The government of Laura Chinchilla has decided to begin erecting barriers at the mouths of the Colorado, Sarapiqui, and San Carlos rivers to prevent the possible entrance of Nicaraguan boats.
This action is part of the continuing conflict with
Nicaragua over the San Juan river and occupation of the Isla Calero by
Nicaraguan troops.
The disclosure comes a few days before Costa Rica is to
appear before the International Court in The Hague, Netherlands, where Costa
Rica Nicaragua asked to withdraw its troops following the October 22 invasion.
Presidenta Chinchilla told the press that the fences are
part of security measures implemented on the rivers along its northern border,
a preventive measure taken after a request from Nicaraguan President Daniel
Ortega to navigate on the Colorado River.
The barriers consist of piles and steel cables that form
a fence along the three rivers, where patrol and toll posts are expected to
limit navigation along some parts of the river.
The border dispute between Nicaragua and Costa Rica
continues due to Costa Rica's refusal to dredge the San Juan river, which
functions as a border between the two both nations, but belongs to Nicaragua.
However, some political analysts say the Costa Rican
measures could further aggravate bilateral relations.
