We believe that justice and peace can only become effective if seen as one, never isolated. Discussion and understanding, tolerance and forgiveness, freedom and democracy are the only means to achieve peace.
Such were the words addressed to the international community by the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sánchez, as he received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in 1987.
Arias, an economist-lawyer with a PhD in Political Science, was elected President of Costa Rica in February, 1986. The same day he came into power, he met with other representatives of the Isthmus to deliver a speech on his intention to solve regional conflicts among Central American nations, a conflict that had already lasted ten years. Criticized by some, but admired by most Costa Ricans, Arias continued to guide his efforts towards accomplishing peace in the area.
His thoughts on peace clearly reflect the country's tradition as a disarmed and democratic nation. Since the very first heads of State and presidents, Costa Rica has excelled as a system where priorities are education, health care, and recently, environmental conservation. In 1948, when the head of State drafted out a new Constitution to abolish armed forces, the military base was turned over to the Ministry of Education and Culture, as a statement against violence and in favor of education.
School attendance is free and mandatory since 1869. Today literacy rates is 93%, among the best in Latin America. Ten percent of Costa Rica's GNP is devoted to health care. Benefits from education, preventive medicine and social security are at the level of many developed countries. Life expectancy is 75.2 years. And 27% of the nation's land has been set aside to protect rich ecosystems, providing the best journey ever into the wonders of nature.
This explains why Costa Ricans believe that every problem can be solved by "talking over", for it has been the Tico's way since a long time. They are said to repel violence of any kind. Democracy is a national institution treasured by every citizen, regardless of wealth and status. Such efforts to keep a stable political environment earned good reputation to this country, and in reply the international community has helped Costa Rica out every time external conflicts arise.
Once again, when Arias began working towards achieving peace among Central American nations, world's attention turned to Costa Rica. The first meeting held by the five presidents of the region was Arias' first achievement. In February 1987, all but one country signed "A time for peace", the basic document towards negotiations. Finally, in August that same year, a new meeting was summoned by five presidents finally committed to peace as they signed the document entitled "Procedure to establish sound and lasting peace in Central America".
Arias - a thinker, a philosopher, a pacifist- managed to convince the presidents of such a troubled and shot-down region that by meeting and talking conflicts over solutions could be found. Arias would insist:
History should only be guided by freedom. History can only have justice as its soul."
The 1987 Nobel Peace Price presentation highlights Arias' work for peace, and a nation's tradition on democracy and justice.
