Arias Peace Foundation Gets Boost from Japan

PROJECTS to reduce illegal arms trafficking and promote peace among young people in Costa Rica received an economic hand Monday from the Japanese Embassy here.

Japanese Ambassador Tadanori Inomata signed an agreement to donate $124,818 to the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress.

Approximately half the donation is directed toward the Arias Foundation’s campaign against the illegal movement of arms in Costa Rica. This campaign is generating informal discussions among politicians and the public about the possession and circulation of arms in civil hands in Central America, according to the embassy.

The other half of the donation will be used for a project to educate youth about peace and democracy, including strengthening tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Central American youth, the embassy said in a statement.

The Arias Foundation was founded by former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias (1986-1990).