Oscar Arias Sanchez, then President of Costa Rica
Received this award for his work in generating a treaty
Designed to build Peace between five Central American nations.
Lack of freedom, poverty, insecurity and repression
Were part of the lives of over 25 million in this area.
Conflict gave way to a more open and trusting society.*
This peace engaged the nations in working together
For economic trade, and human rights protection goals.
It forbade the interference of outsiders, to deter
Neighboring nations fomenting more support for wars.
A determination to end civil strife, and take control
From meddlers, for their peoples’ and democracy’s sake, made whole.
He stood against tyrants, corruption and division. He said,
“Peace consists in … desiring it with all of one’s soul.”**
June Edvenson 