Costa Rica abstained from a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising questions about its foreign policy. Despite being a co-sponsor, the country refrained from voting, prompting criticism from former presidents who emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly explained the reasoning behind this decision.
Costa Rica recently abstained from a United Nations vote concerning the condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite initially being a co-sponsor of the resolution. During the UN assembly, the resolution condemned Russia’s aggression, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and the total withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, while reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The vote on this resolution resulted in 93 in favor, 18 against—including votes from the United States and Russia—and 65 abstentions. Costa Rica’s last-minute decision to abstain raised eyebrows, particularly because the resolution underlined support for Ukraine three years into the conflict. Local media inquiries regarding the reasons for this abstention have been met with silence from Costa Rica’s ambassador to the UN, Maritza Chan.
Criticism surrounding the decision has emerged, particularly from former President Laura Chinchilla, who expressed disappointment at Costa Rica deviating from its historically consistent foreign policy values. She remarked on the shame of sacrificing essential principles and implied concerns regarding national security, questioning the rationale behind the abstention.
Former President Miguel Angel Rodriguez further condemned the action, stating, “I am deeply hurt by Costa Rica’s refraining from defending the principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This is contrary to our national interest as an unarmed nation and breaks with an uninterrupted foreign policy of defense against non-aggression and respect for the territorial integrity of nations.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to provide a public explanation for the abstention.
In summary, Costa Rica’s abstention from the UN vote against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked significant criticism from former leaders and raised questions about the nation’s foreign policy. While the resolution received notable support, Costa Rica’s sudden shift from a co-sponsor to an abstention poses concerns regarding its commitment to international law and its own stated values.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
