Merida Initiative: Letter of Agreement Signed with Costa Rica
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
June 17, 2009
| U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Peter Cianchette and Minister of Public Security Janina del Vecchio signed on June 17, the first letter of agreement between the United States and the Government of Costa Rica implementing the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs, and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms. Also signing for Costa Rica were Foreign Minister Stagno, Justice Minister Martin, and Supreme Court President Mora, with President Arias signing as a “distinguished witness.” The June 17 signing provides an initial $1,142,000 in FY2008 funding for the first year of the Mérida Initiative. More | |
![Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. State Dept Image](/img/09/32884/Merida_CR_signing_300_1.jpg "Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. State Dept Image") |  |
| Ambassador Peter Cianchette (signing); Foreign Minister Stagno (seated at left); Justice Minister Viviana Martin (standing, middle). | From left, Ambassador Cianchette; Security Minister Del Vecchio; Supreme Court President Mora; President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias; Foreign Minister Stagno; Justice Minister Martin. |
| State Dept. photos | |
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