Nicaraguan Lawmakers, Top Military Command, Visit Disputed Border Territory

SAN CARLOS, Nicaragua — At 8:30 a.m. this morning, 15 Nicaraguan lawmakers and top army brass boarded three military helicopters to head to the disputed river territory on the San Juan River, claimed by Costa Rican as “Isla Calero” and by Nicaragua as “Harbour Head.”

Instead of withdrawing troops from the disputed area, at the behest of the Organization of American States (OAS), the lawmakers and military command visited the island Thursday morning in a show of support for the troops and national unity.

Nicaragua insists Costa Rica has no legal claim to the land, because it is clearly designated as Nicaraguan territory by border treaties.

Nicaragua’s Gen. Julio César Aviles insists there are no troops occupying the 151-square-kilometer piece of land known as Isla Calero. The Nicaraguan soldiers, he insists, are on a smaller, neighboring finca known as Harbour Head or Isla Portillo, which is Nicaraguan territory.

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