Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, reported the revocation of his US visa, suggesting it may be tied to his recent criticism of Donald Trump and his previous diplomatic ties with China.
US Visa Revocation of Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias Sparks Controversy
US Visa Revocation of Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias Sparks Controversy
Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias claims his US visa was revoked after criticizing Donald Trump's leadership.
Oscar Arias, the 84-year-old former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has revealed that his US visa has been revoked, a situation he claims follows his critical comments about former President Donald Trump. In a recent news conference held in San José, Arias stated that he was notified of the decision via a brief email from US authorities and emphasized that no specific rationale was provided.
Arias, who received the Nobel Prize for his role in peace negotiations in Central America, expressed bewilderment over the decision, admitting he was unsure of why it occurred. He speculated that the revocation might be related to his establishment of formal diplomatic relations with China while in office between 2006 and 2010. "I have no idea why it was cancelled," he stated, while recalling his decision in 2007 to sever ties with Taiwan in favor of China, a move known globally.
The Trump administration has positioned itself against increasing Chinese influence in the Americas, with criticisms directed at certain Central American governments perceived to be aligning too closely with Beijing. In contrast, the current president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, has received commendation from the US government for his administration's decision to ban Chinese firms from Costa Rica's 5G development. This contrast in perception between the US and previous Costa Rican administrations was highlighted by Arias's criticism of President Chaves, noting that under his governance, Costa Rica was not dictated to by the US government.
Moreover, Arias is not isolated in this situation, as three Costa Rican assembly members who opposed Chaves's actions regarding Chinese companies also faced visa cancellations. Such actions have prompted discussions around the changing US-Central America dynamics and the implications for those who dissent from US government policies.
