Costa Rica
Keeping Politics and Soccer Separate Against
Honduras
Costa Rica is set to play against Honduras
in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in
South Africa on Wednesday in the Honduran
city of San Pedro Sula, while Costa Rica's
president, Oscar Arias, continues his
efforts to mediate peace in that country.
The prez said that politics and soccer
should be kept separate and he has no
concerns of any ramifications stemming from
the game.
"I am sure that you cannot mix soccer and
the regrettable events in Honduras", said
Arias, who was asked by US State Secretary,
Hilary Clinton, to mediate peace in
Honduras.
However, the efforts by Arias to have both
sides have not endorsed the "Acuerdo de San
José" (San José Accord) that would end the
political crisis in the Central American
country.
Honduran president Manuel Zelaya was dumped
on Costa Rica's doorstep on June 28 when the
Honduran military backed the coup d'etat led
by Roberto Micheletti.
Since then, Zelaya has been attempting to
garner international support for his return
to office, his latest stop in Mexico where
he was received by Mexican president, Felipe
Calderón and given full presidential
treatment.
Arias stressed that he expects Micheletti to
ensure that "nothing abnormal" happens to
Costa Rican players and fans who travel to
Honduras for the game.
"Sports, soccer, unite societies," Arias
said.
He expressed the hope that "political
problems will be set aside" for the game and
is hoping the "Selección" (Costa Rican team)
to win.
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