [...] |
2005-10-13 19:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KDEM CS |
| 05SANJOSE2389 |
COSTA RICA AND CAFTA-DR [...] (SBU) Summary. President Pacheco continues to say he will send the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to the Legislative Assembly. The question remains "When?" Nicaragua's recent passage of CAFTA-DR has brought increased focus by the media and [...] |
2005-10-13 20:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2410 |
REFUGEE REFERRAL: XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX [...] (C) Post wishes to refer Cuban national Dr. XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX for consideration under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Bio data based on Dr. XXXXXXXXXXXX passport is as follows: XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX, born in Granma, Cuba, on XXXXXXXXXXXX [...] |
2005-10-14 22:07:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREF CVIS CS CU |
| 05SANJOSE2411 |
COSTA RICA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR JUDGE THOMAS [...] Ref B reported Costa Rica's initial positive response to Judge Burgenthal's candidacy. Per Ref A instructions, PolOff followed up with the Foreign Ministry on October 6, and was reassured of Costa Rica's support. On October 12, Embassy San Jose received Costa Rican Diplomatic Note DGPE/DPM/AC [...] |
2005-10-14 22:08:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV OPDC CS UNGA |
| 05SANJOSE2412 |
EX-PRESIDENT RODRIGUEZ RELEASED FROM HOUSE ARREST [...] Former President Miguel Angel Rodriguez (1998-2002) was released from his seven-month house arrest on October 13, when prosecutors in his corruption case failed to convince a judge to grant yet another extension of his now nearly year-long pretrial detention. Rodriguez was arrested on October [...] |
2005-10-14 22:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2413 |
COSTA RICA SUPPORTS USG CANDIDACY FOR SEAT ON [...] Per Ref A instructions, Post requested the GOCR's support for a seat on the World Heritage Committee via Diplomatic Note in July, 2005. 2. On October 12, Post received Costa Rican Diplomatic Note DGPE/DPM/AC 886/10/05, officially confirming that Costa Rica will support the U.S. bid. 3. [...] |
2005-10-14 22:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC PGOV CS UNESCO |
| 05SANJOSE2436 |
CID/GALLUP POLL SHOWS GROWING SUPPORT FOR CAFTA-DR [...] Summary. An October 2005 CID/GALLUP poll revealed increases in the knowledge of and support for the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) among Costa Ricans. The poll also shows that the percentage of respondents who believe CAFTA- DR will bring b [...] |
2005-10-19 20:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2437 |
COSTA RICA: UNESCO DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] Despite Post efforts to secure Costa Rican support for the U.S. position on the UNESCO declaration, and although our interlocutors have not been in a position to provide specific feedback, it appears that the GOCR does not intend to back our position on this issue. On October 14, 2005, Econ [...] |
2005-10-19 20:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD PREL SCUL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2451 |
FORMER PRESIDENT CALDERON RELEASED FROM HOUSE [...] As presaged in Reftel A, former President Rafael Angel Calderon (1990-94) was released from house arrest on October 19, 2005, under conditions similar to those imposed on ex-President Miguel Angel Rodriguez. Specifically, Calderon is prohibited from leaving the country or having any contact [...] |
2005-10-20 21:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2460 |
PRESIDENT PACHECO SENDS CAFTA-DR TO THE ASSEMBLY TO [...] (SBU) Summary. After meeting with his cabinet in the morning of October 21, 2005, President Pacheco announced that he would send the United States-Central American- Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to the Legislative Assembly later that day to start the ratification process [...] |
2005-10-21 21:48:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2493 |
COSTA RICA ON UNESCO CONVENTION: IT'S ALL IN THE [...] In a follow-up meeting on the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity on October 21, MFA Chief of Multilateral Affairs Carlos Cordero expressed Costa Rica's receptiveness to U.S. input on implementation if and when the convention comes into effect. He acknowledged U.S. concerns over implement [...] |
2005-10-25 22:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2497 |
COSTA RICA TO BE SUPPORTIVE AT SUMMIT OF THE [...] (SBU) On October 26, Charge and PolOff followed up on an October 20 demarche by paying a call on Foreign Minister Tovar. In an improvement on the MFA's original response (see below), Tovar emphatically agreed with all our proposed changes to the draft declaration. In particular, Tovar highli [...] |
2005-10-27 10:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KSUM ECON ELAB CS |
| 05SANJOSE2508 |
NEW COSTA RICAN LAW MAY IMPEDE IMPORTS OF U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary. The October 25, 2005, Official Gazette published a law, effective immediately, that may effectively result in the prevention of exporting U.S. products to Costa Rica. Post is communicating with the GOCR at the Ministerial level, importers, and representatives from other count [...] |
2005-10-28 16:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2532 |
COSTA RICA'S NOMINATION TO ATTEND ILEA CRIME SCENE [...] Per reftel, Post nominates the following Costa Rican police officers to attend the ILEA Course Crime Scene Management and Kidnapping in El Salvador from November 14 to 18, 2005. All nominated officers are Costa Rican nationals. Participants: Rigoberto Bogantes Vargas DOB: 09/02/1956 ID: [...] |
2005-11-01 22:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC KCRM KJUS CS KTLA |
| 05SANJOSE2535 |
DEFEATING THE SWISS PROPOSAL ON UNSC REFORM [...] (SBU) Poloff discussed reftel demarche with Carlos Cordero, Director for Multilateral Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, on November 1. Cordero was joined by UN Affairs Officer Victor Murillo and Director for Bilateral Policy Ronald Obaldia. In response to our concerns about the Swiss proposal [...] |
2005-11-02 19:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP CS UNGA |
| 05SANJOSE2560 |
SAN JOSE ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL [...] On November 14, Post, in conjunction with Costa Rica's Binational Center, will host a "Study in the U.S. Symposium." This event will feature an introduction to International Education Week and its importance to the U.S. government by the CAO, a talk by the Binational Center's Educ [...] |
2005-11-04 19:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OIIP CS OEXC SCUL KPAO |
| 05SANJOSE2564 |
DEMARCHE RESPONSE: IRAN EXTREMISM [...] Poloff delivered reftel talking points to Carlos Cordero, Chief of Multilateral Affairs at the MFA, on October 31. That same evening, Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar released a statement to the press and diplomatic community condemning the inflammatory rhetoric of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahm [...] |
2005-11-04 19:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER PHUM CS |
| 05SANJOSE2601 |
MEETING WITH COSTA RICAN MINISTER OF ECONOMY [...] (C) Summary. On October 26, 2005, Charge met with Minister of Economy, Industry, and Commerce Gilberto Barrantes. Minister Barrantes commented on the status of the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and related legislation including the propose [...] |
2005-11-07 23:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2611 |
DISCUSSION OF CAFTA-DR BY PRESIDENTS BUSH AND [...] Summary: On November 5, 2005, all of the major Costa Rican dailies ran stories based on comments made by President Pacheco and Foreign Trade Minister Gonzalez about the meeting with President Bush the day before on the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (C [...] |
2005-11-08 21:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2640 |
DEMARCHE RESPONSE - UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS [...] Embassy delivered reftel talking points to Carlos Cordero, Deputy Chief for Multilateral Affairs, on November 8. In a follow-up conversation with Poloff on November 10, Cordero stated without reservation that Costa Rica would oppose any no-action motions raised with respect to the human rig [...] |
2005-11-11 10:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2641 |
DEMARCHE REQUEST - UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS, [...] Embassy delivered reftel talking points to Carlos Cordero, Deputy Chief for Multilateral Affairs, on November 8. In a follow-up conversation with Poloff on November 10, Cordero stated without reservation that Costa Rica would oppose any no-action motions raised with respect to the human rig [...] |
2005-11-11 10:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2642 |
HEALTH MINISTRY ORDERS ASSEMBLY TO COMPLY WITH [...] (U) Summary: The Health Ministry ordered the Legislative Assembly on November 7 to either make health and safety repairs in the buildings it occupies within the next two months or shut down various offices. President of the Legislative Assembly Gerardo Gonzalez reacted to the order by accusin [...] |
2005-11-11 10:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ETRD CS |
| 05SANJOSE2658 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO USTR REQUEST FOR INFO ON CBI- [...] SUMMARY: Post has updated information provided in previous report using the same format. Post contact is Maria D. Villanueva, (506) 519-2419, Fax (506) 519-2364, villanuevamd@state.gov. End Summary. 2. Country Reports: Compliance with Eligibility Criteria The country reports contained [...] |
2005-11-15 14:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON CS |
| 05SANJOSE2664 |
JAN. 1, 2006 ENTRY INTO FORCE HELPS CAFTA-DR IN [...] (SBU) Summary. We know that USTR must make a determination soon so that it can recommend to the President when he should issue his proclamation bringing CAFTA-DR into force. Recognizing that this determination is of greater importance for countries that have already ratified, we want to hig [...] |
2005-11-15 23:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECIN PGOV PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2689 |
ANTI-CAFTA FORCES HEARTENED BY SUCCESSFUL PROTEST [...] On November 17, about 10,000 protesters participated in the first major demonstration to follow President Abel Pacheco's presentation of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to the Legislative Assembly. While the demonstration, organized by labor and stu [...] |
2005-11-18 21:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD PREL ELAB CS |
| 05SANJOSE2710 |
ON THE ROAD TO SANTA CRUZ: OAS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP [...] SUMMARY: On November 2, Regional Environmental Hub Officer (REO) and Regional Environmental Assistant (REA) joined Dan Martinez, Economic Advisor and Alternate Representative for the U.S. Mission to the OAS, Department of Agriculture official Catherine Karr-Colque, and other U.S. delegation [...] |
2005-11-23 17:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAGR XS XM CS OAS |
| 05SANJOSE2717 |
COSTS OF NOT HAVING AN ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT ARE [...] (C) The GOCR, though not philosophically opposed to providing the United States with the protections contained in an Article 98 agreement, faces serious political and constitutional impediments, which have for the last two and a half years prevented an agreement from being concluded. Meanwhile [...] |
2005-11-23 22:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MASS ETRD EAID CS KICC |
| 05SANJOSE2718 |
COSTA RICA AND AVIAN AND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA [...] The responses below key off reftel. A) PREPAREDNESS/COMMUNICATION -- DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE A PREPAREDNESS PLAN/STRATEGY FOR PREVENTING AVIAN FLU FROM BECOMING A PANDEMIC AND CONTAINING A PANDEMIC ONCE IT OCCURS? IF THE COUNTRY HAS A STRATEGY, HOW CAPABLE IS IT OF IMPLEMENTING IT? PLEAS [...] |
2005-11-23 22:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | TBIO SENV EAGR EAID PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2726 |
COSTA RICA MINI-DUBLIN GROUP REPORT [...] Summary, Post convened a mini-Dublin Group meeting on November 18, 2005 with representatives from the Embassies of Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Spanish, French, and Canadian Embassies were unable to participate in the meeting but provided information related to their [...] |
2005-11-25 17:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR KJUS KCRM CS |
| 05SANJOSE2727 |
CAFTA SUPPORTERS RALLY FOR LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL [...] Several thousand workers, business owners and merchants marched on Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly on November 24, to encourage the GOCR to ratify without further delay the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The march was widely seen as a rebuttal to la [...] |
2005-11-25 20:08:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD ELAB CS |
| 05SANJOSE2731 |
INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN COSTA RICA REACHES NEW LOW [...] (U) Summary: The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR)'s most recent (Jul.-Sept. 2005) quarterly survey says investor confidence has reached a new low. When asked "Is now a good time to invest in Costa Rica, only 4.2 percent said "yes", 75.0 percent said "no", and 20.8 percent were "unsure". En [...] |
2005-11-29 14:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV KIDE PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2744 |
COSTA RICA: SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE [...] Costa Rica remains an outspoken critic of the Castro government and a faithful supporter of governmental and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica severed diplomatic ties with Cuba in 1961, and has shown no signs that it would consider re-establishing formal relations with the Castro gove [...] |
2005-11-29 22:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETTC PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2787 |
COSTA RICA REPORTING ON OTHER FOREIGN BRIBERY [...] Summary. It has been a year since the story of scandal broke out and there is no sign yet of any criminal charges. On September 28, 2004, the influential daily, La Nacion disclosed the details of a `bonus' paid by the French telecommunications company Alcatel (see reftel A). According to the [...] |
2005-12-05 22:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | KCRM KCOR BEXP ETRD EINV ECON PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2794 |
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN COSTA RICA REACHES NEW LOW [...] (U) Summary: According to the results of a November survey conducted by the University of Costa Rica's (UCR) School of Statistics, consumer confidence in Costa Rica has reached a new low. With a four point margin of error the study reveals that 75% of consumers think that the government is d [...] |
2005-12-07 19:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV KIDE PGOV CS |
| 05SANJOSE2795 |
COSTA RICA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ADOPTION OF THIRD [...] No summary [...] |
2005-12-08 10:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC PHUM PREF PREL CS ICRC |
| 05SANJOSE2797 |
COSTA RICA WILL ABSTAIN ON VOTE ON ANTI-ISRAEL [...] (SBU) Political counselor delivered reftel B talking points to Jose Joaquin Chaverri, MFA Director General (number-three person in the ministry), on December 7. Polcouns noted U.S. disappointment with Costa Rica's votes on December 1, particularly in light of the promise we received that Costa [...] |
2005-12-08 12:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL IS CS UNGA |
| 05SANJOSE2808 |
FOREIGN MINISTRY REQUESTS INVESTIGATION INTO [...] On Thursday, December 8, post received a letter from the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry regarding the December 7 shooting death of Costa Rica-born Rigoberto Alpizar in Miami International Airport. Alpizar reportedly is a dual U.S. and Costa Rican national. 2. Translated text of the letter fo [...] |
2005-12-08 22:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2809 |
COSTA RICA INCSR REPORT 2005 - 2006 PART I, DRUGS [...] (U) The text of Costa Rica's 2005-2006 INCSR Part I is below. Costa Rica I. Summary Costa Rica is becoming a major transshipment point for narcotics to the United States and Europe. Costa Rican officials demonstrate professionalism and reliability as partners in combating ever-changi [...] |
2005-12-08 23:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR CS |
| 05SANJOSE2815 |
COSTA RICA INL PD&S REQUEST FOR FY 2006 [...] Per instructions reftel, Post's PD&S request is as follows: Actual Non- Object FY 2005 Recurring Proposed FY 2006 Class Obligations Items Increases Plan ------ ----------- --------- --------- ------- 1142 44,200 [...] |
2005-12-09 21:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR AFIN AMGT KFSC CS |
| 05SANJOSE2822 |
MODELING THE ELEPHANT: OECD/OAS GLOBAL FORUM ON [...] Summary: The OAS/OECD Global Forum on Trade session on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Trade and Environment was held in San Jose November 3-4. Panels addressed market access, needs and priorities, and other issues related to trade and environment capacity building. Common th [...] |
2005-12-12 12:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ETRD EAID CS |
| 05SANJOSE2826 |
COSTA RICA,S FORMER CAFTA LEAD NEGOTIATOR ANABEL [...] (SBU) Anabel Gonzalez, who was Costa Rica,s lead negotiator for the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) until her resignation in September 2004 reftel has accepted WTO Director General Lamy,s offer to head the WTO,s Agriculture and Commodities Division. Lamy ma [...] |
2005-12-13 10:22:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECIN PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2850 |
SCENESETTER: CODEL BLUNT IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes CODEL Blunt on its December 19 ) 20 visit to Costa Rica. The delegation's visit comes at a time when the main issue in the bilateral relationship is the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The debate [...] |
2005-12-14 00:02:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN ECON ETRD CS |
| 05SANJOSE2858 |
INL SAN JOSE CARRYOVER AMOUNTS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-12-14 22:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AFIN AMGT KFSC SNAR CS |
| 05SANJOSE2881 |
COSTA RICA INCSR REPORT 2005 - 2006 PART II, MONEY [...] No summary [...] |
2005-12-16 22:25:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR KTFN EFIN PTER KCRM CS |
| 05SANJOSE2882 |
AMBASSADOR'S POST MEMORANDUM: SAN JOSE [...] (C) Relations between the United States and Costa Rica are very friendly. Our countries share a strong commitment to democracy and human rights. Costa Rica is the longest continuous democracy in Latin America and serves as an important example of how a long-term commitment to democracy benef [...] |
2005-12-16 23:52:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ASIG AMGT CS |
| 05SANJOSE2908 |
CODEL BLUNT URGES PROMPT RATIFICATION OF CAFTA-DR [...] (SBU) In a meeting with Costa Rican legislators on December 19, the members of CODEL Blunt delivered a two-fold message: the United States will not renegotiate CAFTA-DR on a bilateral basis with Costa Rica; and the benefits Costa Rica now receives under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) wil [...] |
2005-12-22 10:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL ETRD CS |
| 05SANJOSE2909 |
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OSCAR ARIAS CONFIDENT OF [...] (C) Presidential candidate Oscar Arias told Ambassador that he (Arias) was "an idiot" to run again for president but that he was under a lot of pressure to come back. Arias said that Costa Rica, which has been neglecting education, infrastructure, and economic development, "cannot afford to w [...] |
2005-12-22 10:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ETRD PREL CS |
| 05SANJOSE2930 |
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OTTON SOLIS RUNNING AGAINST [...] (C) Presidential candidate Otton Solis told Ambassador that CAFTA-DR "would place Costa Rica in the hands of the multinationals." He said the treaty was one-sided, opening the Costa Rican market to U.S. industrial power, against which Costa Rica cannot hope to compete, and in return providing [...] |
2005-12-27 19:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON CS |
| 05SANJOSE2931 |
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OTTO GUEVARA WILL [...] (C) Presidential candidate Otto Guevara, though rising in the polls, does not expect to be elected. He does expect, however, that his Libertarian Movement Party will be a major force in the next Legislative Assembly. He told Ambassador that he has already discussed with the frontrunner Oscar [...] |
2005-12-27 19:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON CS |
| 05SANJOSE2932 |
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ANTONIO ALVAREZ DESANTI [...] (C) Presidential candidate Antonio Alvarez Desanti promised, if elected, to bring strong leadership to Costa Rica, focused first on education, health, infrastructure, security, and housing (areas of broad agreement), and then on the more controversial issue of dismantling state monopolies "by [...] |
2005-12-27 19:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON CS |
| 05SANJOSE2942 |
CAFTA-DR RATIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The debate about the Central America- Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) started in the unicameral 57-member legislature (the Assembly) on December 6, 2005 after long delays in the Costa Rican administration's decision to send the agreement to the [...] |
2005-12-28 21:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE2952 |
ASIAN MARKETS LEAD 2005 COSTA RICAN EXPORT GROWTH [...] Summary. The Costa Rican Trade Promotion Corporation (PROCOMER) has reported that Costa Rican exports this year through October 2005 reached USD 5.77 billion, an increase of ten percent over the same period last year. The biggest increases were realized in exports of agricultural and techno [...] |
2005-12-29 21:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 05SANJOSE488 |
COSTA RICA'S 2004 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT [...] (U) Following is Embassy San Jose's submission for the 2004 annual anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) report. Responses are keyed to sections outlined in reftel, with the first paragraph beginning at 18A. Post's POC for the report is Political Officer Janae Cooley. Telephone number: (506) 5 [...] |
2005-02-28 18:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREF PGOV SMIG KWMN KFRD KCRM PREL ELAB ASEC CS |
| 06BOGOTA10826 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER ON PARAMILITARY LINKS TO [...] (C) Summary: Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo said the GOC is committed to uncovering the truth about paramilitary links to Colombia's political, economic, and military elites, but warned that the process would produce substantial political and institutional costs. He is urging Presid [...] |
