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
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.
believes clinging looking solutions
Costa Rica believes in building bridges, in looking for solutions to problems, and not clinging to positions.
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.
alone central toward trade
Free trade will go a long way toward alleviating poverty in Central America. Yet trade alone is not enough.
history nor shameful since
During the 41 years that have elapsed since Costa Rica abolished its army, our fundamental freedoms have never been threatened, nor do we know a shameful history of repression.
benefits doubts eager explain head questions respond teacher
In a democracy, a leader must be the head teacher, someone eager to respond to doubts and questions and explain the need for and the benefits of a new course.
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.
america central
Latin America has not achieved the development that it deserves... I'm not optimistic for all of Latin America, not only for Central America.
advocate almost change glorify latin
Latin Americans glorify their past so ceaselessly that they make it almost impossible to advocate change.
children fighter mine seen tank whose
Mine is an unarmed people, whose children have never seen a fighter or a tank or a warship.
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.