Uniting to Say Yes: Alfredo Volio (left) and other members of the “ Alianza Ciudadana Por el Sí ” (“Yes on CAFTA Citizens' Alliance ”) yesterday announced their plans to campaign for Costa Ricans to vote in favor of the controversial Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA) in a popular referendum scheduled for Sept. 23.

Costa Rica registered an inflation rate of 4.06% for the first five months of 2007, slightly less than the 4.33% during the same period in 2006, reported the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC).

Conference “Archeology Research in Túcume, Perú”
By Peruvia archeologist Alfredo Narváez, 3 p.m., butterfly garden inside National Museum, San José, Calle 17, Ave. Ctrl./2. Info: 257-1433, ext 223.

Free Concert
By GANASSI Group, classic music, 7 p.m., room 107, School of Music, University of Costa Rica (UCR), San Pedro.

Concert to Benefit Christian Surfers
With Australian musician and surfer, Joshua Koutoulas, 6 p.m., Best Western Hotel, Jacó. Info: 643-28-53.

By Peter Krupa
Tico Times Staff | pkrupa@ticotimes.net

The dispute between Alterra Partners and the Costa Rican government over the financing of renovations at the country's main airport is heading for a showdown, as the body responsible for financing the modernization of Juan Santamaría International Airport, west of San José, has rejected the government's latest conditions.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has notified the Technical Council of the Civil Aviation Authority (CETAC) that it remains “committed to a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties; however, the IFC does not consider the conditions proposed by CETAC to be acceptable,” according to IFC Spokeswoman Adriana Gómez. IFC notified CETAC of its decision yesterday via a letter.

The dispute goes back to 2001, when airport operator Alterra negotiated higher airport fees to help pay for renovations it would carry out. A report from the Comptroller General's Office in 2003 raised questions about the higher fees, and the conflict has been ongoing ever since.

Without greater financial stability, Alterra's creditors lack confidence in the renovation project's future, so the matter is in the hands of the IFC and its partners who granted – and then froze – the financing.

CETAC plans to hold a press conference on the matter today.

By Katherine Stanley
Tico Times Staff | kstanley@ticotimes.net

Flanked by students, executives, political leaders and other supporters of the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), former Production Minister Alfredo Volio yesterday launched the “ Alianza Ciudadana Por el Sí ” (“Yes on CAFTA Citizens' Alliance ”). The organization will spearhead campaign efforts in favor of the controversial trade pact as Costa Ricans prepare for a September referendum to decide its fate.

Volio, who resigned from his Cabinet position in April to head the alliance, said the group represents the broadest coalition in Costa Rican history.

Its National Council, most of whose members attended the press conference at Pueblo Antiguo in the National Amusement Park in west San José comprises many of the usual pro-CAFTA suspects – the heads of business chambers and the legislative leaders from parties favoring the agreement, for example – but also a few unusual faces, such as student leaders from the overwhelmingly anti-CAFTA public universities.

Former electoral rivals said they're setting partisan politics aside for the cause.

“We're taking off our Libertarian Movement shirts, and putting on our ‘Yes (to CAFTA)' shirts,” said former Libertarian presidential candidate Otto Guevara, a National Council member.

Asked to reveal details on the planned campaign and its financing, Volio was vague, refusing to estimate the cost of the effort.

“The idea is open participation,” he said, mentioning possible debates, home visits and forums on CAFTA. “We'll have many varied activities.”

Costa Rica registered an inflation rate of 4.06% for the first five months of 2007, slightly less than the 4.33% during the same period in 2006, reported the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC).

Cost of living has gone up 9.17% over the past 12 months, and during April and May the price of goods and services grew by 1.04%, partly due to higher fuel prices.