2006-11-29 22:29:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV PREL PTER CO CS CU FR NO SP SZ |
| 06BOGOTA7460 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER ON ELN, PARAMILITARIES AND [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-15 18:38:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV PREL PTER CO CS CU FR NO SP SZ |
| 06BRIDGETOWN1863 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO JEAN SMITH TO TRAVEL TO [...] Embassy Bridgetown welcomes and grants clearance to Jean M. Smith to travel to Barbados from October 25-November 15, 2006, to assist with administrative support in the front office. 2. Housing has been arranged for Ms. Smith at Margate Apartments, unit #10, transportation from the airport [...] |
2006-10-23 18:47:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV OTRA BB CS |
| 06BRIDGETOWN637 |
BARBADOS FOREIGN MINISTER ON HAITI, TRADE, AND UN [...] (C) Summary: Foreign Minister Dame Billie Miller and members of her staff held a candid question and answer session with Barbados-based Ambassadors, revealing Caribbean views on Haiti, trade, and UN reform. On Haiti, Miller encouraged the U.S. and Brazil to remain engaged, while committing t [...] |
2006-04-12 20:08:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINR ETRD EINV EAIR UNSC BR CH CS HA |
| 06KINGSTON2275 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL [...] Embassy Kingston grants country clearance to Regional Environmental Specialist Andrea Borel to travel to Jamaica November 28 to December 1, 2006, to attend a meeting on the action plan for the Caribbean Environment Program, as well as the White Water to Blue Water Council meeting in Montego Bay [...] |
2006-11-27 15:31:00 | Embassy Kingston | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA SENV CS JM |
| 06SANJOSE1 |
SCENESETTER: CODEL BURTON IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes CODEL Burton on its January 10 ) 12 visit to Costa Rica. The delegation's visit comes at a time when the main issue in the bilateral relationship is the United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The debate [...] |
2006-01-03 14:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN ETRD CS |
| 06SANJOSE1009 |
FERNANDO BERROCAL, MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY [...] (C) On May 8, 2006, Fernando Berrocal Soto was sworn in as Minister of Public Security and Government, along with the rest of Oscar Arias's cabinet. Berrocal has little background in security issues but extensive political and international experience, including two stints as Costa Rica's Per [...] |
2006-05-11 22:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR CS |
| 06SANJOSE1017 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USAID PARTICIPANTS [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Democracy and Governance Team Jose Garzon, Ana Klenicki, CAtie Lott, Marie Jude Delatour and Maricela RamirezLeader who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 9 to May 13. The purpose of this visit is to attend and represent USAID [...] |
2006-05-12 18:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1059 |
PRESIDENT ARIAS TO CODEL BURTON: "FOREIGN AID IS [...] (SBU) During a May 6 dinner with CODEL Burton, then President-elect Oscar Arias lamented Costa Rica's inability to qualify for most U.S. foreign aid, and concluded that "foreign aid is dead in Washington." Arias stated several times that the U.S. and other Western governments need to change t [...] |
2006-05-16 17:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL CS VZ |
| 06SANJOSE1060 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR BRIAN STAURSETH [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to TSA International Brian Staurseth who will be in Costa Rica SIPDIS on assignment from May 31 to June 9. The purpose of this visit is to assist the American Aviation Safety Agency (ACSA) in producing technical guidance material or civ [...] |
2006-05-16 19:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1061 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR AMEETA PATEL [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to OPIC Investment funds analyst, Ameeta Patel who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 16 to May 21. The purpose of this visit is to attend an Advisory Board Meeting for OPIC's investment fund Paladin Realty Funds a local portfoli [...] |
2006-05-16 19:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1087 |
CALLS FOR COSTA RICA TO BE ERASED FROM IRAQ [...] The Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on May 16 calling for the GOCR to insist that the USG remove Costa Rica from the list of Coalition Members for Operation Iraqi Freedom that appears on the White House Web site. President Arias said he would ask his Foreign Minister to t [...] |
2006-05-17 23:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL OPDC PARM CS |
| 06SANJOSE1090 |
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER STAGNO'S LETTER TO [...] This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6. 2. As expected (see reftel), Embassy received an official request from the GOCR for "the definite exclusion of the name of Costa Rica from any official websites that refer to the 'Coalition' and the support given to the war in Iraq." The [...] |
2006-05-18 21:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC PREL PARM PGOV IZ CS |
| 06SANJOSE1106 |
COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT URIBE DISCUSSES FREE TRADE [...] (SBU) Summary: In a May 8 meeting with the six members of CODEL Burton on the margins of Oscar Arias's presidential inauguration, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe urged rapid U.S. Congressional action on a free trade agreement with Colombia. He said that a failure to act quickly would bolst [...] |
2006-05-19 22:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ETRD CS CO |
| 06SANJOSE1124 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR BENJAMIN GARRIDO-GODOY AND [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors Benjamin Garrido- Godoy and Donald Carnicella who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from June 6 to June 16. The purpose of this visit is to conduct initial certification of Helicorp SA and certification [...] |
2006-05-23 20:48:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1151 |
MARCO VARGAS, MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO [...] Marco Antonio VARGAS Diaz will likely play a key role in the Arias Administration. Vargas is part of Oscar Arias's innermost circle of advisers. His stated role is to serve as an inter-institutional coordinator and troubleshooter, charged with ensuring delivery on Arias's campaign promises. [...] |
2006-05-25 16:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE1162 |
ALFREDO VOLIO, MINISTER OF PRODUCTION [...] Alfredo Volio was appointed by President Arias to head a new Ministry of Production which is a combination of two traditional ministries, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC). Volio is a 46-year-old businessman who has worked in food trad [...] |
2006-05-26 14:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR EAGR EIND PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1171 |
G/TIP-FUNDED TRAINING ASSISTS PROSECUTION OF TWO [...] Summary: On May 24, 2006, two auditors with the powerful Comptroller's Office were each sentenced to nine years in prison on charges that included paid sex with minors and the production and diffusion of pornography. The officials were arrested in the port city of Limon on September 10, 2004 [...] |
2006-05-26 21:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KCRM CS |
| 06SANJOSE1182 |
COSTA RICA'S 2006 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES [...] Please find following Embassy San Jose's submission for the 2006 Ambassador's Fund for Refugees. 2. Description of project: USD 18,618 to set up and operate a training center in San Jose to provide English language and computer skills training. The center will provide English training fr [...] |
2006-05-31 21:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF CS |
| 06SANJOSE1195 |
OAS/GA: COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO VENEZUELAN [...] (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel talking points on May 31 to Carlos Cordero, Director of Multilateral Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cordero stated that Costa Rica's delegation to the OAS General Assembly meetings will be Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno, Amb. Jose Joaquin Chaverri, Dir [...] |
2006-05-31 22:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ECON MX CS VZ |
| 06SANJOSE1196 |
FOREIGN MINISTER STAGNO SUPPORTIVE OF USG EFFORTS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-01 14:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1203 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO IRAQ GOVERNMENT FORMATION [...] (SBU) Poloff sent reftel talking points on May 22 to Carlos Cordero, Director of Multilateral Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a meeting with Poloff on May 31, Cordero indicated that Costa Rica did not issue any statement regarding the new Iraqi government, nor are there any pla [...] |
2006-06-02 14:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE1216 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISOR ERNEST [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Treasury Advisor, Ernest Valverde who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from June 11 to June 17. The purpose of this visit is to work with the Minister of Finance on an ongoing tax administration project. 2. Post understands no as [...] |
2006-06-02 22:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1217 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISOR JOE DALTON [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Treasury Advisor, Joe Dalton Hook, who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from June 12 to June 24. The purpose of this visit is to work with the Minister of Finance on an ongoing tax administration project. 2. Post understands no a [...] |
2006-06-02 22:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1218 |
COSTA RICA ASKS IRAN TO STOP NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT [...] Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno made the following public statement on June 1 calling on Iran to stop nuclear enrichment activities: "Costa Rica agrees with the international call for Iran to suspend its processing and enrichment of uranium, whose consequences could put the world at risk of a [...] |
2006-06-02 23:07:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL IR CS |
| 06SANJOSE1219 |
COSTA RICA RED CROSS PARTICIPATION AT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-02 23:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ICRC PHUM PREF PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE1235 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISOR ROBERT [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Treasury Advisor, Robert Klayman, who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from June 18 to June 24. The purpose of this visit is to work with the Minister of Finance on an ongoing tax administration project. 2. Post understands no as [...] |
2006-06-06 10:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1251 |
GOCR TROTS OUT THE "COSTA RICA CONSENSUS" [...] The GOCR used the Santo Domingo meeting of the OAS General Assembly to make its proposal "to link international cooperation with peace, social investment, sustainable development, and a reduction in military spending," which it calls the Costa Rica Consensus. In his speech to the OASGA on Ju [...] |
2006-06-07 16:48:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ECON EAID EFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE1252 |
COSTA RICA - 2006 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Embassy is aware of two outstanding American business claims against the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR). Since our last report in January 2005, the GOCR has made little effort to resolve these investment disputes despite Embassy efforts to urge conciliation or arbitration t [...] |
2006-06-07 17:29:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV KIDE EFIN PGOV PREL ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE1253 |
COSTA RICA - 2006 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Embassy is aware of two outstanding American business claims against the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR). Since our last report in January 2005, the GOCR has made little effort to resolve these investment disputes despite Embassy efforts to urge conciliation or arbitration t [...] |
2006-06-07 17:29:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV KIDE EFIN PGOV PREL ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE1254 |
COSTA RICA - 2006 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Embassy is aware of two outstanding American business claims against the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR). Since our last report in January 2005, the GOCR has made little effort to resolve these investment disputes despite Embassy efforts to urge conciliation or arbitration t [...] |
2006-06-07 17:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV KIDE EFIN PGOV PREL ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE1264 |
COSTA RICA'S GROWING FIREARMS PROBLEM [...] (C) Summary: Incoming Minister of Public Security Fernando Berrocal filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General's Office on May 30, 2006, based on the disappearance of over 100 weapons, including military assault rifles, grenades, and large quantities of ammunition, from the national a [...] |
2006-06-07 22:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PARM KCRM PINR ASEC CS |
| 06SANJOSE1267 |
COSTA RICA NOT YET COMMITTED TO PSI ENDORSEMENT [...] On June 1, Post hosted a digital video conference (DVC) between members of the Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and several officials in Washington from the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation as well as a Department of Defense official. The Costa Rican delegatio [...] |
2006-06-08 14:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | MNUC PARM PGOV PHSA PREL KNNP CS |
| 06SANJOSE127 |
COSTA RICA SEEKS TO AVOID CONSEQUENCES OF NOT [...] (C) President Pacheco on January 11 convoked his ministers of foreign affairs, foreign trade, and labor and the Costa Rican Ambassador to the U.S. to discuss with Ambassador and Polcouns the ramifications of the Nethercutt Amendment for Costa Rica. The GOCR officials were specifically concer [...] |
2006-01-19 14:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MASS ETRD EAID CS KICC |
| 06SANJOSE1276 |
IMPACT OF PUBLIC UNION PROTEST SMALL [...] The work stoppage and protest planned for June 7 and 8 took place on June 7 only, and the effects on economic activity in Costa Rica were minimal. The narrow focus of the work stoppage - the nullification of various provisions in public employee collective bargaining agreements - did not app [...] |
2006-06-09 17:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1281 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USAID DR. LUCRECIA CASTILLO [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Technical Projects Officer Lucrecia Castillo who will be on assignment from June 13 to June 14. The purpose of this visit is to meet the Costa Rican Vice-Minister of Health as well as with PASCA and CDC-CAP personnel. 2. Post would [...] |
2006-06-09 21:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE129 |
COSTA RICA WILL CONSIDER RESETTLEMENT OF PROTECTED [...] Per Reftel A, and taking advantage of remarks by visiting CODEL Burton, who expressed appreciation for Costa Rica's willingness to resettle 20 protected Cuban migrants in December of 2004, DCM on January 11 asked Minister of Public Security Rogelio Ramos for assistance with resettling another [...] |
2006-01-19 16:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF PREL SMIG CS |
| 06SANJOSE1299 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CAROLINE BREARLEY AND LARRY [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Caroline Brearley and Larry Brady, USAID Mission in San Salvador, Officials to travel to Costa Rica O/A 06/27- 28/2006. Purpose of the visit: is to iIntroduce the Rregional tTrade pProgram to the U.S. Embassy and to counterparts in th [...] |
2006-06-13 16:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV OTRA EAID ES CS |
| 06SANJOSE131 |
ARIAS AND PACHECO ON THE NEXT GOVERNMENT OF COSTA [...] (C) Both President Pacheco and Oscar Arias, frontrunner to be the next president, said in separate meetings with CODEL Burton that they expect a better political climate in Costa Rica after the February 5 elections. Arias said that Costa Ricans have reason to be annoyed with the political cl [...] |
2006-01-19 20:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ETRD VE CS |
| 06SANJOSE132 |
CODEL BURTON ENGAGES GOCR ON CAFTA-DR AND U.S. [...] In his third visit to Costa Rica in a year (see reftels for previous visits), Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) met with President Pacheco, several members of his cabinet, key legislators, and Pacheco's probable successor as president, Oscar Arias. As in previous visits, discussions focused on [...] |
2006-01-19 21:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP ETRD EAGR PREL PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1339 |
COSTA RICA RED CROSS SUPPORTS RED CRYSTAL AMENDMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-14 22:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF PREL PHUM ICRC CS |
| 06SANJOSE136 |
COSTA RICA ON REPORTING IRAN TO THE UNSC [...] No summary [...] |
2006-01-20 17:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PARM KNNP CS |
| 06SANJOSE1375 |
COSTA RICAN NOMINATION FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to nominate Starbucks for the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in the SIPDIS Multinational Enterprise (MNE) category (refs A and B). The goal of the ACE is to 1) highlight the good works of the winners, and 2) inspire others to follow th [...] |
2006-06-16 22:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINV ETRD ELAB SENV KSEP CS |
| 06SANJOSE1390 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR OAS IICA MEETING STACY [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Stacy Williams, USOAS representative who will be on assignment from June 14 to June 17. The purpose of this visit is to participate in the Special Advisory Committee on Management Issues meeting at the Inter American Institute for Coop [...] |
2006-06-19 22:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA OAS CS |
| 06SANJOSE1409 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISOR LARRY [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Treasury Advisors, Larry Westfall, Shirley Bachman, Richard Voskuil,and Marvin Halldorson who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from June 28 to August 23 for Westfall; July 4 to July 19 for Voskuil; July 9 to July 19 for Hallsdorson; J [...] |
2006-06-22 16:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1410 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FAA INSPECTOR DARRELL TED [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grants ex post facto country clearance to FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Darrell Ted Webb who was in Costa Rica on assignment on June 20. The purpose of the visit was to perform operations a procedure/performance inspection on Tradewinds Airlines, Inc. conducted [...] |
2006-06-22 19:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1427 |
ARIAS TOURS EUROPE, CALLS FOR DEBT FORGIVENESS AND [...] (SBU) President Oscar Arias recently toured Europe for 13 days, meeting with political and business leaders in three countries. He once again brought forth his Costa Rica Consensus notion for debt forgiveness, and used several occasions to call for free trade and the elimination of farm subs [...] |
2006-06-23 22:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON EFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE1513 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TONY CAMBAS [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Tony Cambas from Booz Allen, Hamilton,Inc. who will be in Costa Rica from July 16-27, 2006. The purpose of this trip is to implement the second phase of the risk management training under FASTrade's CAFTA-DR Action Plan. 2. Control [...] |
2006-07-07 19:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1529 |
DELAY LIKELY FOR NEW IMMIGRATION LAW [...] (C) President Oscar Arias has requested legislation that would delay the implementation of a law passed in October, 2005 designed to strengthen the immigration enforcement authority of Costa Rican Immigration (CRI) officials. The law is scheduled to take effect in August 2006. In all likeli [...] |
2006-07-11 15:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | KCRM PGOV PREF SMIG CS |
| 06SANJOSE156 |
COSTA RICA DEMARCHED ON UN REFORM [...] (C) Summary: Ambassador Langdale and visiting A/DAS David Lindwall delivered reftel demarche to Foreign Minister Tovar on January 17. Tovar was receptive to all of our points, but seemed most inclined to cooperate on reforms to the Human Rights Commission. End Summary. UNHRC ----- 2. (C [...] |
2006-01-24 13:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KUNR PHUM ADCO CS |
| 06SANJOSE1569 |
BLUE LANTERN END-USE CHECK LICENSE 05-972668 [...] PolOffs visited Marco Aguilar, President of Koruma Lenex Seguridad, S.A. on July 10. Confirming the information sent ref B, Aguilar readily admitted that all 20 Marlin rifles purchased under the license in question had been sold directly to Armeria Rex. Aguilar added that he had requested a [...] |
2006-07-14 22:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC KOMC CS |
| 06SANJOSE158 |
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE RICARDO TOLEDO SWIMMING [...] (C) In a meeting with Ambassador on January 9, President Pacheco's confidant and former chief of staff Ricardo Toledo tried to put the best light possible on his foundering presidential campaign--a difficult task considering he has not broken 5 percent in the polls and now appears to have sli [...] |
2006-01-24 14:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE1586 |
BLUE LANTERN LEVEL TWO END USE CHECKS: APPLICATION [...] Summary: PolOffs visited Importadora de Armas Martin Armar on July 14. The business is located in the basement of a private residence, is owned by Juan Carlos Martin, and has one employee, Carmen Zamora. Post previously obtained information from the Costa Rican government confirming that M [...] |
2006-07-18 21:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC KOMC CS |
| 06SANJOSE159 |
OSCAR ARIAS ON PRIORITIES FOR HIS GOVERNMENT [...] (C) An Arias Administration will make a priority of spending whatever political capital is necessary to ratify and implement CAFTA-DR. Arias offered to be helpful to the Untied States in the region, promoting free trade and opposing a leftward political drift. Arias seems unable to accept th [...] |
2006-01-24 14:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1622 |
