COSTA RICA SECURITY DIALOGUE

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 001128 SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CEN AND PM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS SNAR CS SUBJECT: COSTA RICA SECURITY DIALOGUE REF: STATE 112900 ¶1. Embassy San Jose reports that the United States does not have an established security dialogue with Costa Rica. However, in the context of counter-narcotics and law enforcement cooperation, Post entities such as DEA and the Office of Defense Representative (ODR) work closely with their counterparts on counterdrug operations, training, and humanitarian support missions. Additionally, via the Merida Initiative we have quarterly meetings to review progress towards achievement of project goals and objectives such as: Breaking the Power and Impunity of Criminal Organizations; and Assisting the Government of Costa Rica in Strengthening its Border, Air, and Maritime controls. These meetings are relatively informal and are useful opportunities to exchange information. Additionally, we have a bilateral maritime agreement with Costa Rica to coordinate maritime seizures of illicit trafficking in Costa Rican waters. ¶2. Costa Rica does not maintain a military, but does have a Ministry of Public Security that is charged with both domestic and national security. Its largest formation of police officers is a 10,000 person uniformed police force. BRENNAN