Oscar Ariassanchez

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Costa Rican politician, the President of Costa Rica and author of the current, struggling, Central American Peace Plan in 1988. He was born in a wealthy coffee family; both his grandfathers served in the legislature. He studied law and economics and was first politically active in 1964, setting up groups for the study of national affairs. A political-science professor 1969-72, he became a Cabinet Member as the Minister of National Planning and Political Economy in August 1972. He was elected President 2/02/1986 and sworn in 5/08/1986. By 2/15/1987, Arias had devised a ten-point plan for peace that he submitted to the presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras at a meeting. The plan called for immediate cease-fires in all guerrilla wars in the region, in Guatemala and El Salvador as well as Nicaragua. All outside military aid to rebel groups would be suspended; there would be a general amnesty, and negotiations between conflicting parties would be initiated. This was to be followed by free elections in the region, guarantees for improved human and civil rights and a general reduction in military forces. Despite some loopholes and conflicting discussion, a pact was signed on 8/07/1987 by all five Central American heads of state. Arias was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on 10/14/1987 for his authorship of the Central American Peace Plan.