Óscar Arias

“I saw no reason why other nations should tell Central Americans how to solve their problems.”

“If there is no peace in Central America, it will not be because Costa Rica, and myself as president, have not done what is necessary to obtain peace.”

“Indeed, it is quite sad to see the United States becoming the main exporter of arms. It is quite sad to look at the U.S. government subsidizing arms exports.”

“Latin America has not achieved the development that it deserves... I'm not optimistic for all of Latin America, not only for Central America.”

“Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions by many people in many countries. It is an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving conflicts.”

“There are too many war museums.”

“I do not believe that the hungry man should be treated as subversive for expressing his suffering.”

“Our experience shows that security does not lie in weapons or fences or armies.”

“The 20th century has been marked by cynicism, selfishness, greed, and the desire to please, all without changing the status quo. In the 21st century, we must resurrect solidarity and compassion.”

“Mine is an unarmed people, whose children have never seen a fighter or a tank or a warship.”

“We had the courage to face the superpowers that wanted a military triumph for each side they supported in Central America. We told them, 'No,' and presented a peace plan.”

“To demilitarize the country means to make a profound decision. It is not enough to change the name of the armed forces. It is necessary to change the minds of those people who only yesterday wore a military uniform.”

“The plight of the terrified Central American children who have flooded across the U.S. border to escape violence and poverty in their homelands has launched a passionate and often bitter debate in Washington.”

“We may believe in the state's responsibility to alleviate the crushing poverty that afflicts 40 percent of Latin America's population, but most of us also affirm that there is no better cure for that poverty than a stronger, more globally integrated economy.”

“The best way to perpetuate poverty is by spending on arms and military, and the best way to fight terrorism is by fighting the basic needs of humanity, because hunger and poverty perpetuate crime.”

“The absence of significant development aid has only increased the importance of trade for Central America's future.”

“When Harvard University opened its doors in 1636, there were already well-established universities in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.”

“The world does not lack the financial resources to feed, educate and clothe its inhabitants. Rather, it lacks leaders committed to addressing the problems of the impoverished.”

“The children of the world, what they want and what they need are health clinics and schools, not tanks or armed helicopters or fighter jets.”

“In the United States, resources exist to retrain displaced workers and promote the development of technologies that create new job opportunities for American workers.”