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.

Peace is a never ending process... It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests. It requires us to work and live together.

Many developing countries continue to be burdened by high percentages of their population living in poverty. Yet, instead of addressing this root cause of conflict, many states, ironically, increase their military might in order to control increasingly desperate populations.

Nuclear arms kill many people all at once, but other weapons kill many people, little by little, every day, everywhere in the world.

Costa Rica believes in building bridges, in looking for solutions to problems, and not clinging to positions.

Free trade will go a long way toward alleviating poverty in Central America. Yet trade alone is not enough.