Arias Bets on Dialogue
Asked about his feelings after the very small difference by which he won the presidential election, Dr. Oscar Arias pointed out that the Presidential House will be open to all and that he will listen to all.

"Dialogue is the rule, not the exception in a democracy," the 1986 Peace Nobel Award said.

However, he pointed out, this does not mean that he is not going to carry out his administration program. He added that he is willing to give in, as long as it does not mean violating the basic principles that he outlined in the campaign.

 "That is my style. It is the one that I used 20 years ago," Dr. Arias said about his first term in office, 1986-1990.

The President Elect was quick to assert that his first directive on taking office will be zero tolerance with corruption, part of his aims to restore the confidence of Costa Ricans on their leaders and officials.