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OAS HAILS COSTA RICA'S RECENT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

  February 14, 2002

The Organization of American States (OAS) today congratulated the people and government of Costa Rica, following that country's February 3 presidential elections.

The Permanent Council Chairman, Ecuador's Ambassador Blasco Peñaherrera, observed that the recent elections followed "a tradition that was more than half a century old, and demonstrated that the country's democratic institutions work, boosting the people's confidence in the institutions as well."

Ambassador Hernán R. Castro expressed his country's appreciation for the recognition, noting it was "a historic moment" for Central America as Nicaraguans, Hondurans and Costa Ricans went to the polls in recent times, "upholding the democratic tradition by which authorities are elected to congress and for municipalities."

Describing Costa Rica's latest election as "a truly festive occasion for the people," the Ambassador said run-off elections are scheduled for April 7.

Reference: E-031/02