Costa Rica to Construct Plasma-Propelled Space Rocket [...] Summary: Costa Rican national hero Franklin Chang, a former NASA astronaut and dual U.S.-Costa Rican national, recently opened a local branch of his Ad Astra Technologies Company in Liberia, Guanacaste, one of the country's poorest regions. The laboratory is the first of its kind in Central A [...] |
2006-07-24 22:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV NASA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1650 |
A/S SHANNON VISITS TOP COSTA RICAN OFFICIALS [...] (C) Summary: A/S Tom Shannon visited Costa Rica June 27-29, calling on key officials of the new Arias Administration as well as the International Relations Committee of the Legislative Assembly. A/S Shannon discussed security issues and prospects for ratification of the Central American Free [...] |
2006-07-28 19:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR CS |
| 06SANJOSE1665 |
COSTA RICAN AND NICARAGUAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET, [...] Summary: The Foreign Ministers of Costa Rica and Nicaragua met in San Jose to discuss bilateral issues on July 26, 2006. They agreed to renew a Binational Commission that has not met for nine years. They avoided discussion of the two most contentious issues between the two countries, Costa [...] |
2006-08-03 14:54:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PBTS PREL NU CS |
| 06SANJOSE1780 |
COSTA RICA: URGENT DEMARCHE ON UNSC LEBANON [...] (U) On August 12, as instructed per Reftel, DCM provided copies of the non-paper, the Secretary's statement and UNSCR 1701 to Antonio Alarcon, Chief of Staff for FonMin Stagno. DCM and Pol/C followed up with a meeting with Alarcon at OOB on August 14. DCM reiterated the importance of not only [...] |
2006-08-14 20:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER MOPS UNSC IS LE CS |
| 06SANJOSE1781 |
COSTA RICA: URGENT DEMARCHE ON UNSC LEBANON [...] (U) On August 12, as instructed per Reftel, DCM provided copies of the non-paper, the Secretary's statement and UNSCR 1701 to Antonio Alarcon, Chief of Staff for FonMin Stagno. DCM and Pol/C followed up with a meeting with Alarcon at OOB on August 14. DCM reiterated the importance of not only [...] |
2006-08-14 21:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER MOPS UNSC IS LE CS |
| 06SANJOSE1792 |
COSTA RICA--BEING OUTSIDE CAFTA HAS CONSEQUENCES [...] (U) Summary. The Dominican Republic and Costa Rica are the only signatories where CAFTA-DR is not yet in force. Costa Rica is the only country that has not ratified the agreement. Although the Arias Administration has placed a high priority on both ratification and passage of the necessary i [...] |
2006-08-15 22:22:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE180 |
COSTA RICAN VOTING PROCEDURES FOR FEBRUARY 5 [...] Summary: Costa Rica has a long tradition of free and fair elections. We expect no problems on February 5 when voters will choose a new president and national legislature. Perhaps the most interesting outcome, besides who wins, will be the level of voter turnout. Historically very high in C [...] |
2006-01-25 21:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE181 |
COSTA RICA: UNIVERSALIZATION OF THE FRAMEWORK [...] (SBU) Summary: The MFA told us that the Framework Treaty on Democratic Security in Central America stands no chance of ratification in Costa Rica without substantial modifications. Negotiations on modifying the treaty took place three years ago, and Costa Rica is willing to restart those neg [...] |
2006-01-25 22:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PARM PREL MARR MCAP CS |
| 06SANJOSE1815 |
COSTA RICA: DEMARCHE ON UN HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) On August 16, PolCouns and Poloffs met with Carlos Cordero, Director of Multilateral Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Guisella Sanchez, head of the Human Rights Division at the MFA, to discuss talking points from reftel delivered to Cordero on August 4. 2. (SBU) San [...] |
2006-08-17 18:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PREF SMIG UNGA CS |
| 06SANJOSE1840 |
SUCCESSFUL NDU DEMOCRATIC SECURITY SEMINAR [...] SUMMARY: With Embassy support, the National Defense University's Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS) presented a weekend seminar on methodologies for developing a national-level democratic security strategy to top officials of the Arias Administration on July 28-31, 2006. The seminar [...] |
2006-08-18 22:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE1841 |
COSTA RICA DEFENDS EMBASSY MOVE TO TEL AVIV [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a public ceremony marking his administration,s 100 days in office, President Oscar Arias explained that his government,s decision to move its embassy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv was not a slap to Israel, but was consistent with Costa Rica,s "respect" for UN resolutions and inte [...] |
2006-08-18 23:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV IS XK CS |
| 06SANJOSE1913 |
COSTA RICA ON THE P5+1 INCENTIVE PACKAGE FOR IRAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-30 00:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PARM KNNP IR EU AORC CS |
| 06SANJOSE193 |
ARIAS LIKELY TO WIN PRESIDENCY, BUT WITHOUT [...] (U) Reputable polls conducted over the last six months show Oscar Arias, who was president 1986-90, with a consistent and commanding lead to be reelected president on February 5. Polls taken in late January show Arias, considered a centrist candidate, to have the support of 45-49 percent of [...] |
2006-01-26 22:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE1933 |
REQUEST FOR GUIDANCE ON PROPOSED COSTA RICAN ARMS [...] Post requests Department's guidance in responding to Costa Rica's latest proposal for a framework treaty on arms trading. Ref A conveyed Department's opposition to Costa Rica's efforts to propose an earlier version of the treaty at the OAS more than a year and a half ago. The original propo [...] |
2006-08-30 23:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PARM KTIA ETRD CS |
| 06SANJOSE1952 |
DUE DILIGENCE FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S 2006 AWARD FOR [...] Embassy San Jos is pleased to respond to Ref. A questions regarding our nomination of Starbucks for the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in the Multinational Enterprise (MNE) category (refs b and c), as follows: A) Could there possibly be any downside or embarrassme [...] |
2006-08-31 23:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP ECON ETRD ELAB SENV KSEP CS |
| 06SANJOSE1955 |
COSTA RICA ON CUBAN TRANSITION: WE,LL DO IT OUR WAY [...] (C) SUMMARY: On August 28, Ambassador and DCM called on FM Bruno Stagno to discuss how to further bilateral and regional cooperation in support of a democratic transition in Cuba. Stagno was receptive to the suggestion that Arias and the GOCR use Costa Rica,s "moral stature" to advocate chan [...] |
2006-09-01 17:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV CU CI CS |
| 06SANJOSE1975 |
NSDD 38 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, OFFICE OF TECHNICAL [...] This cable responds to reftel in which the U.S. Treasury Department requests to establish a resident budget advisor in Costa Rica's Ministry of Finance. Embassy San Jose welcomes the initiative to assist the GOCR with budget formulation, execution and analysis. Responses are in accordance with [...] |
2006-09-05 22:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AODE APER AMGT ASEC KCOM KMRS KSPR CS |
| 06SANJOSE2004 |
COSTA RICA'S INCREASING ECONOMIC INEQUALITY [...] The World Bank's recent report on poverty in Costa Rica stressed the widening gap in incomes between skilled and unskilled workers. The report cited external as well as internal factors as the cause. The World Bank recommended increasing the quality of secondary education; a wiser, more targ [...] |
2006-09-11 22:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2037 |
ARIAS ACCEPTS FIRST RESIGNATION: TELECOM MONOPOLY GETS NEW [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Board President of Costa Rica's telecommunications monopoly, ICE, resigned on September 12 and was replaced almost immediately by a new head whose nomination improves CAFTA ratification and implementation prospects. Introduction of the long-promised telecom legislative packag [...] |
2006-09-13 18:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE204 |
"COSTA RICA CONSENSUS:" OSCAR ARIAS'S [...] (SBU) Summary: Oscar Arias, the likely next president of Costa Rica, appears poised to call for a "Costa Rica Consensus," a debt-relief initiative that would be a centerpiece of a promised "active and progressive" foreign policy. He plans to convene an international summit in San Jose to pe [...] |
2006-01-27 22:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON EAID CS |
| 06SANJOSE2041 |
(CORRECTED COPY) ARIAS ACCEPTS FIRST RESIGNATION: TELECOM [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Board President of Costa Rica's telecommunications monopoly, ICE, resigned on September 12 and was replaced almost immediately by a new head whose nomination improves CAFTA ratification and implementation prospects. Introduction of the long-promised telecom legislative packag [...] |
2006-09-13 21:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2060 |
SECURITY MINISTER ON DMA PARTICIPATION AND [...] (C) The GOCR has not decided to downgrade its participation in the upcoming Defense Ministerial of the Americas (DMA), according to Security Minister Fernando Berrocal; the minister told the Ambassador on September 8 that he saw no reason not to attend at least part of the DMA. On other issu [...] |
2006-09-14 23:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR PGOV SNAR XK CS |
| 06SANJOSE2113 |
NATIONAL GUARD STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FOR COSTA [...] (U) See action request, para 7. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Public Security Minister Berrocal is enthusiastic about the National Guard,s State Partnership Program (SPP). Using his relationship with Governor Richardson, which dates from their service as UN Permreps, Berrocal believes he has a partn [...] |
2006-09-25 19:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR PGOV SNAR XK CS |
| 06SANJOSE2162 |
JOINT STOCK EXCHANGE PLANNED FOR PANAMA, COSTA RICA AND EL [...] No summary [...] |
2006-09-29 15:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE2188 |
FAKE T-SHIRTS PROMPT RARE IPR CONVICTION IN COSTA RICA [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-03 18:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE2237 |
SECURITY MINISTER TO VISIT U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND [...] (C) Minister of Public Security Fernando Berrocal has requested Embassy assistance in organizing an official visit to U.S. Southern Command, preferably on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. The visit would coincide with an official visit with Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico that will take [...] |
2006-10-11 23:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR PGOV SNAR CS |
| 06SANJOSE227 |
ARIAS FIRST-ROUND VICTORY ASSURED ON FEBRUARY 5; [...] The most scientific poll on the February 5 elections shows that Oscar Arias has twice the support of his closest rival, Otton Solis -- 49.6 percent to Solis's 25.4 percent. (Arias needs only 40 percent to avoid a runoff election.) Arias leads among all socioeconomic (education and income) gro [...] |
2006-01-31 16:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2312 |
PORT WORKERS PROTEST CONCESSIONS, TEST GOCR RESOLVE [...] A show-down between the government and unionized dock workers in the country,s Atlantic ports may serve as a harbinger of GOCR resolve and capacity for dealing with promised mobilization against the country,s CAFTA-DR commitments. Since September 23, the government and port workers have been [...] |
2006-10-20 19:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2316 |
128 CHINESE AND PERUVIAN MIGRANTS INTERCEPTED BY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: October 11-18, in an international, inter-agency operation involving the Costa Rican Coast Guard (SNGC), the US Coast Guard, the Peruvian Air Force, the GOCR's Directorate of Immigration (and MOTR Plan participants in Washington), 128 Chinese and Peruvian intending immigrants we [...] |
2006-10-23 14:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL KCRM CS PE |
| 06SANJOSE2320 |
NATIONAL ANTI-CAFTA PROTEST OCTOBER 23-24 [...] (C) SUMMARY: A broad coalition of union and student groups is posed to square off against the GOCR October 23-24, protesting mostly CAFTA but also pay increases below the rate of inflation and the high cost of living. Both sides have much at stake. The anti-CAFTA forces want to shake GOCR r [...] |
2006-10-23 21:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB ETRD PGOV ASEC CS |
| 06SANJOSE2371 |
UNSC RACE: DUELING DIP NOTES IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) In the past week, both Venezuela and Guatemala continued their diplomatic lobbying efforts in Costa Rica for the 2007 GRULAC UNSC seat. In a circular Diplomatic Note dated 18 October (Ref A), the GOV reiterated that "it was maintaining and would maintain until the end" its candidacy, beca [...] |
2006-10-26 17:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL UNSC GT VE CS |
| 06SANJOSE2373 |
POLICE DIRECTOR RESIGNS, REPLACED BY PILOT [...] (U) SUMMARY: On October 19, Police Director Osvaldo Alpizar Nunez resigned to face an investigation into charges he used official cellphones to make death threats against former policeman Alexis Ugalde. Alpizar is the first high-ranking official in the Ministry of Public Security to leave off [...] |
2006-10-26 18:29:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV MOPS PINR CS |
| 06SANJOSE2379 |
COSTA RICAN IMMIGRATION DIRECTOR PLANS MAJOR [...] (C) SUMMARY: Costa Rican Immigration Director Mario Zamora recently told us that months of intense work with 2nd Vice President Kevin Casas (a personal friend who also functions as Minister of Planning) were about to bear fruit in the form of fundamental reforms to the information systems and [...] |
2006-10-27 10:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREF KFRD CASC CS |
| 06SANJOSE2431 |
ANTI-CAFTA PROTEST IN COSTA RICA: TACTICAL VICTORY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 23 and 24, a two-day strike and associated demonstrations against CAFTA ratification took place throughout Costa Rica. The peaceful demonstrations fell short of organizers, expectations and disruptions in basic services and transit were largely avoided. Costa Rican [...] |
2006-10-31 23:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2511 |
MICHAEL ERIC KITE/USAID TDY REPORTING CABLE [...] Summary: USAID/W Democracy Officer, Eric Kite, from the DCHA/DG/Strategic Planning and Research Division (SAR) completed a five-day TDY (November 2 to November 6) for USAID. Mr. Kite worked with USAID grantees University of Costa Rica and Vanderbilt University and an associated multi-nationa [...] |
2006-11-07 19:54:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE2523 |
Costa Rica: TFCA Eligibility and the Gesling Ranch case [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-07 22:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV KIDE CS |
| 06SANJOSE2543 |
COSTA RICA NOT LIKELY TO OPPOSE CUBA EMBARGO [...] (SBU) Late afternoon of November 7, Polcouns discussed reftel talking points regarding the Cuba embargo resolution and the proposed Australian human rights amendment with Antonio Alarcon, chief of staff for Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Stagno. Post also delivered talking points to the Mi [...] |
2006-11-09 16:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNGA PREL PHUM UN CS |
| 06SANJOSE258 |
COSTA RICA 2005 END-USE MONITORING REPORT [...] Per Reftel Embassy San Jose provides the following information regarding end-use monitoring of resources acquired with U.S. Department of State International Narcotics Control (INL) funds. 2. Procedures: Embassy San Jose INL section maintains an inventory of donated property using an Excel s [...] |
2006-02-01 21:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR AMGT PGOV PINR PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE2581 |
CARIBBEAN PORT SLOWDOWN ENDS POSITIVELY FOR [...] (U) SUMMARY: On October 27, a month-long standoff between dockworkers in the Caribbean ports of Limon and Moin ended. A full strike over the last four days of the slowdown added to the financial losses the region was already suffering, causing a cruise ship with 3,000 passengers to cancel a p [...] |
2006-11-15 10:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2614 |
COSTA RICAN RESPONSES TO UN-RELATED DEMARCHES [...] (U) On November 14, PolCouns and Poloff met with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials to discuss pending Third Committee country-specific human rights resolutions, the upcoming International Law Commission election, and the recent Costa Rican UNGA votes concerning Cuba. In attendance were D [...] |
2006-11-17 19:54:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ILC PHUM PREL UNGA UNHRC CS |
| 06SANJOSE2617 |
CAFTA RATIFICATION ADVANCES IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) Summary. Although President Arias has made it a top priority, Costa Rican efforts to ratify and implement CAFTA-DR have proceeded at a slow pace, but are picking up speed. After more than five months of committee deliberations, the President of the legislative assembly (the Asamblea), wi [...] |
2006-11-17 20:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON PGOV KIPR CS |
| 06SANJOSE2646 |
COSTA RICA: EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF UNGA [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-21 16:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNGA CS |
| 06SANJOSE2649 |
COSTA RICAN VIEWS ON ECUADOR WTO CASE ON BANANAS [...] Vice Minister for Foreign Trade Amparo Pacheco gave the following answers to us when we inquired about whether the GOCR planned to join Ecuador's WTO case against the EU on bananas. 2. Question: Will Costa Rica join Ecuador in the arbitration panel against the European Union? Answer: No [...] |
2006-11-21 17:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EAGR ECIN ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE2671 |
COSTA RICA MINI-DUBLIN GROUP REPORT [...] Summary: Post convened a mini-Dublin Group meeting on November 17, 2006 with representatives of the embassies of Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. counternarcotics program remains the largest among Dublin Group members in Costa [...] |
2006-11-24 13:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR PREL KCRM CS |
| 06SANJOSE2685 |
SCENESETTER FOR PRESIDENT ARIAS VISIT [...] (C) President Arias and his administration are making progress on the ambitious agenda outlined in his inaugural address. In October, long-planned, union-led national anti-CAFTA protests fizzled, a costly dockworkers, strike in a major port was resolved, and the legislature set a date certain [...] |
2006-11-28 23:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR ETRD ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE2690 |
COSTA RICA: AVIAN INFLUENZA MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-30 16:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV TBIO CS |
| 06SANJOSE270 |
ARIAS'S LEAD DECLINING IN FINAL DAYS BEFORE [...] Three different polls conducted in the last days of January show that the gap in support between presidential frontrunner Oscar Arias and his principal rival Otton Solis is narrowing. The spread between the two is still 11 percentage points or more, but the possibility of a runoff election ( [...] |
2006-02-02 22:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2702 |
PRESIDENT ARIAS ON HIS VISIT TO WASHINGTON [...] (C) SUMMARY: On November 29, the Ambassador met with President Arias to discuss the latter,s upcoming visit to Washington. The Ambassador noted Arias,s position as a leader with regional stature, and suggested President Bush would be interested in Arias,s views on developments in Nicaragua [...] |
2006-12-01 21:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR ETRD ECON CS US |
| 06SANJOSE2707 |
COSTA RICA: SANTA CRUZ MINISTERIAL ON SUSTAINABLE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-04 13:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAGR ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE272 |
SAN JOSE FLASH REPORT - FEBRUARY 2006 [...] Embassy San Jose's cumulative allotments and obligations for current fiscal year INL funds are as follows: Project Number:011122101 Project Title: PD&S Cumulative Allotments: $12,084.00 Cumulative Obligations: $12,045.58 LANGDALE [...] |
2006-02-03 21:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR AFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE2734 |
COSTA RICA: SUSPENSION OF TTLE III OF THE [...] Since returning to the presidency i May 2006, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias has een one of the region's leading critics of the Cstro government and a strong advocate for democrtic change and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica shows absolutely no signs that it would consider re-estab [...] |
2006-12-07 23:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETC PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE2735 |
SOUTHERN COMMAND'S HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE; [...] SUMMARY: The U.S. Southern Command, as part of its Human Rights Initiative (HRI), sponsored a human rights conference in Costa Rica for 77 personnel, mainly from the public security force, November 28-December 1. Building on the work of an initial conference in August, this event sought to [...] |
2006-12-08 00:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL MASS XM CS |
| 06SANJOSE2737 |
COSTA RICA: SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE [...] Since returning to the presidency in May 2006, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias has been one of the region's leading critics of the Castro government and a strong advocate for democratic change and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica shows absolutely no signs that it would consider re- [...] |
2006-12-08 15:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETTC PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE2750 |
COSTA RICA'S TELECOM MONOPOLY PREPARES FOR CHANGE [...] SUMMARY. With CAFTA-DR ratification slowly moving forward, and telecom competition on the horizon, Costa Rica's telecom monopoly, ICE, (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) is making moves to modernize under new ICE President, Pedro Pablo Quiros. The new ICE leadership is clearly engaged i [...] |
2006-12-12 21:52:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN ELAB PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2778 |
GWOT: COSTA RICAN COLLECTION OF IDENTIFYING [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-18 22:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PREL PGOV PINR CVIS ASEC KVPR CS |
| 06SANJOSE2779 |
CAFTA RATIFICATION BILL FINALLY CLEARS COMMITTEE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The bill to ratify CAFTA-DR was approved by the legislative assembly's Committee on International Relations by a 6-3 vote on December 12, ending over a year of hearings and debate. Although the results were anticipated, the atmosphere during the vote was tense, with a small grou [...] |
2006-12-19 22:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2798 |
