Óscar Arias Claims US Visa Revocation Following Criticism of Trump
Former Costa Rican president Óscar Arias announced the revocation of his US visa after criticizing Donald Trump on social media. Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and advocate for free trade, expressed frustration at the lack of explanation for this decision and highlighted the difficulties faced by small nations opposing US influence. His statements reflect broader geopolitical tensions, especially concerning relations with China.
Óscar Arias, the former president of Costa Rica and Nobel laureate, revealed on Tuesday that his visa to the United States has been revoked. This incident follows his recent criticism of former President Donald Trump, whom Arias likened to “a Roman emperor” due to his behavior on social media. At the age of 84, Arias served as president from 1986 to 1990 and again from 2006 to 2010, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts in Central America’s peace negotiations during the 1980s.
During his latest term, he was an advocate for a free trade agreement with the United States and played a significant role in establishing diplomatic relations with China in 2007. In his statement, Arias expressed frustration over receiving an email from the US government, which informed him of the visa’s suspension, stating that the communication was “very terse” and lacked details about the reasons for the revocation.
In previous comments made in February, Arias criticized the current Costa Rican administration under President Rodrigo Chaves for capitulating to US pressure regarding China’s influence in Central America and for deporting migrants. He remarked, “It has never been easy for a small country to disagree with the US government,” referring to the challenges faced when opposing US policies.
Arias’s earlier remarks came in the wake of similar actions taken by the US against three Costa Rican lawmakers who opposed Chaves’s exclusion of Chinese firms from Costa Rica’s 5G development, following US directives. Recently, an additional lawmaker from the opposition also had her US visa revoked. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Costa Rica in early February, offering assistance to Chaves to “punish” officials who work with foreign entities perceived as cybersecurity threats.
The revocation of Óscar Arias’s US visa following his critique of Donald Trump’s actions raises concerns regarding the influence of US foreign policy on smaller nations. Arias, a notable figure in Costa Rican politics, has historically faced challenges in voicing dissent against US decisions. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Costa Rica’s sovereignty and external pressures from the US government, particularly around issues involving China’s presence in Central America.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
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