Arias calls for global change

Former president of Costa Rica Oscar Arias

Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias spoke Monday at the Cowen Center on demilitarization for world peace.

Arias served as president twice and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. As a spokesperson for the developing world, he defends issues such as human development, democracy and demilitarization.

Arias visited the University 16 years ago, shortly after he completed his first presidential term.

Since then, he has attempted to encourage other countries with his beliefs and convince them to abandon their militaries and to cut military spending.

"I have succeeded in countries such as Panama," he said. Arias said he believes the border between Panama and Costa Rica is the safest in the world. One reason for this is Costa Rica has not had a military in 61 years.

In 1987, Arias drafted a peace plan to end regional crisis, furthering his efforts toward world peace.

"The path towards world peace is for every country to create a culture of peace and avoid conflicts," he said. "The problem is that no one is doing it-not even the U.N. is doing it."

Arias said he teaches others to solve conflicts with dialogue rather than arms. "To govern is to teach," he said.  "The first time I wanted to be president was in my mother's womb," Arias said when asked what motivated him to run for office and promote change.

He said he always has been active in the pursuit of human security and global peace.

"Most politicians tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to know," he said.

Arias believes it would benefit the United States to cut military spending in order to gain money to help the less fortunate and solve the country's economical problems.

Best known for his international efforts, he has signed free-trade agreements with countries such as Panama, Columbia and South Korea and encourages other countries to participate as well.

Under the leadership of Arias, Costa Rica's economy thrived having balance and initiative to provide for the poor.

Arias presently serves as a board member of several organizations, including the International Center for Human Rights and Democratic Development; Economists Allied for Arms Reduction and International Negotiation Network of the Cater Center; InterAction Council; Peres Center for Peace International Crisis Group; and Transparency International.

"My voice continues to call out for change," Arias said.