Costa Rica requests OAS to intervene in regards to Nicaraguan army intrusion

Costa Rica requests OAS to intervene in regards to Nicaraguan army intrusion

2010-11-03 04:01:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (BNO NEWS) -- Costa Rica on Tuesday requested the Organization of American States (OAS) to intervene on the intrusion on Calero island by Nicaraguan soldiers, local media reported.

Costa Rica asked OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza to intervene in the matter as it, according to Costa Rica, represents a violation of its national sovereignty. In response, the organism said that it will meet on Wednesday morning to consider and analyze the request.

On Monday, Nicaraguan troops entered Costa Rican soil through the San Juan River. Residents witnessed the soldiers crossing over and settling in the Calero island, where they set a Nicaraguan flag and six tents.

The conflict escalated on October 21, when Costa Rican authorities detected environmental damages and evidence that indicated an attempt to change the course of the San Juan River near the Caribbean Sea.

Costa Rica sent a team to fly over the area to confirm the reports. The aircraft saw five to six tents and the Nicaraguan flag in the place where a police camp was established last Friday by Costa Rica's police forces. Photographs and videos were taken as evidence.

"A flight over the Calero Island took place this morning and revealed the presence of Nicaraguan troops in national territory, on Costa Rican soil. There is a flag of Nicaragua and army tents," Security Minister Jose Maria Tijerino said. "We consider the events as extremely serious."

Nicaragua said that the area belongs to them as shown on maps of the National Geography Institute of Costa Rica as well as in another one from Nicaragua's Ineter. However, the Nicaraguan government called for avoiding an armed conflict and solve it through diplomacy.

Costa Rica's government also called for a peaceful solution but warned that a new team of armed police forces will be deployed to the area immediately. Authorities said that the police team will be in the zone to secure it from drug trafficking.

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