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Sophia Klein
Oscar Arias’ US Visa Revocation Raises Concerns over Political Relations
Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has had his US visa revoked shortly after criticizing Donald Trump. He speculates that the decision may stem from his diplomatic relations with China. Arias has not received a clear explanation for the revocation, which he believes was made by the US State Department. Other Costa Ricans opposing the government have also faced similar issues.
Oscar Arias, the former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has announced that his United States visa has been revoked. The cancellation occurred shortly after he publicly criticized Donald Trump, drawing parallels between the President’s conduct and that of a Roman emperor. The 84-year-old has not received any formal explanation from US authorities regarding the revocation of his visa.
Arias suggested that his overtures towards China during his presidency from 2006 to 2010 may have contributed to the decision. Speaking at a news conference in San José, he remarked that he was unaware of the specific reasons for the visa cancellation, having only received a brief email from the US government informing him of the action taken.
He expressed his belief that the decision was more likely made by the US State Department rather than by President Trump himself. While he refrained from speculating, he did highlight his 2007 diplomatic shift from Taiwan to China, stating, “I established diplomatic relations with China. That, of course, is known throughout the world.”
The Trump administration has actively opposed China’s influence in Central America and criticized various regional governments for their cooperation with China. In contrast, the current Costa Rican President, Rodrigo Chaves, has received US support, particularly following his choice to prevent Chinese companies from participating in Costa Rica’s 5G development.
Arias criticized Chaves’s alignment with US interests, previously remarking on social media that it is challenging for small countries to dispute US directives and likening the current US administration’s behavior to that of a Roman emperor. He further emphasized that during his presidency, Costa Rica maintained its sovereignty, stating, “During my governments, Costa Rica never received orders from Washington as if we were a banana republic.”
Arias joins a number of Costa Ricans facing visa revocations; three assembly members who opposed President Chaves’s policy against Chinese involvement in 5G have also been affected.
In summary, Oscar Arias, a prominent former leader of Costa Rica, has had his US visa revoked, a decision he believes may be linked to his critical stance towards the Trump administration and his diplomatic relations with China. Despite receiving no clear explanation, Arias articulated his concerns about US influence over smaller nations. His situation reflects broader political tensions and the complexities of international relations in Central America. Furthermore, other Costa Ricans opposing current government policies have faced similar visa challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
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