COSTA RICA: UNGA VOTE ON DECEMBER 19 [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-21 15:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS PGOV PHUM PREL UNGA |
| 06SANJOSE2799 |
COSTA RICA ON UN SCALE OF ASSESSMENTS [...] (SBU) PolOff discussed reftel points with the Foreign Ministry's Director for Multilateral Affairs, Carlos Cordero, on December 18. Cordero claimed to be unaware of any G-77 position or proposals for increasing the dues ceiling from 22 to 25 percent. Cordero stated that Costa Rica would prefe [...] |
2006-12-21 16:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNGA AMGT AORC CS |
| 06SANJOSE280 |
NEW LAW STRENGTHENS COSTA RICAN IMMIGRATION [...] (SBU) On October 27, 2005 the Legislative Assembly approved a draft law that criminalizes alien smuggling; increases fines on airlines carrying passengers without correct documentation; and fines individuals who aid, abet, harbor, transport, and/or employ illegal migrants. After nearly four y [...] |
2006-02-06 21:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CASC KFRD CS |
| 06SANJOSE2802 |
COSTA RICA'S INSURANCE MONOPOLY PREPARES FOR COMPETITION [...] SUMMARY. Costa Rica's legislature has commenced hearings on legislation to open up the government's insurance monopoly to competition, a requirement of CAFTA-DR. Meanwhile Costa Rica's Instituto Nacional de Seguros,(INS,)is making plans to modernize and prepare for an open market. INS plans [...] |
2006-12-21 21:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE2803 |
REMITTANCES TO COSTA RICA UP 18% IN 2006 [...] Remittances to Costa Rica increased by 18% in the first six months of 2006 over the amount received in the same period of 2005. The total through the first six months of 2006 is $234 million with the majority coming from the USA. People in Costa Rica remitted some $108 million, representing a [...] |
2006-12-22 12:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON CS |
| 06SANJOSE281 |
DEMARCHE RESPONSE: P5+2 STATEMENT ON IRAN [...] Post delivered reftel talking points to Carlos Cordero, Deputy Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, and followed up by telephone on February 3. According to Mr. Cordero, Costa Rica has never had diplomatic relations with Iran, so official communication is unl [...] |
2006-02-06 22:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM KNNP PREL IR EU AORC CS |
| 06SANJOSE283 |
ARIAS MAINTAINS SLIGHT LEAD THE DAY AFTER THE [...] (U) With 89 percent of the polls reporting by the afternoon of February 6, Oscar Arias of the National Liberation Party (PLN) has 40.5 percent of the vote for president and Otton Solis of the Citizens' Action Party (PAC) 40.3 percent. With only 3,250 votes separating the two candidates, the f [...] |
2006-02-06 23:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE304 |
SLOW VOTE COUNT DELAYS ELECTION RESULTS [...] Less than 24 hours after polls closed, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) stopped posting updates to its webpage with results from 88.4 percent of voting stations already reported. At that point the leading candidates were virtually tied with 3,250 votes separating them out of the 1.4 mil [...] |
2006-02-08 23:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE305 |
VOTER DISAFFECTION WITH POLITICAL CLASS LEADS TO [...] (SBU) Although the two leading candidates for president have clearly defined and well known positions on CAFTA-DR -- Oscar Arias is for, and Otton Solis against -- treaty ratification was not the key issue in the election or the cause for Solis's higher-than-expected showing in the presidentia [...] |
2006-02-08 23:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE309 |
REPORT ON SAN JOSE ANTI-CORRUPTION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-09 15:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS OIIP KPAO |
| 06SANJOSE319 |
COSTA RICA CONTINUES TO STUMBLE TOWARD ELECTION [...] Summary: Oscar Arias appeared to have gotten a boost during the initial stages of a full manual vote recount from the February 5 national elections. Going into the manual count, Arias led chief rival Otton Solis by a slim 3,250 votes, with 89 percent of precincts counted. Results from the ma [...] |
2006-02-09 23:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE331 |
ELECTION RESULTS EMBOLDEN ANTI-CAFTA-DR FORCES [...] (U) Public sector labor unions and other opponents of CAFTA-DR are trying to capitalize on the February 5 election results to stop treaty ratification in Costa Rica. They claim that the better-than-expected showing for presidential candidate Otton Solis, a treaty critic, nullifies the Legisla [...] |
2006-02-10 23:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ELAB PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE344 |
DONATION TO IRAQI AND AFGHAN SECURITY FORCES: [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-14 21:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MOPS PINS PREL AF IZ CS |
| 06SANJOSE359 |
COSTA RICANS PATIENTLY AWAIT ELECTION RESULTS, BUT [...] (C) Summary: Although the unofficial preliminary tabulations of election results show Oscar Arias to have won the February 5 election by more than 10,000 votes, the current interim, cumulative total of the official recount (which eleven days after the election has passed the half-way point) n [...] |
2006-02-16 18:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE383 |
AMBASSADOR'S RETURN TO POST [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-21 15:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE395 |
CORRECTION: AMBASSADOR'S RETURN TO POST [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-21 19:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE410 |
SOLIS ALLEGES "SERIOUS ANOMALIES AND VIOLATIONS" [...] (U) On the eve of finishing the recount of presidential ballots (and Oscar Arias returning to the lead), rival Otton Solis cried foul in a televised address to all Costa Ricans. Solis claimed "serious anomalies and violations" in the voting but did not make a direct accusation of fraud. He u [...] |
2006-02-22 23:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE434 |
ARIAS WINS FINAL COUNT FOR PRESIDENCY, BUT WINNER [...] The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) finished its mandatory manual recount of all votes in the presidential election at 4:00 pm on February 22. At the end of the count, Arias defeated Solis by 18,167 votes. Arias narrowly avoided a run-off election by winning 40.92 percent of the vote (40 pe [...] |
2006-02-23 23:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE443 |
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON OSCAR ARIAS [...] (U) Oscar Arias Sanchez was elected on February 5, 2006, as the first repeat president in Costa Rica since 1970. Winning by a 1.12 percent margin (18,000 votes out of 1.62 million cast), Arias comes to office without the sweeping mandate he expected. He was permitted to run for president beca [...] |
2006-02-24 20:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE444 |
"MORAL POWER:" ARIAS AND NATIONAL SECURITY [...] (C) National security in an Oscar Arias administration will be pursued at three levels: (1) Internationally, Arias will use his prestige as a Nobel laureate to be an advocate for multilateralism, international law, and disarmament. (2) At home the principal external security issues will be [...] |
2006-02-24 21:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINS PREL MASS SNAR SMIG SOCI PBTS NI CS |
| 06SANJOSE478 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR POLITICAL OFFICER, JENNIFER [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Jennifer Isakoff, who will be in Costa Rica from March 10-14, 2006. The purpose of this trip is for consultations with Embassy officials. 2. Control Officer: POC is Robert Copley, Political Officer, who can be reached at the offic [...] |
2006-03-01 22:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE481 |
COSTA RICA 2005 TIP REPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-02 14:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KCRM SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB CS |
| 06SANJOSE486 |
BIOTECHNOLOGY EXPERT WILLIAM PARROTT VISIT [...] Summary. On November 7th and 8th, 2005 Dr. William Parrott, University of Georgia Professor and biotechnology expert, visited Costa Rica to meet with GOCR officials from the Ministries of Health and Economy as well as with Legislative Assembly staff. Dr. Parrott was also interviewed by the [...] |
2006-03-03 20:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON TBIO ETRD KPAO CS BEXP SENV |
| 06SANJOSE488 |
COSTA RICA: GUATEMALAN CAMPAIGN LOOKS WEAK FOR [...] (C) Summary: Costa Rica will support Guatemala's efforts to win the rotational Latin seat on the UNSC. The Foreign Minister and Director of Foreign Policy told us separately that Guatemala needs to campaign more aggressively, particularly in the Caribbean, and offered to assist. These offici [...] |
2006-03-03 20:53:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL CS PGOC UNSC |
| 06SANJOSE489 |
COSTA RICA ON UNSYG SUCCESSION [...] Ambassador Langdale discussed reftel points with Foreign Minster Tovar on March 2, 2006. Tovar said that Costa Rica has not committed to supporting any candidate at this time. Tovar added that Costa Rica's vote will soon be courted, and said that the sooner the USG settles on a candidate, the [...] |
2006-03-03 20:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV CS UN |
| 06SANJOSE525 |
SOLIS "ACCEPTS" THAT ARIAS WILL BE NEXT PRESIDENT [...] On March 3, Otton Solis finally conceded that he had lost the presidential election and asked the country to "accept" Oscar Arias as the next president. Solis at the same time reiterated his complaints about the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and his charges of voting "irregularities." Ari [...] |
2006-03-07 15:47:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE536 |
IT'S FINALLY OFFICIAL--ARIAS IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT [...] Summary: In a short statement at midday on March 7, Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) Chief Magistrate Oscar Fonseca formally declared Oscar Arias the winner of the February 5, 2006 presidential election. Arias will take office on May 8. Ref A contains biographical information on Arias. En [...] |
2006-03-07 22:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE538 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FOUR U.S.DOL OFFICIALS AND [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Dr. Eilenn Muirragi, Supervisory International Relations Officer; Ms. Sharon Heller Jordan, International Relations Officer; Ms. Rachel E Spring, Analyst; Dr. Donna E Chung, Analyst; Ms. Ruth Anne Mota, Consultant; Ms. Paula Thompson Wo [...] |
2006-03-08 14:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE549 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO U.S./INDIA NUCLEAR AGREEMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-08 19:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ENRG KSCA IN PARM KNNP ETTC CS |
| 06SANJOSE550 |
MAGEN DAVID ADOM: COSTA RICA SIGNING MECHANISM [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-08 19:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC PHUM PREF PREL CS ICRC |
| 06SANJOSE569 |
LIBERTARIAN MOVEMENT PARTY WILL SUPPORT FREE TRADE [...] Summary: On March 6, Ambassador hosted for breakfast five of the six newly elected legislators from the Libertarian Movement Party (ML) plus one ML candidate who failed to get elected. ML improved its position from fourth party to third party in the Legislative Assembly. The deputies-elect s [...] |
2006-03-10 17:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE571 |
COSTA RICA MEDIA REACTION TO 2005 HUMAN RIGHTS [...] As anticipated, most local news organizations reported on this week's release of the annual Human Rights Report (HRR). Several news dailies published brief synopses of the reports for all Central American countries, and several noted the HRR's overall positive tone. Accounts of the report ge [...] |
2006-03-10 20:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM CS |
| 06SANJOSE58 |
COSTA RICA'S RESPONSE ON THE JANUARY 9 MEETING ON [...] (C) Foreign Minister Tovar told us he would not sign a Mexican-authored communique on U.S. immigration proposals merely as a gesture of solidarity, especially if the document is "confrontational." End Summary. Costa Ricans Have Their Own Immigration Problems ------------------------------- [...] |
2006-01-09 21:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SMIG ECON ES NU HO EC DR CO GT CS |
| 06SANJOSE584 |
MEDIA COVERAGE OF PRESIDENT BUSH'S CONGRATULATORY [...] Most major news outlets reported on President Bush's congratulatory call to Oscar Arias on his election as president. Arias freely discussed the topics and tenor of his conversation with President Bush, which lasted for approximately five minutes. 2. The press focused on three aspects of [...] |
2006-03-13 22:52:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE591 |
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT LAURA CHINCHILLA [...] Summary: Laura Chinchilla was chosen by Oscar Arias to be his first vice presidential running mate in the 2006 election. Along with Kevin Casas as second vice president, Arias and Chinchilla will take office on May 8. Chinchilla, currently a member of the Legislative Assembly and formerly mi [...] |
2006-03-14 19:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PINS PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE592 |
KEVIN CASAS, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT-ELECT [...] (U) Summary: Kevin Casas, chosen by Oscar Arias to be his second vice presidential running mate, will come into the third highest political position in the country on May 8 with scant political credentials. Only 37 years old, Casas is an academic and researcher who has never held office. Int [...] |
2006-03-14 20:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PINR PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE612 |
COSTA RICA: PROPOSED LABOR PROJECTS UNDER CAFTA-DR [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-16 22:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ETRD ELAB CS |
| 06SANJOSE617 |
IN LETTER TO SOLIS, ARIAS CALLS FOR NATIONAL DIALOG [...] (SBU) Summary: On March 17, daily newspaper La Nacion published in its entirety a letter from President-elect Oscar Arias to election runner-up Otton Solis, in which Arias calls upon Solis and his supporters to act in a manner befitting a mature democracy, and to work with Arias during the nex [...] |
2006-03-17 21:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ETRD CS |
| 06SANJOSE63 |
NATIONAL SECURITY PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR COSTA RICA [...] (C) Tom: I am writing to seek your support for an inititiative to engage early on with the new Costa Rican leadership team before it enters office and while it is still forming its governing agenda. During my consultations in Washington before coming to post, I met with Dr. Richard Downie o [...] |
2006-01-10 15:53:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINS MARR PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE643 |
ANTI-CAFTA-DR GROUPS STAGE PROTEST, "BURY" THE [...] On March 20, several groups jointly staged the first organized protest against the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) since the country's February 5 elections. Unlike in previous demonstrations, labor organizations did not play a major organizational role. [...] |
2006-03-22 17:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ELAB PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE656 |
"COSTA RICA, INC.": ANTI-CAFTA-DR FILM MIXES [...] Summary: A slick new film appearing periodically on Costa Rican public television uses a mixture of emotionally laden images, misquotes, and insinuations (probably falling just short of libel) to attack the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). While object [...] |
2006-03-24 17:08:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD SOCI CS |
| 06SANJOSE705 |
COSTA RICA WILL SEEK PANAMANIAN SUPPORT FOR [...] No summary [...] |
2006-03-30 23:04:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC UN GT VE CS |
| 06SANJOSE706 |
RODGRIGO ARIAS, MINISTER OF PRESIDENCY [...] (C) Rodrigo is the younger brother and by far the closest adviser to Oscar Arias. He is the only permanent member of Oscar's inner circle and has always been at his brother's side in business and politics. Since Oscar's divorce and the death of his mother, Oscar has come to rely even more on [...] |
2006-03-30 23:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR CS |
| 06SANJOSE707 |
FUTURE PUSC DEPUTIES STRESS IMPORTANCE OF "SOCIAL [...] (C) On May 29, Ambassador hosted all five deputies-elect of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) for breakfast. They all expressed support for the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) but were concerned about opposition from labor trade unions, some agricultura [...] |
2006-03-30 23:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ETRD CS |
| 06SANJOSE727 |
PAC REITERATES FRIENDSHIP, BUT REMAINS STEADFAST [...] On March 24, Ambassador Langdale hosted a breakfast for the newly elected legislative deputies from the Citizens' Action Party (PAC) at the residence. Conversation was dominated by the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), with all of the deputies-elect sti [...] |
2006-04-04 14:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE734 |
URGING COSTA RICA TO ENDORSE PSI [...] (C) On April 3, Polcouns delivered reftel demarche to the MFA's Director General for Foreign Policy, Jose Joaquin Chaverri, emphasizing the importance of controlling the trade in WMD and missile-related materials and noting that endorsement of PSI was a statement of political support and did [...] |
2006-04-05 14:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | MNUC PARM PGOV PHSA PREL KNNP CS |
| 06SANJOSE751 |
IRANIAN PRESENCE IN COSTA RICA (C-NE6-00140) [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-06 21:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PINR CS IR |
| 06SANJOSE762 |
HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSWOMAN SLAMS CAFTA-DR [...] Costa Rica's Human Rights Ombudswoman, Dr. Lisbeth Quesada, released a report on March 30 criticizing the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Comparing the relative bargaining power of the U.S. and Costa Rica to "a wild tiger vs. a captive rabbit," the re [...] |
2006-04-07 15:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD PHUM PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE777 |
DEPUTIES-ELECT OF RULING NATIONAL LIBERATION PARTY [...] For the fourth and final breakfast honoring newly elected deputies to Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly, the Ambassador hosted the largest faction, the National Liberation Party (PLN), on April 6. While individual conversations tended to focus on security issues and the party's anticipated st [...] |
2006-04-07 22:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE790 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISORS [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Alphonso Correa, Financial Enforcement Advisor and Intermittent Financial Enforcement Advisor James Parrott who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from April 19 to April 22. The purpose of this visit is to meet with Embassy personnel [...] |
2006-04-10 21:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA EFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE805 |
DEMARCHE AND SECRETARY RICE'S LETTER ON THE UN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-12 17:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | KUNR OPDC PHUM PREL UNGA CS |
| 06SANJOSE812 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MARIA SOSA [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to contractor Maria Sosa from Booz Allen Hamilton who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from April 17 to April 19. The purpose of this visit is to attend a meeting of the regional technical commision on valuation to review the FASTrade [...] |
2006-04-12 20:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE826 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MARIA SOSA [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to contractor Maria Sosa from Booz Allen Hamilton who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from April 26 to April 29. The purpose of this visit is to attend a regional Customs Directors Meeting. 2. Post understands assistance is not nec [...] |
2006-04-19 22:21:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE827 |
CORRECTION TO BIODATA FOR FIRST VICE PRESIDENT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-20 14:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PINS PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE875 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CAROLINE BREARLEY [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Caroline Brearley, USAID Economic Growth office who will be in Costa Rica on TDY assignment from May 3 to May 5. The purpose of this visit is to meet with Vice Presidents of all Latin American AMCHAMS about CAFTA implementation and Emba [...] |
2006-04-25 22:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE876 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR POITIER & KOODIE [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to FAA Aviation Inspectors Harcourt Poitier, and Teeluckdarie Koodie who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 8 to May 12. The purpose of this visit is to review compliance of regulations during certification inspection. 2. Tra [...] |
2006-04-25 22:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE88 |
NATIONAL SECURITY PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR COSTA RICA [...] (C) Dear General Craddock: I am writing to seek your support for an inititiative to engage early on with the new Costa Rican leadership team before it enters office and while it is still forming its governing agenda. During my consultations in Washington before coming to post, I met with Dr [...] |
2006-01-13 13:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINS MARR PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE896 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR SILVIA ANZOLA [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Silvia Anzola form Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from April 26 to April 29. The purpose of this visit is to attend a custom's directors meeting to review draft legislation of CAFTA advance ruling com [...] |
2006-04-26 22:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE91 |
KEY DEPUTIES POINT TO VOTING ON CAFTA-DR AFTER NEW [...] On January 11, 2006 Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) and Ambassador met with key members of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly to discuss the status of ratification of the Central America-Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Rolando Lacle, Chair of the Assembly's Intern [...] |
2006-01-13 15:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECPS ECON PREL PGOV SOCI CS |
