Ex-president Arias reveals his thoughts on Middle East crisis

Former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias Sanchez expressed his concerns on the political crisis taking place in the Middle East and the possible affect it could have on the rest of the world following the Libyan revolt.

Arias addressed the audience at the Middle East Peace Alliance Forum (MEPA), a three day event at Hotel Intercontinental in Escazú, where several experts will discuss the role of Latin America in the Middle East conflicts.

“It is false that Arab countries are meant to fail in democratic projects,” Arias said. “[In the Middle East] a paradox will take place, and both fundamentalist and autocrats will join forces against democratic movements.”

The speech focused mainly in the conflicts between Palestine and Israel and also criticized the latest developments in Libya.

“We should be messengers of peace in the Middle East,” Arias continued.

MEPA will continue through Saturday.