Arias Says He Doesn't Need Anyone To Convince Him of the Urgency To Approve the TLC
The assistant secretary of the US Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Thomas Shannon, was in Costa Rica yesterday and affirms that the ratification of the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - the free trade agreement with the United States - is strictly a "Costa Rican" decision, however, without a doubt will have major negative consequences if not approved.

Shannon began his day with breakfast with the Comisión de Asuntos Internacionales en la Asamblea Legislativa (international affairs commission of the Legislative Assembly).

"We want that Costa Rica continues to play the role of leader in the region", Shannon told the deputies who are in favour of the TLC and reinforced that the debate on the TLC is an important matter for Costa Rica and the decision will finally be Costa Rica's.

Shannon added that the United States is looking forward to Costa Rica ratifying the trade deal and taking advantage of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), that will be to the benefit to all Costa Ricans, a country that is ever prospering and continues to be a leader in the region.

"The most important thing is that bi-lateral relations between the United States and Costa Rica are open, the conversations are good and there is trust... we are committed in tightening commercial relations", said Shannon.

Later in the day, Shannon had lunch with Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias Sánchez, and United States Ambassador to Costa Rica, Mark Langdale, along with the Ministro de Comercio Exterior, Bruno Stagno and Ministro de la Presidencia, Rodrigo Arias.

Arias, following the meeting, was clear to say that the visit by Shannon was in no way pressure by the U.S. for Costa Rica to approve the TLC.

"No one has to come to convince me of the urgency to ratify the Tratado. I speak of that every day and I think I have everyone tired of hearing it. It is to the benefit of all Costa Ricans that it be approved as soon as possible", said president Arias.

A little perturbed, the president added that "we (Costa Rica) are losing time miserably, while we don't approve the TLC we are losing enormous opportunities for foreign investment to our country, investment that is of high quality and will generate employment".