PARLACEN Backs Nicaragua
The Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) gave its unanimous support to Nicaragua after the lawsuit filed by Costa Rica before the Hague International Court of Justice over navigation on the San Juan River.

While making the announcement, PARLACEN Secretary Jacinto Suarez said all deputies approved a draft supporting Nicaragua´s inalienable right over the strategic canal route and recommended Costa Rica withdraw the demand brought to the International Court headquartered in the Netherlands.

San Jose, without questioning the Nicaraguan sovereignty over the San Juan, claims from Managua to allow its armed police patrol boats to navigate throughout it.

Since 1998, the San Juan River, a border between both countries, has been a disputed area after then-Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman banned Costa Rican officers from the river and began charging Costa Rican tourist boats to sail the river.

After an unfruitful three-year truce, Costa Rica announced its intention to take the dispute to The Hague.

The PARLACEN declaration echoed Central American and international concern, as the situation could result in a conflict affecting the regional integration process.

Deputies recommended both governments dialogue and cooperate to iron out their differences and continue improving projects in the San Juan basin and save endangered species.

In addition, they reminded both states of their commitment as Central American Integration System members to peacefully solve the conflict and avoid unilateral measures against that mechanism.