| 06SANJOSE910 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO UNHRC - CANDIDACY OF IRAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-28 16:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | KUNR PHUM PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE92 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR DAVID LINDWALL, WHA A/DAS [...] Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes and is pleased to grant country clearance for David Lindwall, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who will be in SIPDIS Costa Rica from January 16-18, 2006. The purpose of this trip is to consult with Embassy and host government [...] |
2006-01-13 15:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE934 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL BURTON [...] Costa Rica is a developing country with a per capita income of about U.S. $4,700 and an unemployment rate of about 6.5 percent. Tourism, manufactured exports, and service industries now far surpass traditional agricultural exports (coffee and bananas) as sources of employment and foreign exc [...] |
2006-05-04 00:08:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP AMGT AFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE936 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL HARKIN [...] Costa Rica is a developing country with a per capita income of about U.S. $4,700 and an unemployment rate of about 6.5 percent. Tourism, manufactured exports, and service industries now far surpass traditional agricultural exports (coffee and bananas) as sources of employment and foreign exc [...] |
2006-05-04 15:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP AMGT AFIN CS |
| 06SANJOSE971 |
LABOR MINISTER FRANCISCO MORALES [...] Summary: President Oscar Arias has named 65-year-old Francisco Morales to be Minister of Labor in his administration. Morales has a long history of government service, having previously served as Minister of Labor from 1972 to 1977, and as Minister of Agriculture from 1982 to 1986. With hi [...] |
2006-05-09 19:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PINS PGOV CS |
| 06SANJOSE979 |
ON INAUGURATION DAY, OSCAR ARIAS PROMISES A [...] Oscar Arias was sworn in as president for a four-year term beginning May 8. Present at the mid-day ceremony were the heads of state of the Central American countries, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, and Taiwan, Prince Felipe of Spain, First Lady of the United States Laura Bush, and former P [...] |
2006-05-09 23:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE980 |
PRESIDENT OSCAR ARIAS'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MAY [...] On being presented the presidential sash on May 8, 2006, Oscar Arias delivered his inaugural speech entitled, "I Choose Life, Democracy and the Challenge of Peaceful Change." Below is the full text of the speech in English. The translation was provided by the Arias Foundation, an NGO founde [...] |
2006-05-09 23:47:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL CS |
| 06SANJOSE991 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR STEVEN HENDRIX [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Steven Hendrix, USAID Representative Steven Hendrix who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 9 to May 13. The purpose of this visit is to participate in working level meetings of the Latin American Public Opinion Project, a reg [...] |
2006-05-10 20:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE992 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR WILLIAM SASSAMAN [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Federal Aviation Administation employee William Sassaman who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 17. The purpose of this visit is to perform a flight deck observation in San Jose. 2. Post understands no assistance is requir [...] |
2006-05-10 20:41:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE993 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR JOSE GARZON [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Jose Garzon, Democracy and Governance Team Leader who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 10 to May 13. The purpose of this visit is to attend the Latin American Public Opinion Project Workshop to be held in San Jose, in coord [...] |
2006-05-10 20:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID OTRA CS |
| 06SANJOSE994 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY ADVISOR RICHARD [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to Treasury Advisor, Richard Bartholomew who will be in Costa Rica on assignment from May 14 to May 20. The purpose of this visit is to participate in an assessment at the Ministry of Finance. 2. Post understands no assistance is requi [...] |
2006-05-10 20:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA CS |
| 06SANSALVADOR169 |
UNIVERSALIZATION OF FRAMEWORK TREATY ON DEMOCRATIC [...] No summary [...] |
2006-01-24 14:29:00 | Embassy San Salvador | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM PREL MARR MCAP ES CS PM GANGS |
| 06TAIPEI2921 |
FOREIGN MINISTER HUANG ON HIS CENTRAL AMERICA [...] (C) Summary. Taiwan Foreign Minister James Huang believes his visit to Central America last week shored up Taiwan's fragile relations with Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras. He remains deeply concerned, however, that Daniel Ortega might win the November presidential election in Nicaragua and [...] |
2006-08-23 22:07:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PM CS HO BH NU TP CH TW |
| 06TAIPEI2933 |
FOREIGN MINISTER HUANG ON HIS CENTRAL AMERICA [...] (C) Summary. Taiwan Foreign Minister James Huang believes his visit to Central America last week shored up Taiwan's fragile relations with Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras. He remains deeply concerned, however, that Daniel Ortega might win the November presidential election in Nicaragua and [...] |
2006-08-24 08:48:00 | American Institute Taiwan, Taipei | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PM CS HO BH NU TP CH TW |
| 06WELLINGTON201 |
NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MARK HOLLIDAY, NOAA, [...] (SBU) Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance to Mark Holliday to travel to Auckland from March 13-14; Wellington from March 15-16 and March 19-20; and Christchurch from March 17-18. The purpose of this visit is to meet with NZ Government and industry representatives on implementation o [...] |
2006-03-13 03:57:00 | Embassy Wellington | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OTRA TPHY KSCA EFIS CS BEXP NZ |
| 07BEIJING3861 |
JUNE 7 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: PRESIDENT BUSH-KADEER [...] Key points at the June 7 MFA Press Conference were: -- The MFA called President Bush's decision to meet with Rebiya Kadeer a "blatant interference in China's internal affairs." -- China and Costa Rica have established diplomatic ties. -- If the Korean nuclear issue is raised at G-8, the [...] |
2007-06-07 09:30:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM GE KS NS CS RP |
| 07BOGOTA8306 |
GOC PEACE COMMISSIONER EXPLAINS SUSPENSION OF [...] (C) GOC Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo told the Ambassador that Venezuelan President Chavez' repeated violation of the rules set by President Uribe for Hugo Chavez' effort to promote a humanitarian accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) had forced Uribe to suspe [...] |
2007-11-30 23:56:00 | Embassy Bogota | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL PTER MARR AR BR CS EC FR UY |
| 07BRIDGETOWN1023 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MANTILLA AND HERRERA O/A AUGUST [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to OFDA Washington Information Officer Liza Mantilla and OFDA/Darlington Computer Manager Ricardo Herrera. 2. The purpose of the visit is to pre-deploy before Tropical Storm Dean. 3. Embassy point of contact is James Gogg [...] |
2007-08-15 19:53:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN1123 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CARRILLO SEPTEMBER 9-23, 2007 [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for OFDA Regional Advisor Rene Carrillo to travel to Bridgetown, O/A September 9-23, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean during Hurricane Season 2007. [...] |
2007-09-05 18:21:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN1205 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR LEONARD O/A SEPTEMBER 14-30, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Julie Leonard, USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor, from O/A September 14-30, 2007. The purpose of her visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean Hurricane Season 2007. 2. Embassy po [...] |
2007-09-14 21:14:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB XL |
| 07BRIDGETOWN1342 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO RENE CARRILLO TO TRAVEL TO [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for OFDA Regional Advisor Rene Carrillo to travel to Bridgetown, O/A November 5-10, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to attend Risk Reduction Course. 2. Embassy point of contact is James Goggin, USAID Representative, tel. 1- [...] |
2007-10-18 19:08:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN1358 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CARRILLO November 5- [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for OFDA Regional Advisor Rene Carrillo to travel to Bridgetown, O/A November 5-10, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to attend Risk Reduction Course. 2. Embassy point of contact is James Goggin, USAID Representative, tel. [...] |
2007-10-25 19:56:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN618 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR SMITH JUNE 17 to July 1, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Stephen Smith, OFDA/IRG Chief of Party, to travel to Barbados from June 17 - July 1, 2007. The purpose of his visit is to provide OFDALAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean during Hurricane Season 20 [...] |
2007-05-16 21:37:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN619 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CALLAGHAN JUNE 18-20, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Timothy Callaghan, OFDA Regional Coordinator, to travel to Barbados from June 18-20, 2007. The purpose of his visit is to meet with partners regarding hurricane season. 2. Embassy point of contact is James Goggin, USAID Te [...] |
2007-05-16 21:37:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN660 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE AMENDED FOR CALLAGHAN FOR TRAVEL TO [...] Embassy Bridgetown acknowledges change in travel dates and amends country clearance for Timothy Callaghan, OFDA Regional Coordinator, to travel to Barbados from June 12-20, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to attend the Eastern Caribbean Donor Group (ECDG) Hurricane meeting on June 13th. [...] |
2007-05-24 20:10:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN661 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR LEONARD O/A JUNE 3-17, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Julie Leonard, USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor, from O/A June 3-17, 2007. The purpose of her visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean Hurricane Season 2007. 2. Embassy point o [...] |
2007-05-24 22:05:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN753 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GELMAN O/A JULY 1-15, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Phil Gelman, USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor, from O/A July 1-15, 2007. The purpose of his visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean Hurricane Season 2007. 2. Embassy point of [...] |
2007-06-11 19:56:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN770 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR AUDREY MULLINGS. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Audrey Mullings, OFDA/IRG Consultant to travel to St. Vincent O/A June 18-23, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to facilitate shelter management and initial damage assessment courses. 2. Embassy point of contact is James G [...] |
2007-06-13 21:32:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS VC XL |
| 07BRIDGETOWN802 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE OFDA/IRG CONSULTANTS MULLINGS AND [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to OFDA/IRG Consultants, Audrey Mullings and Beryl Armbrister, and OFDA/IRG Participants, Phillip Ramdass, Alex Browne, Donna Pierre, Althea Daniels-Thornton, Laynette Carter and Sheik Kalid Hussein, to travel to Dominica from O/A [...] |
2007-06-18 21:42:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS DO |
| 07BRIDGETOWN848 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ARMBRISTER JULY 3-6, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown grants country clearance to Beryl Armbrister, OFDA/IRG Consultant, to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis O/A July 3-6, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to meet with National Disaster Office. 2. Embassy point of contact is James Goggin, USAID Representative, tel. 1-246-227 [...] |
2007-06-28 20:31:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS SC XL |
| 07BRIDGETOWN849 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR HERRERA O/A JULY 15-29, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for OFDA Darlington Computer Manager, Ricardo Herrera to travel to Bridgetown, O/A June 15-29, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean during Hurricane Se [...] |
2007-06-28 20:33:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN923 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR LEONARD O/A JULY 29 THRU AUGUST 12, [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Julie Leonard, USAID/OFDA Regional Advisor, to travel to Barbados O/A July 29 thru August 12, 2007. 2. The purpose of the visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean Hurricane [...] |
2007-07-19 21:33:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB XL |
| 07BRIDGETOWN945 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR VELADO O/A AUGUST 12-26, 2007. [...] Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Sidney Velado, OFDA Regional Advisor, to travel to Barbados O/A August 12-26, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to provide OFDA/LAC coverage (preparedness and response) to the Eastern Caribbean Hurricane Season 2007. 2. Emba [...] |
2007-07-24 21:01:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS BB |
| 07BRIDGETOWN965 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ARMBRISTER O/A AUGUST 13-18, 2007 [...] Embassy Bridgetown grants country clearance to Beryl Armbrister, Consultant, to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis O/A August 13-18, 2007. The purpose of the visit is to facilitate technical assistance in damage assessment and needs analysis development and conduct initial damage assessment trainin [...] |
2007-07-30 21:01:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ASEC OTRA CS SC XL |
| 07LAGOS239 |
IMPROVING U.S. DIPLOMACY ON INDOOR AIR POLLUTION [...] This is a response to an action request or details on Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) in Nigeria. A septel will be sent assessing the GON's awareness of and commitment to reduce IAP. According to Ministry of Petroleum Resources, household kerosene is used 99 percent of the time as an energy sourc [...] |
2007-03-30 14:08:00 | Consulate Lagos | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AID EPA SENV TBIO AL AM BK CB CD CM CS CV |
| 07SANJOSE1049 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1747 [...] On May 18, PolOff conveyed reftel information and request to Carlos Cordero Madrigal, head of the Disarmament, Terrorism, and Organized Crime section within the Foreign Policy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 2. On May 25, PolOff followed up with a phone call to Corde [...] |
2007-06-01 21:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ETTC IR PARM PREL |
| 07SANJOSE1053 |
COSTA RICA: DEMARCHE ON IRAN-VENEZUELA RELATIONSHIP [...] (C) On May 31st, PolCoun and PolOff met with Alejandro Solano, sub-director of the Foreign Policy Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to discuss the growing Iranian-Venezuelan relationship (Ref a). Solano was receptive and expressed concerns, particularly in the area of the loose [...] |
2007-06-04 16:08:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM MASS MARR PTER IR ECON VE CS |
| 07SANJOSE1061 |
COSTA RICA: TITLE III SUSPENSION OF THE [...] Costa Rican President Oscar Arias remains one of the region's leading critics of the Castro government and a strong advocate for democratic change and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica shows no signs that it would consider re-establishing diplomatic relations with the Castro government [...] |
2007-06-04 21:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETTC PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1106 |
COSTA RICA RECOGNIZES CHINA [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 6, Costa Rica announced normalized relations with China, ending ties with Taiwan dating back to 1944. President Arias said the decision was based on "fundamental realism," and he expressed hope that informal relations could be retained with Taipei. The announcement ca [...] |
2007-06-08 22:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV TW XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1131 |
COSTA RICAN NOMINATION FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S AWARD [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to nominate Whole Foods Market for the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in the Multinational Enterprise (MNE) category (reftel). From its business practices in U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based stores, to its investments in its supply chain, Wh [...] |
2007-06-14 12:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINV ETRD ELAB SENV KSEP CS |
| 07SANJOSE1134 |
COSTA RICA - RESPONSE TO ARMS TREATY DEMARCHE [...] (U) On May 31, Pol/C and Poloff discussed USG position (Reftel) on the proposed UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with MFA Deputy Director for Exterior Policy Alejandro Solis. We left a non-paper; noted that the USG was presenting a demarche on the issue to a number of host governments, including AT [...] |
2007-06-14 14:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PARM ETTC KOMS UNDC CS |
| 07SANJOSE1173 |
COSTA RICA: NORMALIZED RELATIONS WITH CHINA BRING [...] SUMMARY (U) Costa Rica's June 1 recognition of the PRC and consequent break in diplomatic relations with Taiwan (Ref A) have brought worries about the financing of ongoing assistance projects (previously funded by Taiwan) as well as immigration concerns at a time when illegal Chinese traffic i [...] |
2007-06-18 22:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR SNAR CVIS XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1194 |
COSTA RICA MINI DUBLIN GROUP REPORT UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: This message provides an update on Dublin Group activities (per Ref A). Costa Rica continues to serve as a transit point for illegal narcotics destined to the United States and Europe from production sites in South America. At the same time, Costa Rica continues to demonstrate [...] |
2007-06-20 23:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR PREL KCRM CS |
| 07SANJOSE1248 |
COSTA RICA INPUT - USITC BIENNIAL CARIBBEAN BASIN [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI/CBERA/CBTPA) has played a key role in the growth of the Costa Rican economy over the last 23 years, fueling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which has expanded the economy and diversified export opportunities. In the past seven years, accordin [...] |
2007-06-28 12:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC ECON ETRD OTRA XL EFIN CS |
| 07SANJOSE132 |
CHINESE ALIEN SMUGGLING RING SMASHED IN COSTA RICA [...] SUMMARY: In a powerful display of honesty and courage, Costa Rican Immigration Director Mario Zamora refused a USD 2.5 million bribe from Chinese alien smugglers and instead assisted in a sting operation which caught the ringleader and six others on January 12, 2007. Most of the arrested are [...] |
2007-01-24 22:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KCRM SMIG KJUS KFRD CVIS PINR CS CH |
| 07SANJOSE1322 |
COSTA RICA: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR COMES CALLING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: New Chinese Ambassador-designate Wang Xiaoyuan has wasted little time in making the rounds in San Jose. Arriving in Costa Rica on June 13, he presented a copy of his credentials to FM Stagno on June 18 (although he has not yet presented his credentials to President Arias). In [...] |
2007-07-11 17:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINR XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1349 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UNCAC CHECKLIST AND APPLICATION [...] On July 13, PolOff conveyed reftel information and request to Carlos Cordero Madrigal, head of the Disarmament, Terrorism, and Organized Crime Section within the Foreign Policy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMA). 2. Cordero advised that his office had already prepared the res [...] |
2007-07-16 22:54:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS KCRM KJUS PG PTER SNAR |
| 07SANJOSE1350 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM SWING'S [...] On July 13, PolOff conveyed reftel information and request to Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of the United Nations Organizations desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMA) and to Gisella Sanchez Castillo, Human Rights Director at the Multilateral Policy Section of the FMA. 2. Biog [...] |
2007-07-16 23:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC CS EUN PREF PREL SMIG |
| 07SANJOSE1399 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UNESCO HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE [...] On July 25, PolOff conveyed reftel information and request to Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of the United Nations Organizations desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and to Gisella Sanchez Castillo, Human Rights Director at the Multilateral Policy Section of the MFA. 2. They [...] |
2007-07-25 21:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS PREL UNESCO |
| 07SANJOSE1450 |
62ND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: COSTA RICA HIGH-LEVEL [...] The following is the latest information from GOCR Foreign Ministry Officials regarding the Costa Rica delegation to the UNGA this fall. Exact details are not yet known but it is expected that both officials will attend the inauguration and at least one of them will attend the General Debate. [...] |
2007-08-01 22:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ITRA OVIP KSEP UNGA SOCI TSPL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1488 |
COSTA RICA NAMES AMBASSADOR TO CHINA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Arias administration has wasted no time in naming its new Ambassador to China, Antonio BURGUES Teran. Burgues, an economist by training, Arias confidant, former PLN party treasurer and ex-GOCR minister, was sworn in on August 1. He hopes to have a five-officer team join [...] |
2007-08-09 22:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINR XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1490 |
