Costa Rica Fears Continued Violations In Isla Calero Following Re-Election Of Daniel Ortega

Presidenta Laura Chinchilla said on Wednesday that a congratulatory letter to Nicaragua on the re-election of Daniel Ortega is not necessary, more so, she expressed concern that the violations of the area of Isla Calero will continue the re-election of Ortega.

Chinchilla said that with another five years of Ortega in power in the neighbouring country, Costa Rica an expect the continued violations and the fear that Nicaragua will continue to disrespect the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague (ICJ).

The Presidenta supported the statement made by her Foreign Minister, Enrique Castillo, on Tuesday who declined to comment on the Ortega re-election.

Castillo, as is protocol, sent a letter of congratulations to Guatemala on the election of a new president, but failed or refused to so with Nicaragua.

Costa Rica has repeatedly denounced the numerous entry of the conflict zone by what Nicaragua calls "civil and university students".

The ICJ, as a precautionary measure while it processed the filing by Costa Rica, barred the entry into the area save for environmental concerns and to fight international drug trafficking.

In October 2010, Costa Rica learned of the presence of a Nicaraguan dredge and military personnel in an area south of the San Juan river, an area belonging to Costa Rica under a more than a century old agreement.

Nicarauga insisted that the dredging operations were being carried out in its territory and did not required permission to or to give Costa Rica notice.

The two countries entered into a feud, which many speculated was a calculated effort by Daniel Ortega to detract attention to domestic problems and increase his popularity for his re-election bid. A Costa Rica - Nicaragua feud had worked in the past, so this was no different.

Others feared an international incident that could escalate to military intervention in the area, while Costa Rica began the diplomatic process of garnering international support and finally turn to the International Court, where both countries presented their arguments earlier this year and now are awaiting a decision, that could be years away.