Costa Rica Severs Diplomatic Ties with Cuba

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced on March 18 that his government does not recognize the legitimacy of Cuba's regime and is severing diplomatic relations with the island nation. Speaking at a press conference in San José, Chaves ordered the closure of Costa Rica's embassy in Havana and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel from San José, effective April 1, while limiting bilateral ties to consular services.

Chaves attributed the decision to what he described as mistreatment, repression, and undignified living conditions faced by Cubans. "The government of Costa Rica does not recognize the legitimacy of the communist regime in Cuba in view of the mistreatment, repression, and undignified conditions endured by the inhabitants of that beautiful island," he stated. He added that the move aims to withhold legitimacy from a government that, in his view, oppresses its people.

Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco provided further details, noting that the Costa Rican embassy in Havana has operated without diplomatic staff since February 5 due to deteriorating conditions on the island, including shortages of food, medicine, and basic services. The...