COSTA RICA WILL SUPPORT GAER CANDIDACY (CONVENTION [...] On August 8, PolOff conveyed reftel information via diplomatic note to Christian Guillermet Fernandez, Director General of the Foreign Policy Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Rita Hernandez Bolanos, Director of Protocol of the MFA. 2. MFA officials indicate that they will [...] |
2007-08-10 15:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS PREL UNGA PHUM |
| 07SANJOSE1497 |
COSTA RICA TO SUPPORT CARR MEMBERSHIP IN ICRC [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-13 14:53:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF PREL PHUM ICRC CS |
| 07SANJOSE1498 |
NUCLEAR TERRORISM CONVENTION: COSTA RICA PLANS TO [...] On August 8, PolOff conveyed reftel request and information to Randolph Coto, Assistant Director of the Disarmament and Terrorist Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Guisella Sanchez Castillo, Human Rights Director at the Multilateral Policy Section of the MFA. 2. They advi [...] |
2007-08-13 14:53:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER KNNP MCAP PINR PINS PARM PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1503 |
COSTA RICA ENDORSES UNESCO HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-13 21:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNESCO CS |
| 07SANJOSE1519 |
USG CONCERN OVER ILLICIT CASH COURIERS [...] On August 9, PolOff conveyed reftel information and concerns to Randolph Coto, Assistant Director of the Disarmament and Terrorism Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 2. Mr. Coto advised the GOCR is aware of these concerns which are troubling to Costa Rica as well. He indicat [...] |
2007-08-15 20:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ETTC KTFN LE PREL PTER CS |
| 07SANJOSE1571 |
MOVEMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION LEGISLATION UNLIKELY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Arias Administration expects little or no action on CAFTA implementing legislation before the October 7 referendum. Pro-CAFTA coalition in-fighting, coupled with stubborn stalling tactics by the PAC-led opposition, have blocked quorums and buried the GOCR,s legislative ag [...] |
2007-08-22 21:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD PGOV PINR PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1596 |
U.S. CANDIDACY FOR ICAO COUNCIL [...] On August 21, PolOff met with Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Candidacies Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and delivered reftel talking points. 2. Ms Vargas stated she would deliver the information to their Civil Aviation Authority and added that the GOCR would endorse the can [...] |
2007-08-28 15:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL EAIR AORC ICAO CS |
| 07SANJOSE1618 |
ASSESSMENT OF COSTA RICAN SECURITY REQUIREMENTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Costa Rica remains a significant transshipment point for drugs, people, currency and weapons. A successful comprehensive regional security strategy for Central America must include appropriately trained and equipped Costa Rican forces, willing and able to cooperate with counterpa [...] |
2007-08-30 12:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS KJUS PGOV PINS PREF PREL PTER SNAR |
| 07SANJOSE1637 |
UNFPA COUNTRY PROGRAM [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-31 20:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL SOCI CS |
| 07SANJOSE1682 |
US-COSTA RICA PARTNERSHIP AGAINST NARCOTRAFFICKERS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Close bilateral cooperation and improved intra-GOCR coordination yielded impressive counter narcotics successes since early July. Joint USG-GOCR efforts intercepted four go-fast boats and forced a fifth to turn back towards Panama. Ashore, a probable fuel depot for go-fasts an [...] |
2007-09-10 16:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PREL PTER SNAR XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1691 |
US-COSTA RICA PARTNERSHIP AGAINST NARCOTRAFFICKERS [...] This is a corrected version of San Jose 01682. See paragraphs 2, 3 and 12 2. (C) SUMMARY: Close bilateral cooperation and improved intra-GOCR coordination yielded impressive counter narcotics successes since early July. Joint USG-GOCR efforts intercepted four go-fast boats and forced a [...] |
2007-09-11 20:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PREL PTER SNAR XK CS |
| 07SANJOSE17 |
COSTA RICA: DEMARCHE ON MERCURY ISSUES AT 24TH [...] SUMMARY: Environment Ministry contacts confirmed that the GOCR had not yet considered mercury issues in the context of the February 5-9 UNEP Governing Council meeting. Ministry advisor Maria del Pilar Alfaro noted that a ban on the international trade or primary mining of mercury could impac [...] |
2007-01-08 19:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV PREL ETRD EMIN SOCI AORC CS |
| 07SANJOSE1733 |
COSTA RICA REQUESTS ENDORSEMENT OF ITS CANDIDACY [...] Per diplomatic note No. DGPE/DOI-C/146-9-07 dated 09-07-2007, the GOCR has requested endorsement of its candidacy to the Postal Exploitation Council of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The Council,s membership will be decided at the Naroibi UPU congress in August 2008. Costa Rica has been a [...] |
2007-09-19 21:06:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ECPS CS |
| 07SANJOSE175 |
CAFTA: ARIAS ADMINISTRATION FLEXES LEGISLATIVE [...] (U) SUMMARY. After a seemingly slow start this month, prospects for CAFTA ratification have taken a leap forward. The Arias administration used its 38-seat working coalition and creative interpretation of parliamentary rules to limit the number of sessions for CAFTA debate, making full ratifi [...] |
2007-01-30 20:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV CS |
| 07SANJOSE1768 |
COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA: UNEASTY NEIGHBORS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Costa Rican-Nicaraguan relations remain strained from a GOCR perspective. This was only slightly improved by Presidents Arias and Ortega meeting in Managua on August 21, although Arias reportedly returned with a written commitment from Ortega to support Costa Rica,s UNSC election [...] |
2007-09-24 22:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS NU PGOV PREF PREL XK |
| 07SANJOSE1771 |
COSTA RICA'S CAFTA REFERENDUM: A PRIMER [...] SUMMARY: With Costa Rica's CAFTA referendum less than two weeks away, the following is a basic review of the procedures and rules of the game for this first-ever national plebiscite on this issue and in this country. This information updates our earlier reporting on referendum technicalities [...] |
2007-09-26 14:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR ETRD CS |
| 07SANJOSE1783 |
COSTA RICA AND CHINA: IS TRADE THE TIE THAT BINDS? [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sino-Costa Rican relations have gotten off to a splashy start, with trade as the centerpiece. The new Chinese Embassy in San Jose opened on August 24, in conjunction with a trade fair which reportedly netted USD 12 million in sales or commitments for the Chinese and USD 140 mil [...] |
2007-09-27 17:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS CVIS ETRD PGOV PINR PREL XK |
| 07SANJOSE1786 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: ENCOURAGING CONTRIBUTIONS TO [...] On September 25, PolOff met with Carlos Cordero Madrigal, head of the Disarmament and Terrorism Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Viviana Tinoco, Chief of the Human Rights Section of the MFA and delivered the reftel talking points. 2. Both Officers assured PolOff that the [...] |
2007-09-28 14:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | UNSC LE PTER CS |
| 07SANJOSE1787 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: 62ND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: [...] On September 25 PolOff met with Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of Candidacies and the United Nations Specialized Agencies, and acting Director of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), to deliver the USG priority issues for the UNGA General Debate. 2. Ms. Vargas adv [...] |
2007-09-28 14:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNGA CS |
| 07SANJOSE1788 |
U.S. DRAFT RESOLUTION ON "CONDEMNING THE USE OF [...] On September 26, PolOff met with Viviana Tinoco, Director of the Human Rights and Multilateral Policies Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to deliver a copy of the draft resolution and verbally convey reftel talking points. 2. Ms Tinoco affirmed GOCR's support and said she woul [...] |
2007-09-28 14:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC UNAUS PHUM KWMN SOCI CS |
| 07SANJOSE18 |
DUE DILIGENCE FOR OPIC-SUPPORTED INVESTMENT FUND [...] The administration of President Oscar Arias has given a priority to improving the supply of housing for low and middle income sectors as part of the administration's complementary agenda for development. The Alsis Latin America Mortgage Fund goal to originate and securitize mortgages of appro [...] |
2007-01-08 21:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV CS |
| 07SANJOSE1801 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SWISS 19 PROPOSAL FOR COSTA [...] Econoffs met with officials of the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) on September 25 to discuss the USG position contained in reftel targeting Middle Ground countries. COMEX officials affirmed the GOCR's allegiance to the Middle Ground group as part of the Non-Agricultural Market [...] |
2007-10-02 21:13:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ETRD |
| 07SANJOSE1820 |
COSTA RICA: AMBASSADORQS LISTENING TOUR GENERATES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: From July to September, the Ambassador and Emboffs, accompanied by local media, visited companies and communities around the country to learn first hand how CAFTA will affect Costa Ricans. These visits gave employers and employees the opportunity to describe, in their own wor [...] |
2007-10-05 20:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD PGOV PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1823 |
MEDIA COVERAGE OF CAFTA CAMPAIGN AND [...] SUMMARY: Over the past two months, the Ambassador's visits to Costa Rican businesses affected by international trade generated significant media coverage and a variety of reactions, including a complaint filed by anti- CAFTA union leaders to the Supreme Election Tribunal (TSE), septel. Meanw [...] |
2007-10-05 23:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD PGOV PREL KPAO CS |
| 07SANJOSE1829 |
RELEASE OF 2007 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM [...] PolOff hand delivered a copy of the 2007 Costa Rica Report on International Religious Freedom (IRF) to Alejandro Solano Ortiz, Deputy Director of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and to Viviana Tinoco, Human Rights Director of the Multilateral Policy Section of the MFA, [...] |
2007-10-10 22:11:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS KDEM KIRF KPAO OPRC PGOV PHUM SOCI |
| 07SANJOSE1830 |
COSTA RICA MINISTERIAL DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON [...] Per reftel, PolOff met on October 5 with Alejandro Solano Ortiz, Deputy Director of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Julio Matamoros, Vice Minister of Energy (MINAE) and secured a tentative list of attendees to the March 2008 Washington International Renewable Energy [...] |
2007-10-10 22:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS EAID ENRG KPAO KSCA SENV SOCI TRGY |
| 07SANJOSE1837 |
COSTA RICA TIGHTENS PREVIOUSLY-LOOSENED VISA [...] (SBU) On October 4, GOCR Immigration Director Mario Zamora told us that the previously-eased visa requirements for Chinese businessmen seeking to travel to Costa Rica had been discontinued. Zamora explained that due to GOCR concern that proving "businessman" status would be a relatively easy [...] |
2007-10-11 16:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS CVIS PGOV PINR PREL |
| 07SANJOSE1856 |
COSTA RICAN REFERENDUM RATIFIES CAFTA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In their first-ever national referendum, Costa Ricans voted for ratification of CAFTA, 51.6% to 48.4%, a margin of 49,400 votes with 98% of the vote tallied. Turnout (nearly 60%) was well above the threshold to make the referendum binding. The "Yes" vote won in four of seven [...] |
2007-10-16 21:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ETRD CS |
| 07SANJOSE188 |
SEEKING NAMES OF INFLUENTIAL WOMEN - REPLY TO ACTION [...] Pursuant to S/WE request reftel, Post has identified six influential women in host country, drawing from both government and civil society (media, industry, and education). GOVERNMENT NAME: Laura Chinchilla TITLE AND INSTITUTION: First Vice President of Costa Rica and Minister of Justice [...] |
2007-01-31 22:26:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | KWMN PHUM PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1905 |
ALDIP ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS [...] (U) On October 24, PolOff discussed reftel third committee issues with Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of the Candidacies and United Nations Specialized Organizations Section of the MFA; Deyanira Ramirez Salas, Director of the International Organizations Section; and Viviana Tinoco, Dire [...] |
2007-10-25 16:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL KTIA UN CS |
| 07SANJOSE1906 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: CANDIDACY OF DAVID WALKER FOR [...] On October 24, PolOff met with Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of the Candidacies and United Nations Specialized Organizations Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to request GOCR support of Mr. Walker's candidacy and to deliver his biographical data. 2. Vargas indicated [...] |
2007-10-25 16:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL AORC UN UNGA CS |
| 07SANJOSE1926 |
COSTA RICA: SNAPSHOT OF TEXTILE SECTOR [...] SUMMARY: The textile sector in Costa Rica is a relatively small yet productive industry, accounting for approximately 7.4 percent of manufacturing exports and 6.2 percent of manufacturing employment in 2006. Although textile export receipts in Costa Rica have declined by approximately 23.7 p [...] |
2007-10-31 13:38:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON ELAB KTEX CS |
| 07SANJOSE1927 |
COSTA RICA TO VOTE AGAINST CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION [...] On October 25, we delivered reftel demarche to Montserrat Vargas Solorzano, Director of the Candidacies and the United Nations Specialized Organizations Sections of the MFA. 2. On October 30, we followed up with Christian Guillermet-Fernandez, Director General of the Foreign Policy Office [...] |
2007-10-31 14:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | UNGA ETRD PHUM UN CU CS |
| 07SANJOSE1928 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: OAS INDIGENOUS RIGHTS [...] On Oct. 26 PolOff met with Viviana Tinoco, Director of the Human Rights Section of the Multilateral Policy Department of the MFA to deliver reftel demarche. Tinoco told us the MFA was closely tracking the lengthy negotiations on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and indicated [...] |
2007-10-31 14:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1934 |
COSTA RICA POSITIVE BUT NONCOMMITAL ON U.S. [...] On October 31, we delivered reftel request to support the U.S. candidacy for re-election to category "A" of the International Maritime Organization to Montserrat Vargas of the MFA. Vargas told us that although the GOCR could not commit to supporting the U.S. candidacy yet, she indicated that [...] |
2007-10-31 22:55:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC IMO EWWT PHSA UK CS |
| 07SANJOSE1963 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE TO USTR REQUEST FOR INFO ON [...] The following is Post's response to Reftel's enquiries. Questions can be directed to Econoff Steven Bitner, (506) 519-2502, Fax (506) 519-2364, bitnesr@state.gov. 2. Costa Rica Population: 4,299,234 (Dec 2006) Per Capita GDP: $5,050 (2006) Department of Commerce Trade Statistics (2006) [...] |
2007-11-07 22:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD PREL PGOV CS |
| 07SANJOSE1965 |
Alternative Energies Fair: Can We Grow Fuel? [...] SUMMARY: Embassy participated in an alternative energies conference sponsored by RECOPE, Costa Rica's national oil refinery, held at the University of Costa Rica on 24-25 October, 2007. RECOPE organized this event as part of its "Quality Month" by inviting private companies, students, gover [...] |
2007-11-08 12:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ENRG PGOV CS |
| 07SANJOSE1975 |
THE POLITICS OF RESENTMENT IMPEDE IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION [...] SUMMARY: The GOCR's victory in the October 7 CAFTA referendum (reftel) did not translate into fast action by the national legislature (Asamblea). After a brief post-referendum honeymoon, the opposition all-too-quickly deployed familiar obstructionist tactics, asserting that the public's vote [...] |
2007-11-13 14:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ETRD CS |
| 07SANJOSE1977 |
SUPPORT FOR WHO IGWG BY COSTA RICA [...] Econoffs met with officials of the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) on November 8 to discuss the USG position cited in Reftel targeting countries supporting the Latin American position advocated by Brazil. Post originally presented the USG position to COMEX on October 23 but the C [...] |
2007-11-13 15:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD KIPR PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1978 |
COSTA RICAN SUPPORT FOR THE IAP ON RADIO REGULATIONS [...] Econoff met with officials of the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) on October 12 to discuss the USG position cited in Reftel on the Inter-American Proposal presented in the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission of the OAS. COMEX officials stated that the GOCR could not pres [...] |
2007-11-13 15:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE1999 |
COSTA RICA: THE WHINSEC SOLUTION? [...] (C) SUMMARY: The GOCR appears poised to release its restrictions on students attending the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), reversing a May 2007 decision by President Oscar Arias. Minister of Public Security Fernando Berrocal and Vice Minister of the Presidenc [...] |
2007-11-19 16:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MASS PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE202 |
COSTA RICA: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL SEAT [...] (U) Per reftel, on January 30, Poloff discussed the May UN Human Rights Council (HRC) election with Tatiana Vargas, head of the international candidacies division within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Poloff noted the USG's concerns about the performance of the HRC to date and encouraged Co [...] |
2007-02-02 16:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL UNHRC CS |
| 07SANJOSE2026 |
SUPPORT FOR NEW DELHI CONFERENCE ON AVIAN AND PANDEMIC [...] In response to referenced cable, post delivered the non-paper to Dr. Teresita Solano at the Ministry of Health on November 23 and raised it again with the Minister's assistant on November 30. 2. Neither Dr. Solano nor the Minister's staff are aware of any invitation to the New Delhi conferen [...] |
2007-11-30 22:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR KFLU EAID TBIO PREL SENV CS |
| 07SANJOSE2040 |
COSTA RICA: TITLE III SUSPENSION OF THE LIBERTAD ACT [...] The Costa Rican government remains one of the region's leading critics of the Castro regime and a strong advocate for democratic change and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica shows no signs that it would consider re-establishing diplomatic relations with the Castro government, which wer [...] |
2007-12-06 14:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETTC PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE2070 |
COSTA RICA: INCHING TOWARDS CAFTA IMPLEMENTATION [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Costa Rica's coalition of 38 pro-CAFTA legislators (G38) has finalized two of the thirteen pieces of legislation the GOCR has identified as required to implement CAFTA-DR. The national assembly (Asamblea) is working flat out, but that is not likely to be enough to complete the [...] |
2007-12-19 21:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ETRD CS |
| 07SANJOSE2073 |
COSTA RICA: RETURN TO WHINSEC [...] (SBU) On December 13, Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal wrote President Oscar Arias a letter recommending that Costa Rican law enforcement personnel "could maintain a training scheme" at WHINSEC to receive counternarcotics, counterterrorism and other "strictly police" training. (Full [...] |
2007-12-20 17:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MASS PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE2074 |
COSTA RICA: UPDATED SECURITY REQUIREMENTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The GOCR's most pressing, non-lethal police equipment needs center on communications, transportation, technology, K-9 support, and surveillance equipment (in that order, see para 5). Coast Guard modernization remains on top of the list of other initiatives to be funded by the pend [...] |
2007-12-20 23:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINS PTER SNAR CS KJUS PREF |
| 07SANJOSE213 |
TOURISM LAGS IN COSTA RICA [...] Summary: Costa Rican tourism officials recently released data for the first eight months of 2006 which suggest that tourism growth is slowing in Costa Rica despite apparent gains elsewhere in Latin America. In addition, the data indicates that tourism from North American markets to Costa Ric [...] |
2007-02-05 17:07:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ETRD ECON CS |
| 07SANJOSE254 |
COSTA RICA WILL NOT PURSUE UNHRC SEAT [...] (U) Further to Reftel, we have continued to follow up with MFA contacts re GOCR interest in a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. While Deputy Director for Foreign Policy Alejandro Solano earlier had shared our concerns about the negative impact of Venezuela taking a seat on the UNHRC, he wa [...] |
2007-02-09 17:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL UNHRC CS |
| 07SANJOSE277 |
MONTEVIDEO CIRCLE MEETS IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) SUMMARY: Costa Rica hosted the Montevideo Circle, a discussion forum for current and former presidents of Latin America, on January 27-28, 2007. The group's topic of discussion was: "Democratic Stability and Opening: Unpredictable Factors for Latin America in the 21st Century," and the p [...] |
2007-02-12 21:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV KDEM XM CS |
| 07SANJOSE299 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL NELSON'S VISIT TO COSTA RICA [...] SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes CODEL Nelson. The visit comes at a key point in the approval process for the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). CAFTA is a key element in President Arias's agenda to modernize the country and begin to rebuild its crea [...] |
2007-02-15 17:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP OTRA PREL PGOV WHA ECON CS |
| 07SANJOSE335 |
2007 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW - COSTA RICA [...] No summary [...] |
