TLC Will Be Approved By December, President Arias Says
President Oscar Arias is painting himself an optimist, though at at times impatient, during his first 100 days in second round in the presidential chair.

In interview with the daily Spanish language La Nacion, Arias speaks of the balance, fears and opinions over his new government and his first 100 days in power after a 20 year absence.

The president told La Nacion reporter, Mauricio Martínez, that the principal difference in his agenda as president this time around is a completely domestic one. Arias says that his objective today is how to put Costa Rica back on track, to form a base for Costa Rica to develop to 2021.

One of the things that the president says has taken him by surprise is the animation of some small groups, like the event of last Wednesday when one group opposed to the Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States - followed him around the Parque Nacional.

"I know the behaviour of pressure groups because it was a topic of my first book published in the 60's. When groups pressure Parliament is because they want a legislation approved or not approved.

"What worries me is that their manifestations turn away from peaceful, who may want to resort to violence, a violence against public officials of the government or the police", said Arias.

Asked if members of the PAC (Partido Accion Cuidadana, led by Otton Solis, who came in second to Arias in the presidential elections), the president identified two leaders, Gabriela Cob and Fernando Francia, who are "important" activists of the PAC.

Otton Solis has been critical of the president and many of his decisions. Arias says he understands that every time he makes a decision there are those are in support and others who criticize him.

"Someone said the other day that I am very impatient and I agree with them. However, I don't see it as a character flaw, but, rather a virtue.

"We are moving at a snail pace and this will hamper the development of the country. We have a legislature that does not permit the speedy decision on legislative proposals and slows down the voting process", said Arias.

The president says he doesn't chew over or postpone his decisions, however, many of them require legislation and that is where things get bogged down. The president cited the example of the approval of the us$116 million credit by the BID (Banco Interamericano de Desarollo), of which us$30 million will go to improve roads. Arias demonstrated his impatience at the legislators on approving the credit and cannot see the sense or logic in stalling the project, especially the area where the competitiveness of the country is involved.

The president was asked if he thinking of making changes to his cabinet and the answer was a firm no. He says he is satisfied with the team his has and he has a sound communication channel with each one. The telephone line is always open to his ministers and if he is not there to answer, his brother is.

Rodrigo Arias, who not only is Oscar's brother, but also Ministro de la Presidencia, is regarded by many as a "super minister" or "prime minister", being relegated supreme powers by his brother, the president. Some critics say that you have to get passed Rodrigo to get to Oscar.

The interviewer left, perhaps the most important question to the end. The TLC?

President Arias is confident that the TLC will be approved by the end of the year.
"December, yes, it is a possibility. Every day that passes without approval many investment opportunities are lost for the country", said Arias.

The president added that TLC or not, his administration will continue on the same course, to strengthen investment in Costa Rica and pay attention to the domestic needs.

"We already have the laws to strengthen ICE, as well as the INS, in the face of competition" said Arias, who added that ICE is an important part of Costa Rica, like the CCSS, and is for all Costa Ricans.