U.S. Ambassador Described as Head of TLC Yes Movement
The United States ambassador to Costa Rica, Mark Langdale, is being described by oppositors to the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States, Central America and the Dominican Republic, as a leader in the movement in favour of the trade deal.

The diplomat rejected the perception and insists that the referendum process that will decide the fate of the trade deal is a process for Costa Ricans.

Langdale assures that the idea is wrong and is based on bad interpretation, because he has, at all times, respected the process surrounding the TLC, moreso during the referendum which he described as democratic effort for Costa Rica.

As to the insinuations the opposition over the TLC has, Langdale assures that is far from reality, because it is clear that the only Costa Ricans can participate in the referendum.

Ambassador Langdale added that his only interest to push ahead progress and prosperity in Costa Rica, as well as strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in matters of international cooperation, since having given the first step in forgiving part of a debt owed by Costa Rica to the U.S. so that it can be invested in environmental protection.

Langdale made the comments during a swearing in ceremony of 16 volunteer Peace Corps who will work in communities located in the Atlantic region, Heredia, Alajuela and other rural areas around the country.

The 16 young American women will be in Costa Rica, away from their families, to develop initiatives from their various areas of training.