Northern Border to Be Open 'Till Midnight
One of the most important resolutions from yesterday's meeting between representatives of Costa Rican and Nicaragua was that beginning December 1, the northern border will be open until midnight. Costa Rican chancellor, Bruno Stagno and his Nicaraguan counterpart, Normal Caldera, signed the agreement at the "Reunión Binacional".

The two countries said they will keep the border controls open for all travellers in either direction, be it on foot, private vehicle or bus. As well, the two countries will work together in maintaining an orderly migratory flow.

Another major consideration under the agreement is to help Nicaraguans who want to return home for the November 5 presidential elections, making it easier for Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica to visit Nicaragua.

The agreement will also ensure more border patrol on both sides of the border to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Domestic workers will have their work permits extended to six months and Sunday visits to and from Nicaragua will be easier.

Commercial traffic across the border will also see an improvement in the border control process.

Stagno called the agreement a "positive agenda" as the two countries move closer despite their current dispute over the navigational rights of the San Juan river which is soon to be heard before the International Court at the Hague.