2007-02-20 19:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON KIPR CS |
| 07SANJOSE361 |
COSTA RICA: NEXT ANTI-CAFTA PROTEST ON 26 FEB [...] (C) 1. (C) The next anti-CAFTA protest is scheduled for Monday, February 26, with the locus of action likely to be San Jose. Organizers promise a larger event than last October's protest, but predicting turnout is impossible in advance. The GOCR has vowed to prevent disruption of essential [...] |
2007-02-23 19:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ELAB ASEC PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE406 |
TO CLOSE OR NOT TO CLOSE? VENEZUELA'S ALUMINUM [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. After two weeks of speculation, it appears that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has backed away, for now, from his planned closure of a Venezuelan state-owned aluminum processing plant in Costa Rica. The GOCR remains concerned, however, about the eventual fate of the CVG ALUNA [...] |
2007-03-01 18:49:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECIN PGOV PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE426 |
COSTA RICAN TELECOM UPGRADE ON TRACK [...] Summary. Costa Rica's parastatal telecom monopoly, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), announced plans to invest US$59.8 million for installation of a nationwide fiber optics network upgrade to improve its broadband internet capacity and coverage. This investment is being made so [...] |
2007-03-05 20:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV TINT CS |
| 07SANJOSE427 |
EXCESS DEFENSE ARTICLES WAIVER FOR COSTA RICA [...] (U) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose strongly recommends a national interest waiver of ASPA restrictions against Excess Defense Articles (EDA) for Costa Rica. The waiver will significantly enhance Costa Rica's maritime patrol capability and build on record seizures in Costa Rican waters during 20 [...] |
2007-03-05 20:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MOPS SNAR CS |
| 07SANJOSE428 |
ANTI-CAFTA MARCH STRATEGIC VICTORY FOR GOCR [...] (SBU) The most recent, and probably the last large anti-CAFTA protest march took place without incident on February 26. Participation was only slightly higher than a similar protest last October, and the event was generally peaceful. We judge the event to have been a tactical draw, in that b [...] |
2007-03-05 20:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ELAB ASEC PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE436 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE ON ITA DUTY-FREE COVERAGE [...] Econoff delivered talking points on March 6 to GOCR Ministry of Foreign Trade Director General Gabriela Castro who in turn conveyed the message to their delegation in Geneva without comment. Langdale [...] |
2007-03-07 14:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON WTO CS |
| 07SANJOSE524 |
COSTA RICA?S 7TH ANNUAL TIP REPORT SUBMISSION [...] (SBU) The following is Embassy San Jose?s submission for the 2006-2007 annual trafficking in persons (TIP) report. Responses are keyed to checklist questions outlined in reftel beginning at paragraph 27. Post?s POC for the report is Political Officer Robert E. Copley. Telephone number: (506) [...] |
2007-03-16 22:32:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB CS |
| 07SANJOSE553 |
COSTA RICA: UN DEMOCRACY FUND PROJECT [...] On March 12, Poloff, Cultural Affairs Officer, and foreign service national met with Maria Eugenia Bujanda of the Omar Dengo Foundation (FOD), the Costa Rican UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) grantee. FOD is a non-profit organization dedicated to national development through improvements and innovat [...] |
2007-03-20 22:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL CS |
| 07SANJOSE572 |
COSTA RICA: ZIMBABWE DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] On March 19, Poloff sent information detailing the U.S. government's concerns about the recent events in Zimbabwe as well as Secretary Rice's statement calling for the immediate release of the imprisoned Zimbabwean opposition leaders to Alejandro Solano Ortiz, deputy foreign policy director at [...] |
2007-03-23 15:53:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM CS |
| 07SANJOSE580 |
COSTA RICA: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL OIC RESOLUTION [...] On March 21, as instructed in reftel, we raised the OIC resolution issue with Guisella Sanchez, who handles human rights issues in the MFA,s foreign policy division. We stressed USG concern that the review of mandates outside of the HRC working group dedicated for such reviews would undermin [...] |
2007-03-23 21:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | UNHRC PREL PHUM CS |
| 07SANJOSE625 |
COSTA RICA'S JUDICIARY LACKS EXPERIENCE; [...] (U) SUMMARY. Judges in Costa Rica have an average age of 36 and lack experience, according to one Supreme Court Magistrate. The magistrate recommends increasing contact with U.S. judges and court administrators to share best practices. The explosion of constitutional challenges since the cre [...] |
2007-03-30 19:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD KIPR KJUS PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE649 |
COSTA RICAN PROSECUTOR READY TO INDICT FORMER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Costa Rican federal prosecutor's office is finally ready to indict former president Rafael Angel Calderon (PUSC) for corruption allegations stemming from a 2001 loan from the government of Finland to the Costa Rican social security fund (INSS). If convicted, he could face [...] |
2007-04-03 22:24:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR KCOR FI CS |
| 07SANJOSE653 |
COSTA RICA NOT PARADISE-RAW SEWAGE EVERYWHERE [...] This is the first in an occasional series of cables explaining why Costa Rica is not paradise. These cables seek to paint a realistic picture of the day-to-day challenges faced by Costa Rica. Travel brochures don't tell the entire story. 2. Summary. Costa Rica treats less than 3% of human w [...] |
2007-04-04 12:25:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ECON SENV CS JA |
| 07SANJOSE655 |
CAFTA: REFERENDUM CONCERNS, BUT COALITION [...] (C) SUMMARY: Although optimistic that CAFTA can be ratified by August-September, the Arias administration is now concerned about the prospect of a CAFTA referendum. Responding to a petition filed by CAFTA opponent, renegade PLN member, former legislator and presidential candidate Jose Miguel [...] |
2007-04-04 20:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ETRD PREL PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE656 |
CAFTA: REFERENDUM CONCERNS, BUT COALITION [...] (C) SUMMARY: Although optimistic that CAFTA can be ratified by August-September, the Arias administration is now concerned about the prospect of a CAFTA referendum. Responding to a petition filed by CAFTA opponent, renegade PLN member, former legislator and presidential candidate Jose Miguel [...] |
2007-04-04 20:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV ETRD PREL PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE657 |
COSTA RICA: DESIGNATION OF IRAN'S DEFENSE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-04-04 21:29:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL KNNP PARM KN IR CS |
| 07SANJOSE69 |
THE COLOMBIAN CONNECTION: FORMER GUERRILLAS TURNED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Costa Rican authorities are increasingly worried about the criminal activities of former Colombian guerrillas operating in Costa Rica and, as a result, have stepped up efforts to extradite/deport them. On December 21, FARC member Hector Orlando Martinez Quinto was delivered to [...] |
2007-01-12 22:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PTER PINR PREF PHUM SNAR CS XK |
| 07SANJOSE790 |
COSTA RICA: RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON NPT PREPCOM [...] No summary [...] |
2007-04-26 16:09:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG KNNP MNUC PARM PREL NPT CS |
| 07SANJOSE868 |
MORE CHINESE MIGRANTS RESCUED IN COSTA RICAN WATERS [...] (SBU) On April 21, the Costa Rica Coast Guard (SNGC) again rescued a large number of Chinese migrants adrift in Costa Rican territorial waters. Three Ecuadorians and two Peruvians were also apprehended, and charged with human trafficking under Costa Rica,s new immigration law. The governmen [...] |
2007-05-09 16:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PINR PREL KCRM CO CH CS |
| 07SANJOSE873 |
PARADISE BY CANDLELIGHT: COSTA RICAN POWER FAILURE [...] (U) This is another installment in our ongoing series explaining why Costa Rica is not quite paradise. These cables seek to paint a realistic picture of the challenges faced by Costa Rica. Travel brochures don't tell the entire story. 2. (U) SUMMARY. Costa Rica's electrical generation syst [...] |
2007-05-09 22:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON SENV ENRG CS |
| 07SANJOSE958 |
COSTA RICA: RESPONSE TO HCOC INREACH [...] On May 14, PolOff conveyed reftel request to Carlos Cordero Madrigal, head of the Disarmament, Terrorism, and Organized Crime section within the Foreign Policy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and forwarded the Annual Declaration nil form. 2. On May 15, PolOff followed up [...] |
2007-05-22 19:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MNUC KSCA ETTC TSPA MTCRE CS |
| 07SANJOSE996 |
COSTA RICA APPROVES NEXT ROUND OF US SHIP VISITS; [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On May 17, the National Assembly approved the next round of U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ship visits, as required under the Costa Rican constitution. The approval period runs from May 1 to November 30, 2007, an extension from the quarterly approvals of the past. Any U.S. vessel n [...] |
2007-05-25 20:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | MARR PREL SNAR PGOV PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE997 |
COSTA RICAN POLICE PROFESSIONALIZATION PROGRAM [...] SUMMARY: Taking advantage of technical assistance from NAS Panama, Post has launched a multi-year program to professionalize Costa Rica's national police force. With crime rates rising rapidly and over 700,000 Amcits visiting each year, the program is a key part of our Mission Strategic Plan [...] |
2007-05-25 20:45:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR KCRM PGOV PREL PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE998 |
COSTA RICA APPROVES NEXT ROUND OF US SHIP VISITS; [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On May 17, the National Assembly approved the next round of U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ship visits, as required under the Costa Rican constitution. The approval period runs from May 1 to November 30, 2007, an extension from the quarterly approvals of the past. Any U.S. vessel n [...] |
2007-05-25 20:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | MARR PREL SNAR PGOV PINR CS |
| 07SANJOSE999 |
COSTA RICAN POLICE PROFESSIONALIZATION PROGRAM [...] SUMMARY: Taking advantage of technical assistance from NAS Panama, Post has launched a multi-year program to professionalize Costa Rica's national police force. With crime rates rising rapidly and over 700,000 Amcits visiting each year, the program is a key part of our Mission Strategic Plan [...] |
2007-05-25 20:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR KCRM PGOV PREL PINR CS |
| 07SANSALVADOR519 |
SAN SALVADOR COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ANDREA C. BOREL [...] Post grants country clearance to Regional Environmental Specialist Andrea C. Borel to travel to San Salvador March 19-23, 2007, to join NOAA delegation meeting with OSPESCA and attend CAFTA-DR environmental cooperation meetings. Control Officer for this visit is Economic Officer Geoffrey Schad [...] |
2007-03-16 21:07:00 | Embassy San Salvador | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA SENV ES CS |
| 07SANTODOMINGO1934 |
DOMINICANS CALL IN CHARGE ON SECURITY COUNCIL [...] (U) This is an action request; please see para. 5. 2. (U) Background: The Dominican Republic announced its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2008-2009 period prior to the 2006 General Assembly. At the time, they were also positioning [...] |
2007-08-16 19:24:00 | Embassy Santo Domingo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNGA CS DR |
| 07STATE130626 |
(C) DEMARCHE REQUEST: GTMO DETAINEE EMERGENCY MEDEVAC [...] (C) Department requests that Embassies Santo Domingo, San Jose, Panama City, and Mexico City approach the Governments of the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico about a standby arrangement that would enable DoD to transport Guantanamo detainees in need of critical care to a medic [...] |
2007-09-17 20:58:00 | Secretary of State | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PHUM PINS PREL MARR DR CS PM MX |
| 07TEGUCIGALPA1154 |
A CAFTA-DR SUCCESS STORY: TIME TO START A BUSINESS [...] No summary [...] |
2007-06-29 14:08:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN ECON EIND PGOV DR GT CS HO |
| 07TEGUCIGALPA1295 |
MCC REQUIREMENTS KEY TO REDUCING BUSINESS OPENING TIME IN [...] No summary [...] |
2007-07-31 22:32:00 | Embassy Tegucigalpa | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN ECON EIND PGOV DR CS HO |
| 08BEIJING3911 |
October 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: President Zadari's Visit, [...] Key points at the October 14 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- China welcomes Pakistani President Zadari and looks forward to "in-depth discussions" and the signing of several "deals." -- China regains control of half of Heixiazi Island from Russia. -- China will "communicate and c [...] |
2008-10-14 10:57:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV PBTS PHUM PINR CH KN KS EC CS PK HK MC |
| 08BEIJING4125 |
11/4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, DALAI [...] Key points at the November 4 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- Though the spokesperson is "following the U.S. election closely" the choosing of the next President of the United States is the job of the American people. -- The Dalai Lama should "take concrete actions to give up separ [...] |
2008-11-04 09:29:00 | Embassy Beijing | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV ECON EFIN FR GR CS CU PE |
| 08BEIJING4253 |
CHINA'S GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH LATIN [...] (C) Summary. Chinese President Hu Jintao,s November 16-20 visit to Latin America, which includes stops in Peru for the APEC summit, Costa Rica, and Cuba, is intended to strengthen China,s rapidly growing economic relations with the region, according to Embassy contacts. To spur further trade [...] |
2008-11-18 09:52:00 | Embassy Beijing | CONFIDENTIAL | BR CN CS CU ECON ETRD MX PE PREL XM EINV |
| 08BOGOTA337 |
CJCS ADMIRAL MULLEN'S JANUARY 17 MEETING WITH [...] (S) President Uribe's overwhelming concern during a January 17 meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) Admiral Michael Mullen, was Hugo Chavez' aggressive remarks and proposal to grant belligerent status to the FARC. Uribe insisted the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia [...] |
2008-01-28 17:05:00 | Embassy Bogota | SECRET | PREL PGOV PTER MARR MOPS VZ AR BH BR CI CS |
| 08PANAMA120 |
PANAMA: URGENT MEDEVAC DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] (C) "Let me raise this request with (First VP and FM) Samuel Lewis," Lewis' Senior Advisor Adolfo Ahumada told POLCOUNS on February 8 in response to reftel request for GOP assistance. Ahumada underscored (twice) in a brief conversation the "political sensitivities" that would need to be overc [...] |
2008-02-08 19:23:00 | Embassy Panama | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PREF PHUM SMIG BF CO CS CU DR JM MX PM |
| 08SANJOSE1005 |
SCENESETTER FOR SECRETARY LEAVITT'S RETURN VISIT TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes Secretary Leavitt and his delegation. Since the Secretary's March 2007 visit, the Arias administration has made progress on key elements of its 2006-2010 agenda, most notably completing requirements to join the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Repu [...] |
2008-12-31 18:00:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO ECON PREL PGOV SOCI OSCI OTRA OVIP CS |
| 08SANJOSE102 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SUPPORT LEBANON NOW [...] (SBU) On February 5 we delivered reftel demarche to Alejandro Solano-Ortiz, Alternate Director General of the Foreign Policy Department of the MFA. 2. (SBU) Solano-Ortiz indicated the GOCR fully supports the legitimate government of Prime Minister Siniora in Lebanon and will issue statement [...] |
2008-02-07 20:15:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM EFIN EINV LE SY CS |
| 08SANJOSE109 |
URGENT MEDEVAC REQUEST: GOCR AGAIN DECLINES [...] (SBU) On February 8 we conveyed Ref A request to Alejandro Solano-Ortiz, the Alternate Director General of the Foreign Policy Office of the MFA. 2. (SBU) After reviewing the request with FM Stagno, Solano-Ortiz informed us that Costa Rica did not have the facilities nor the resources to hon [...] |
2008-02-11 14:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS CU PHUM PM PREF PREL SMIG |
| 08SANJOSE119 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: U.S. CONCERNS ON OSLO PROCESS [...] On February 12 we met with Carlos Cordero Madrigal, Director of the Disarmament, Terrorism, and Organized Crime Section of the MFA and conveyed reftel concerns and talking points. 2. Cordero indicated he will gladly convey our concerns to the GOCR mission in Geneva for consideration, as the [...] |
2008-02-13 17:57:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | MOPS PARM PREL NATO UN CS |
| 08SANJOSE125 |
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS SOLICITATION FOR [...] One of Costa Rica's biggest challenges continues to be the trafficking of persons for the purposes of labor and/or sexual exploitation. Costa Rica is a source, transit and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for those purposes. Given the GOCR's resources and many other [...] |
2008-02-15 14:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG CS |
| 08SANJOSE129 |
COSTA RICA RECOGNIZES PALESTINIAN "STATE" [...] (C) SUMMARY: Costa Rica recognized the "state" of Palestine in an exchange of notes in New York on February 5. The MFA quietly announced the move in San Jose hours later, taking local diplomatic missions (including Post) by surprise. The MFA,s public explanation stressed Costa Rica,s and the [...] |
2008-02-19 15:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS KPAL PGOV PINR PREL IL |
| 08SANJOSE133 |
COSTA RICA AND CHINA: THE HONEYMOON CONTINUES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sino-Costa Rican relations continue to deepen smoothly, if slowly (Ref A). The first tangible results of the GOCR,s June 2007 recognition of China -- USD 20 million in disaster relief, and loans and grants for development projects -- have begun to flow. Both governments are high [...] |
2008-02-20 14:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR ETRD ENRG MASS XK CS |
| 08SANJOSE138 |
COSTA RICAN DELEGATION FOR WIREC [...] After much deliberation, the GOCR proposed three individuals for travel to the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC) in Washington, DC, on 3-4 March (reftel A): - Julio Matamoros, Vice Minister of Energy - Paola Arias, Ministry of Energy expert in renewable energy is [...] |
2008-02-20 23:12:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS EAID ECON ENRG EPET SENV |
| 08SANJOSE15 |
COSTA RICA INVITATION TO WIREC CONFERENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-01-10 15:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS EAID ENRG EPET KPAO KSCA OPDC SENV SOCI |
| 08SANJOSE155 |
2008 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW - COSTA RICA [...] Since last year's report (Ref C), the GOCR has made some progress in advancing laws related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) required by the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). However, Costa Rica must still take several major steps to adequately protect and enforce IPR, b [...] |
2008-02-26 21:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON KIPR CS |
| 08SANJOSE156 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SUPPORT FOR A UNSCR ON THE FDLR [...] On February 22 we delivered reftel points to Juan Salas, of the FMA UNSC desk. Salas indicated that he would forward the same to their UNSC representative in New York. 2. Salas further stated that while not committed at this time to the sponsorship of such resolution, the GOCR would in all [...] |
2008-02-27 14:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CG PREL RW UNSC ASEC ETTC CS |
| 08SANJOSE159 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL COSTELLO [...] Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes CODEL Costello. Costa Rica has a history of political stability, social progress and commitment to peace and human rights which has been undermined in recent years by ineffective government institutions, growing domestic security problems, corruption scandals a [...] |
2008-02-27 22:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP PREL PGOV ETRD ECON SENV CS |
| 08SANJOSE160 |
COSTA RICA: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL COSTELLO [...] Embassy San Jose is pleased to grant country clearance to the Congressional Delegation led by Congressman Jerry F. Costello. The other members of the delegation are: Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR); Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL); Rep. Henry E. Brown (R-SC); Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA); Rep. Mazie Hirono [...] |
2008-02-28 14:30:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP PREL PGOV ETRD ECON CS |
| 08SANJOSE181 |
COSTA RICA ENDORSES UNSC RESOLUTION 1803 [...] (U) On March 4 we met with Alejandro Solano-Ortiz, alternate Director General of the Foreign Policy Office of the MFA, Raldolph Coto, Coordinator of the Foreign Policy Office of the MFA, and with Juan Salas, of the MFA UNSC desk to deliver the full text of the resolution and to seek their view [...] |
2008-03-07 11:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | KNNP MNUC PARM IR IAEA CS |
| 08SANJOSE182 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SEEKING BALANCED UNSC [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-07 11:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL IS UNSC CS |
| 08SANJOSE184 |
COSTA RICA SUPPORTS RENEWAL OF AMISOM MANDATE [...] On February 28 we contacted Randolph Coto, Foreign Policy Coordinator of the FMA and shared with him the issues contained in the reftel. 2. Coto indicated the GOCR was well aware of these piracy issues and of the impending end of the current mandate this month. 3. On March 4 we followe [...] |
2008-03-07 11:42:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | KCRM PBTS PREL UN UNSC IMO XA XW SO CS |
| 08SANJOSE186 |
COSTA RICA RECOGNIZES KOSOVO [...] (U) For the record, and further to refs, Post has reconfirmed that the GOCR not only recognized Kosovo, but is keen to be credited for being one of the very first nations to do so. 2. (SBU) On Mar 4 we met with Alejandro Solano-Ortiz, Deputy Director of the Foreign Policy Section of the MFA [...] |
2008-03-07 14:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNAUS UNMIK PGOV YI EU CS |
