Oscar Arias
Oscar Arias
Óscar Arias Sánchezwas President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end the Central American crisis...
NationalityCosta Rican
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth13 September 1940
CityHeredia, Costa Rica
armed change country means military minds name necessary people profound wore yesterday
To demilitarize the country means to make a profound decision. It is not enough to change the name of the armed forces. It is necessary to change the minds of those people who only yesterday wore a military uniform.
central courage face peace presented side supported triumph
We had the courage to face the superpowers that wanted a military triumph for each side they supported in Central America. We told them, 'No,' and presented a peace plan.
achieve education force health priorities recognizes stability wiser
We need a force that recognizes that only through development and liberty, through education and health care, through better priorities and wiser investments, can we achieve the stability we seek.
polls reality
Today, we'll make reality what the polls have been saying.
arms basic best fight fighting hunger needs perpetuate spending terrorism
The best way to perpetuate poverty is by spending on arms and military, and the best way to fight terrorism is by fighting the basic needs of humanity, because hunger and poverty perpetuate crime.
century changing marked solidarity status
The 20th century has been marked by cynicism, selfishness, greed, and the desire to please, all without changing the status quo. In the 21st century, we must resurrect solidarity and compassion.
displaced exist job promote united
In the United States, resources exist to retrain displaced workers and promote the development of technologies that create new job opportunities for American workers.
addressing committed educate lack lacks resources
The world does not lack the financial resources to feed, educate and clothe its inhabitants. Rather, it lacks leaders committed to addressing the problems of the impoverished.
central obtain peace
If there is no peace in Central America, it will not be because Costa Rica, and myself as president, have not done what is necessary to obtain peace.
likely
A nation that mistreats its own citizens is more likely to mistreat its neighbours.
passport travel
I often say that poverty needs no passport to travel.
central saw solve
I saw no reason why other nations should tell Central Americans how to solve their problems.
additional bread combat medicine missiles provide soldiers
More combat planes, missiles and soldiers won't provide additional bread for our families, desks for our schools, or medicine for our clinics.
certainly peace profits
Our world is certainly dangerous, but it is made more dangerous, not less, by those who value profits over peace.