On Dec. 1, 1948, after the triumph of the revolution, which insured the final victory of the will of the people expressed through elections, President Jose Figueres abolished the army in my country. — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
The 20th century has been marked by cynicism, selfishness, greed, and the desire to please, all without changing the status quo. In the 21st… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
War, and the preparation for war, are the two greatest obstacles to human progress, fostering a vicious cycle of arms buildups, violence and poverty. — Oscar Arias Copy Share Image
On Dec. 1, 1948, after the triumph of the revolution, which insured the final victory of the will of the people expressed through elections,… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
“It is essential that justice be done, it is equally vital that justice not be confused with revenge, for the two are wholly different.” — Oscar Arias Copy Share Image
The best way to perpetuate poverty is by spending on arms and military, and the best way to fight terrorism is by fighting the… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
India, Pakistan, China, Singapore and South Korea are heavily investing in nuclear arms. Since 21st century is the century of Asia, Asian countries should… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
Peace consists, very largely, in the fact of desiring it with all one's soul. The inhabitants of my small country, Costa Rica, have realized… — Oscar Arias Copy Share Image
During my administration, our desire has been to strengthen the civilian spirit of our people. Thus, we have eliminated military ranks and salutes from… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
Our world is certainly dangerous, but it is made more dangerous, not less, by those who value profits over peace. — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
It's clear to me that many weapons sales are very short-sighted. The U.S. and other arms-producing countries sell weapons for a variety of reasons,… — Oscar Arias Copy Share Image
To demilitarize the country means to make a profound decision. It is not enough to change the name of the armed forces. It is… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
We seek in Central America not peace alone, not peace to be followed someday by political progress, but peace and democracy, together, indivisible, an… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
Free trade will go a long way toward alleviating poverty in Central America. Yet trade alone is not enough. — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
Many developing countries continue to be burdened by high percentages of their population living in poverty. Yet, instead of addressing this root cause of… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
If there is no peace in Central America, it will not be because Costa Rica, and myself as president, have not done what is… — Óscar Arias Copy Share Image
