Oscar Arias Sanchez, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, to Speak at Law School

Former president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sanchez spoke as a guest of the International Law Society on Friday, April 2, 1999 in Room 102. President Arias spoke about his efforts to eliminate military spending in Central America and other regions of the world in hopes of promoting human rights, democratic society, and a peaceful future. Because the poorest nations cannot depend on free trade, foreign direct investment, foreign aid, and debt forgiveness, they must provide their own resources to give their populations the opportunity for a proper education and advancement. He also stressed the need for the United States to provide world leadership on moral grounds.

In 1987, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez garnered world recognition when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending the Nicaraguan civil war. During that conflict, both the Sandanistas and the Contras set up military bases in the northern area of Costa Rica, and Arias was elected under the promise that he would work to put an end to this situation. He was able to get all five Central American presidents to sign his peace plan, and Nicaragua is now experiencing relative stability.

President Arias will also speak at the Bradbury Thompson Center on Saturday, April 3, at noon.