Arias Says He Has the Support of the Vatican For the Approval of the TLC
President Oscar Arias, in a press conference Monday, assures that the secretary of the Vatican, Angelo Sodano, expressed him the support of the Vatican in his government's plans to ratify the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States.

Arias, who is back from his 15 day tour of Europe, visiting Switzerland, Germany and Italy, assures us that during his visit to the Vatican last Friday, he had the opportunity to speak privately with Cardinal Sodano over the Catholic church's position on the trade deal.

Arias said that he was surprised that the Cardinal was knowledgeable of the Latin American church and appreciated hearing from the lips of the Cardinal himself that he is fully supportive of the trade deal, adding that the Cardinal sees as a positive sign when rich countries open their doors to their markets and eliminate protectionism.

Arias added that during his visit, the European countries expressed an interest in investing in Costa Rica, not only in tourism, but also in installing production plants and other investments, if the TLC is in place. The president said, without specifics, that the Italians are looking at Costa Rica with great interest to further their investment in the country.

President Arias took the opportunity to reiterate his call to legislative deputies, political leaders, social sectors and the Catholic church in Costa Rica not to impede in any way the voting of the TLC.

"I say to the deputies and bishops that they allow the vote on the TLC. While we do not approve the trade deal, we will be rejecting investment in the country that will provide jobs for Costa Ricans. Monseñor José Francisco Ulloa (president of the Conferencia Episcopal) has told me that he is favour of the trade agreement", said the president.
 

Editor's Note: During the press conference, president Arias did not mention if he met or talked to former president Figueres while he was in Switzerland. José María Figueres Olsen has refused to return to Costa Rica to answer questions over his involvement in the ICE-Alcatel scandal and is staying put in Switzerland where he holds citizenship.