Former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Oscar Arias, has announced that his US visa has been canceled. The 84-year-old disclosed this information during a news conference, revealing that he received the news through a brief email from the US government weeks after publicly criticizing former President Donald Trump. Arias made a comparison between Trump’s governing style and that of a Roman emperor, which may have triggered the visa revocation.
Despite the abrupt cancellation, US authorities provided no specific reason. However, Arias speculated that it could be linked to his diplomatic relations with China, which he established during his presidency from 2006 to 2010, severing ties with Taiwan in 2007. He mentioned that while he could only guess the motive behind the decision, his diplomatic choices are well-known.
Arias also pointed out that the decision likely came from the US State Department rather than Trump directly. His remarks highlight the tension arising between Costa Rica's new president, Rodrigo Chaves, and the US government, particularly over collaboration with Chinese companies in Costa Rica's 5G development. Notably, Arias criticized this alignment of Costa Rica with US interests, emphasizing that his administrations refrained from operating under directives from Washington.
Arias's visa cancellation is part of a broader trend, as several Costa Rican assembly members opposing Chaves’ policies have experienced similar visa revocations. The incident underlines the complex relationship between Central American nations and US foreign policy, particularly concerning China’s influence in the region.