| 08SANJOSE189 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON ETHIOPIA-ERITREA [...] (SBU) On March 4 we delivered reftel talking points to Juan Salas, MFA UNSC desk officer. Salas said he would forward the information to New York since, as a UNSC member, Costa Rica may play a role in decisions made regarding the possible disbanding of INMEE and imposing sanctions. 2. (SBU [...] |
2008-03-11 15:18:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNSC KPKO CS |
| 08SANJOSE195 |
CODEL COSTELLO REVIEWS CIVIL AVIATION [...] SUMMARY. On March 1-4, a Congressional delegation (CODEL) led by the Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL) visited Costa Rica to review the aircraft repair operations of Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales R.L. (COOPESA). COOPESA has ongoing offshore repai [...] |
2008-03-12 19:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | OREP PREL PGOV ETRD ECON EAIR SNAR CS |
| 08SANJOSE197 |
COSTA RICA: REQUEST FOR DOD HUMANITARIAN AIRLIFT [...] (U) Post requests DoD assistance to provide two helicopters to lift 160,000 pounds of construction materials which will be used to construct five suspension bridges to support indigenous communities in the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. This is an important humanitarian mission, supported by [...] |
2008-03-13 15:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MASS PGOV SOCI CS |
| 08SANJOSE220 |
COSTA RICAN FISCAL TRANSPARENCY [...] SUMMARY. The GOCR is transparent with the management and conduct of its fiscal and financial affairs. The budgeting process is public and readily accessible by electronic means. The Minister of Finance directs the process with a commitment to real reform. Treasury's Office of Technical Assi [...] |
2008-03-18 18:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE226 |
ARIAS-BUSH THANK YOU LETTER FOR CAFTA EXTENSION [...] On February 26, 2008, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias transmitted letters (in English) to President Bush and USTR Susan Schwab thanking them for the decision to grant a CAFTA-DR entry-into-force extension for Costa Rica. The texts of the two letters are virtually identical. Post previously [...] |
2008-03-19 20:51:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD PREL PGOV OPDC CS |
| 08SANJOSE232 |
U/S PADILLA URGES COSTA RICA TO IMPLEMENT CAFTA [...] SUMMARY. In a timely and highly effective visit to Costa Rica, February 28-29, Commerce U/S Chris Padilla delivered a clear and consistent message to local audiences that Costa Rica needed to finish CAFTA implementation quickly, and that the US was eager to begin working with Costa Rican coun [...] |
2008-03-19 21:19:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD KIPR PGOV PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE238 |
SCENESETTER FOR DAS MADISON VISIT TO COSTA RICA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes DAS Kirsten Madison. Your visit to Costa Rica is timely. We should keep the pressure on the GOCR to pass CAFTA implementation laws, encourage the GOCR to continue its close cooperation on counternarcotics and law enforcement issues, and urge t [...] |
2008-03-31 15:03:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS ECON ETRD PGOV PREL SNAR |
| 08SANJOSE256 |
COSTA RICAN DELEGATION FOR CAFTA-DR MEETING IN [...] The GOCR indicated that the following individuals will attend the special CAFTA-DR meeting on April 7 on the margins of the IADB meeting in Miami (reftel): - Guillermo Zuniga, Minister of Finance - Tomas Duenas, Costa Rican Ambassador to the United States 2. Both Minister Zuniga and Amb [...] |
2008-04-04 14:05:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ECON EFIN ETRD |
| 08SANJOSE257 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: REQUEST TO COSTA RICA TO [...] (SBU) On April 1 we delivered reftel request to Randolf Coto, Acting Deputy Director General of the Foreign Policy Division of the MFA and to Carlos Cordero Madrigal, Director of the Disarmament, Terrorism and Organized Crime section of the MFA. Coto and Cordero thanked us for the information [...] |
2008-04-04 17:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREF PGOV SMIG CS CU |
| 08SANJOSE259 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SOMALIA - DESIGNATION OF [...] (S) On April 1 we notified Carlos Cordero Madrigal, Director of Disarmament and Terrorism Section of the MFA of the USG decision to designate Al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. We provided Cordero with the identifiers for Al-Sha [...] |
2008-04-04 20:59:00 | Embassy San Jose | SECRET | PTER ASEC PREL PGOV KCRM SO BG RS CH XA CS |
| 08SANJOSE263 |
BERROCAL STEPS DOWN AS MINISTER OF PUBLIC [...] (C) SUMMARY. Minister of Public Security Fernando Berrocal stepped down on March 30 after asserting that the FARC was connected to elements of the "political sector" in Costa Rica. Berrocal's comments came in the aftermath of a March 14 raid on a suspected FARC safe house. His departure came [...] |
2008-04-07 20:16:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS PREL PGOV SNAR MASS PINR |
| 08SANJOSE267 |
BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK [...] Per Ref A request, on March 12, we met with Rafael Polini, the owner of Mundi Arms of San Jose and established the bona fides of the company. We consider Mundi Arms of San Jose a legitimate recipient of United States Munition List items and Polini was knowledgeable of the International Traffic [...] |
2008-04-08 22:04:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ETTC KOMC |
| 08SANJOSE275 |
DEMARCHE TO REQUEST SUPPORT FOR STRENGTHENED [...] (U) On April 9, we delivered reftel's request to Juan Salas, of the UNSC desk at the Foreign Policy Division of the MFA. 2. (SBU) Salas indicated that as the 1540 Committee Chair, the GOCR supports the strengthened five-year mandate and does not support the Russian draft, in principle. How [...] |
2008-04-11 21:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL AORC KPAO PTER UNSC KNNP CS |
| 08SANJOSE276 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IMPLEMENTING THE TRAVEL BAN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-11 21:20:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | MNUC KNNP IR UNSC CS |
| 08SANJOSE286 |
COSTA RICA: TIP UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In a meeting with ADCM and Poloffs on April 16, Vice Minister Duran painted a mixed picture of the GOCR's anti-TIP efforts. She described new training initiatives for law enforcement personnel, which might reach 500 officials over the next year, and legislative initiatives which [...] |
2008-04-17 22:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB KCRM KFRD KWMN PHUM PREF SMIG CS |
| 08SANJOSE287 |
COSTA RICA: NEW MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY DEL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. President Arias has appointed National Liberation Party legislator Janina Del Vecchio as the new Minister of Public Security. She took office on April 15, replacing Fernando Berrocal, who was dismissed on March 30 after making controversial remarks about possible FARC connectio [...] |
2008-04-17 22:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINR SNAR CS |
| 08SANJOSE288 |
DAS MADISON URGES CAFTA IMPLEMENTATION, DISCUSSES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. WHA DAS Kirsten Madison visited Costa Rica March 31-April 3 to urge the GOCR to quickly pass CAFTA implementation laws and address growing domestic security problems. President Oscar Arias said he expected the CAFTA legislation would be passed in the next three months and he p [...] |
2008-04-18 14:47:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD PGOV PREL SNAR CS |
| 08SANJOSE294 |
SCENESETTER FOR AUSTR EISSENSTAT'S VISIT TO COSTA RICA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes AUSTR Everett Eissenstat. His visit to Costa Rica is timely, and will help us keep the pressure on the GOCR to complete CAFTA implementation. The Arias administration remains deeply committed to CAFTA, and is making progress, but slowly. Althou [...] |
2008-04-22 21:48:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS ECON ETRD PGOV PREL |
| 08SANJOSE31 |
COSTA RICA -- CAFTA EXTENSION REQUEST LIKELY [...] (C) SUMMARY: While the national legislature (Asamblea) works at full speed to complete CAFTA implementing legislation, GOCR officials (and the local media) are openly speculating about a probable entry-into-force EIF extension. In private, executive and legislative branch contacts are almost [...] |
2008-01-17 17:40:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | CS ECON ETRD PGOV PINR PREL |
| 08SANJOSE315 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: U.S. PROPOSED PAPERS FOR NPT [...] On April 24, we delivered reftel demarche to Carlos Cordero, Department of Disarmament, Terrorism and Organized Crime, in the MFA. Mr. Cordero seemed receptive and glad to receive the non-papers. 2. He advised that he would read and respond, but that a definitive response regarding sponsors [...] |
2008-04-25 20:34:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ENNP MNUC PARM PREL NPT IAEA CS |
| 08SANJOSE336 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: COSTA RICA REMAINS ON 301 [...] AUSTR Everett Eissenstat, accompanied by Charge Peter Brennan, FCO, and EconOff, delivered Reftel demarche to the GOCR's Minister of Foreign Trade (COMEX), Marco Vinicio Ruiz, on April 24, 2008. 2. Minister Ruiz and attending COMEX officials were not surprised by the news (that Costa Rica [...] |
2008-04-30 20:44:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS ECON ETRD KIPR PREL |
| 08SANJOSE337 |
DEMARCHES DELIVERED: RAISING ZIMBABWE AT THE UN [...] (U) On April 29, we delivered reftel demarches to Adriana Murillo, Head of the UN Security Council Team, and Deyanira Ramirez, UN General Assembly Desk Officer, at the MFA. Poloff also presented the talking points that the US plans to raise with the SYG and UNDP. 2. (C) The two officials st [...] |
2008-04-30 21:17:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC XA ZI AU CS |
| 08SANJOSE347 |
IMPACT OF RISING FOOD PRICES IN COSTA RICA [...] (U) Costa Rica has experienced rising food prices which have had minimal political impact to date. There have been no food shortages, although local price increases have been high as Costa Rica imports 100 percent of its wheat, yellow corn, and soybean consumption; 50 percent of its rice cons [...] |
2008-05-05 15:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE348 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: NUCLEAR NPT PREPARATORY [...] On April 30, Poloff transmitted reftel demarche to Carlos Cordero, Department of Disarmament, Terrorism and Organized Crime, in the MFA. Due to the May 1 Labor Day (extended) holiday, no response has been received. Post will advise when/if a response is received. 2. Poloff previously delive [...] |
2008-05-05 18:22:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG KNNP MNUC PARM PREL NPT IAEA CS |
| 08SANJOSE349 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BURMA'S FLAWED CONSTITUTIONAL [...] This message contains an action request -- please see paragraph 6. 2. Poloff delivered reftel demarche on May 2 to Juan Salas, UN Security Council Desk Officer at the MFA. Salas answered that Costa Rica supports democratic criteria in general and voiced that the situation in Burma involves [...] |
2008-05-05 18:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM BM CS |
| 08SANJOSE360 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UNSC RESOLUTION ON SOMALI [...] On May 6, we delivered refel demarche to Juan Salas, UNSC Desk Officer at the MFA. Salas commented that he had also received a letter from Spain on the subject. Due to a state visit by the Chinese Vice Premier, the MFA had been tied up in meetings, and Salas stated he would review the matter an [...] |
2008-05-07 19:22:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT KCRM UNSC SO XW CS |
| 08SANJOSE366 |
COSTA RICA CONSIDERING PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE [...] We delivered reftel demarche on May 5 to Adriana Murillo, Head of the UN Security Council Team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2. On May 6, Murillo informed us that she had read the draft and had passed it to colleagues in the GOCR's Mission in New York, who already knew about the draft [...] |
2008-05-07 23:31:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EUN PHUM PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE387 |
COSTA RICA SUPPORTS UNSC ACTION ON BURMA BUT WARY [...] (U) We delivered reftel demarche on May 12 to Adriana Murillo, Juan Salas and Deyanira Ramirez of the MFA's UN Security Council Team. The team was very happy to receive the text of the French resolution; they stated that Costa Rica had been asked to support it in New York but had not seen the [...] |
2008-05-13 20:54:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM UNSC BM CS |
| 08SANJOSE389 |
COSTA RICA: VP CHINCHILLA ON SECURITY ISSUES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On April 29, Charge, DEA Country Attache, ODR Chief and NAS officer met with Vice President (and Minister of Justice) Laura Chinchilla to discuss current and planned bilateral USG security assistance, including the Merida Initiative, to Costa Rica. We also explained the delay [...] |
2008-05-14 14:46:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINR SNAR CS |
| 08SANJOSE390 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: U.S. 60-DAY REPORT TO UN [...] On May 12, we delivered reftel demarche to Adriana Murillo, Head of the MFA's UN Security Council Team and to Juan Salas, of the UNSC Desk. Both seemed unaware that a report was due and said that Costa Rica had not yet prepared one. They thanked us for the copy of the U.S. report and said they [...] |
2008-05-14 16:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC IR CS |
| 08SANJOSE391 |
COSTA RICA REFUSING TO SUPPORT UN PRISONERS OF [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Costa Rican MFA said on May 14 that it would not/not co-sponsor the US/EU-backed UN Prisoners of Conscience Declaration. After stating on May 9 that it would co-sponsor, on May 12 MFA staff remained noncommittal in written communications and continued to urge inclusion of te [...] |
2008-05-14 17:25:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | EUN PHUM PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE399 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: TERRORISM FINANCE [...] (C) On May 12, we delivered reftel demarche to Carlos Cordero of the MFA's Department of Disarmament, Terrorism and Organized Crime. Cordero informed us that Costa Rica had no formal mechanisms to freeze assets for 1267 listings. He added that the MFA's procedure for 1267 notifications was to [...] |
2008-05-15 21:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PINR EFIN PREL KTFN BA QA CS |
| 08SANJOSE400 |
COSTA RICAN COAST GUARD RECEIVES MAITENANCE [...] (U) On May 9, a U.S. Coas Guard Mobile Training Team (MTT) completed a wee-long outboard motor maintenance course for 20 Csta Rican Coast Guard (SNGC) personnel at the Paific port city of Puntarenas. The SNGC personnel,from several different stations, received two das of classroom instruction [...] |
2008-05-15 23:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PINR MASS CS SNAR |
| 08SANJOSE401 |
JTF-B HELICOPTERS LIFT 180,000 POUNDS OF BRIDGE [...] (U) On May 14, two JTF-B Blackhawk helicopters completed a humanitarian assistance airlift of 180,000 pounds of suspension bridge material for Costa Rica's indigenous population in the remote and mountainous Talamanca area. The mission began on May 7 and was to conclude in four days, but due [...] |
2008-05-16 00:28:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MASS PGOV SOCI CS |
| 08SANJOSE406 |
COSTA RICAN ASSEMBLY AND MEDIA PLAN DAY OF [...] (SBU) Per reftels, Post contacted media and key community leaders active on Cuban issues to promote the Day of Solidarity observance. Planned activities include the following: -- Four members of the National Assembly will speak for a total of 20 minutes during the May 21 plenary session [...] |
2008-05-16 18:56:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KDEM KPAO PHUM PREL SOCI CU CS |
| 08SANJOSE410 |
COSTA RICA: AUSTR SETS TRUE TIMELINE FOR CAFTA [...] (U) SUMMARY. AUSTR Everett Eissenstat met with GOCR officials on April 24 and discussed several issues surrounding CAFTA-DR implementation status including the shrinking timetable; the need to ensure full CAFTA-DR compliance; remaining substantive issues, including the areas of insurance, intel [...] |
2008-05-17 21:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KIPR PGOV PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE429 |
ADDITIONAL COSTA RICA PROPOSAL: G/TIP FY 2008 ESF [...] Per Ref A, Post submits a second Costa Rican proposal for funding from G/TIP-managed FY 2008 ESF and INCLE funds on behalf of Rahab Foundation. We understand that the review committee has not yet convened, and we appreciate the opportunity for this additional submission. This proposal is in ad [...] |
2008-05-22 17:58:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC ELAB PHUM PREL KCRM SMIG CS |
| 08SANJOSE432 |
COSTA RICA: MAY 21 DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBAN [...] The Costa Rican National Assembly, local media, Post and others observed the Day of Solidarity with Cuban People on May 20-21. Post contacted key representatives from each of these groups in the lead-up to May 21 and suggested possible commemorative activities and statements. Post also provided [...] |
2008-05-23 00:43:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL SOCI KDEM KPAO CU CS |
| 08SANJOSE438 |
COSTA RICA: TITLE III SUSPENSION OF THE LIBERTAD [...] Costa Rican President Oscar Arias remains one of the region's leading critics of the Castro government and a strong advocate for democratic change and human rights reforms in Cuba. Costa Rica shows no signs that it would consider re-establishing diplomatic relations with the Castro government [...] |
2008-05-23 17:14:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ETTC PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE444 |
SCENESETTER FOR COMMERCE DAS WALTER BASTIAN'S AND TREASURY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Embassy San Jose warmly welcomes Commerce DAS Walter Bastian and Treasury DAS Brian O'Neill. Both visit Costa Rica as the effort to implement CAFTA progresses through the final stages of modifying Costa Rican laws to conform to commitments made under CAFTA. The Arias administra [...] |
2008-05-27 21:52:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS ECON ETRD PGOV PREL |
| 08SANJOSE45 |
GOCR REJECTS COMPLAINT OF AMBASSADOR'S "INTERFERENCE" IN [...] (SBU) The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and the Foreign Ministry have quietly closed the book on the complaint filed by anti-CAFTA union leaders in August 2007 alleging that Ambassador Langdale "interfered" in the CAFTA ratification referendum (reftel). The complaint was generated by the Am [...] |
2008-01-25 14:35:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CS ETRD OPDC PGOV PREL |
| 08SANJOSE454 |
ZIMBABWE POINTS FOR OAS CAPITALS DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] On May 27, CDA delivered reftel to MFA's Chief of Staff Antonio Alarcon, and we followed up on May 28 with Alejandro Solano, MFA Deputy Director of Foreign Policy. The two said they would study the issue but made no commitments. 2. Solano asked how specifically the issue of OAS election obs [...] |
2008-05-28 23:23:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OAS ZI CS |
| 08SANJOSE457 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM SWING'S IOM [...] (C) On May 28, we delivered Ref A demarche to Alejandro Solano, the MFA's Deputy Director of Foreign Policy. Solano told us the GOCR had had its own troubles with Brunson McKinley. The GOCR did not favor McKinley's candidacy due to McKinley's on-again, off-again organization of a regional IOM [...] |
2008-05-29 21:36:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREF PREL SMIG AORC EUN XM XL CA CS |
| 08SANJOSE458 |
COSTA RICA TO SUPPORT, NOT COSPONSOR PRISONERS OF [...] (U) On May 22, we delivered the Department's talking points on WHA arguments against the Prisoners of Conscience Declaration (provided by Joseph Rees, Acting DAS, IO Bureau, via email) to the MFA's Chief of Staff Antonio Alarcon and to working-level MFA personnel. 2. (SBU) On May 28, we fol [...] |
2008-05-29 21:37:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EUN PHUM PREL CS |
| 08SANJOSE471 |
MFA NOTIFIED: "SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN SITUATIONS OF [...] On June 3, per Ref A, we notified Viviana Tinoco, MFA Human Rights Desk Officer, that the U.S. draft resolution text was being circulated the same day to the GOCR UN Mission in New York. We also took the opportunity to reiterate Secretary Rice's invitation to FM Stagno to attend the June 19 me [...] |
2008-06-04 20:50:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC UN UNSC KWMN PHUM CS |
| 08SANJOSE472 |
COSTA RICA URGES SUPPORT OF UNSC PRESIDENTIAL [...] Post received a diplomatic note, transmitted from the MFA on June 2, urging the U.S. to support a UNSC presidential statement on the International Criminal Court Prosecutor's Seventh Report to be issued on June 5. The note asked that the Embassy be the official conduit of the request to the De [...] |
2008-06-04 21:01:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNSC UN AORC CS |
| 08SANJOSE475 |
REQUEST TO END FOOD STAPLE EXPORT RESTRICTIONS: [...] SUMMARY: Costa Rica,s rising food prices have had minimal political impact to date. From 2006 to 2007, wage increases kept pace with food price increases. Over the past year, that relationship changed with food price increases easily eclipsing wage increases (Ref B). Although domestic foo [...] |
2008-06-05 00:33:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | CS EAGR ECON ETRD PREL TBIO |
| 08SANJOSE479 |
COSTA RICA: PROPOSALS FOR 2008 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR [...] Please find below Embassy San Jose's submission two projects for the 2008 Ambassador's Fund for Refugees. Post provided full texts of the proposals to Kate Pongonis, PRM/ECA, in April. 2. PROJECT 1 DESCRIPTION: USD 14,992 to local NGO "International Advisors and Consultants Association" (AC [...] |
2008-06-05 20:39:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF PREL ELAB EAID CS |
| 08SANJOSE484 |
COSTA RICA AND VENEZUELA TO EXCHANGE NEW [...] (U) On June 4, the Costa Rican Cabinet approved leftist former presidential candidate Vladimir de la Cruz as the GOCR's new Ambassador-designate to Venezuela. On June 5, Alejandro Solano, MFA Deputy Director of Foreign Policy, told us that he expected De la Cruz to arrive in Caracas "in a coup [...] |
2008-06-06 19:27:00 | Embassy San Jose | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR OFDP VZ CS |
| 08SANJOSE490 |
COSTA RICA RESPONSE: TIP DOWNGRADE TO "TIER 2 [...] (SBU) On June 3, we informed Vice Minister of Public Security Ana Duran of Costa Rica's placement on the TIP Tier 2 Watch List, and we highlighted the specific recommendations for Costa Rica. Duran also heads the National Anti-Trafficking Coalition, comprised of government and NGO players. She [...] |
2008-06-10 22:10:00 | Embassy San Jose | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB KCRM KWMN PGOV PHUM PREL SMIG KPAO CS |