|
|
Article: Costa Rica: Trade Pact Appears to Pass
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- October 8, 2007
CopyrightCopyright 2007 Associated Press/AP Online. This material is published under license from the publisher through YellowBrix, Alexandria, Virginia. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to YellowBrix. (Hide copyright information)
|
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - A referendum on a free trade pact with the United States appeared to be heading toward approval late Sunday according to partial results, prompting the nation's president to declare victory for the deal.
The proposed pact has sharply divided Costa Ricans - supporters say it is key to national prosperity, but critics fear it could hurt farmers and small businesses.
With ballots counted from 89 percent of polling places, 51.7 percent voted in favor of the pact. Of the valid ballots, 746,503 were cast for the agreement and 697,798 were against.
"Costa Rica's people have said 'yes' to the treaty, and this is a sacred vote," President Oscar Arias said.
Costa Rica is ...